DIBP out of control
Dear Prime Minister,
Act to restrain the Immigration Minister and his out-of-control department. The dangers of DIBP are again apparent, this time with the illegal detention of two people on Christmas Island, despite the fact that they are both Australian Citizens. DIBP imprisoned them under section 501 of the Immigration Act which gives the Minister the power to detain or deport non-citizens who fail the 'character test'. It is outrageous that such unrestricted power can be given to one person. As Fatima Measham writes:
“It should disturb us that the immigration ministry has become the locus for responses to crime and national security, via so-called ‘character tests’ or ministerial determinations over whether someone has ‘integrated’. It is not its primary remit to enforce law and order; these are a matter for police and courts.
The immense power vested in the department also magnifies error and mischief. The pattern of recent years has in fact been about eroding impediments and remedies.
...
A draconian mindset can be contagious, and when it emanates from the top, it can permeate thoroughly. If citizenship is no insulation from vagaries of the state, then no one is safe.”