Taxpayers coughing up for travel, accommodation for convicted criminals after their release from immigration detention

Taxpayers have paid for travel, accommodation and even clothing for convicted murderers and sex offenders following their release from immigration detention, we can reveal.

Recently released detainee Aliyawar Yawari outside the Perth City Motel Thornlie, in Perth. Picture: 7NEWS

Taxpayers have funded travel and accommodation for convicted sex pests, murderers and drug traffickers following their release from immigration detention facilities, official documents show, as the federal government faces mounting pressure over the High Court detention scandal.

According to a document released by the Department of Home Affairs under Freedom of Information, procedural instructions require the federal government to “arrange and fund” transport for immigration detainees to their home state following their release.

“For example, if a person was located and detained in New South Wales, but held in an immigration detention facility in Western Australia, if requested, arrangements should be made for that person to travel back to NSW,” the document said.

“Travel may include by road, rail or air, as would be fair and appropriate in the circumstances.

“The Department’s role in such circumstances is to assist the former detainee to move into the community.”

The document, updated last year and applying to the recently freed detainees, also reveals “appropriate clothing” and meals be provided by the detention and facilities services provider upon the detainee’s release, including “new shoes if required”.

Released detainees also receive regular cash.

The revelation comes after Afghanistan born former immigration detainee Aliyawar Yawari, 65, was released from detention in Western Australia in mid November before travelling to Adelaide.

Just days after his arrival in South Australia, Yawari was arrested and charged with two counts of indecently assaulting a woman at his Pooraka motel.

Recently released detainee Aliyawar Yawari has been charged with two counts of indecent assault. Picture: Paul Garvey

South Australian Police officers said they were made aware when former detainees entered the state, but declined to comment on how Yawari travelled from his most recent accommodation in Perth to Adelaide.

The owner of the Pavlos Motel in Pooraka, where Yawari was arrested on Saturday night, told The Advertiser that he was one of two detainees recently living at the venue.

In court documents, police allege Yawari had been residing at the motel when the alleged indecent assault took place.

The motel’s owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said Yawari’s stay at the venue was being funded by Life Without Barriers – a service funded by the federal government which provides support to people on humanitarian visas.

When asked about their involvement in Yawari’s release and the funding for his accommodation, Life Without Barriers declined to comment on his specific case and referred the matter to the Australian Border Force.

It is understood Life Without Barriers is contracted by the Status Resolution Support Service (SRSS), a program operated by the Department of Home Affairs, and provides support to “approved persons” who are transitioning into the community from immigration detention.

According to their website, supports available for immigrants include financial, accommodation, health care, education for school aged children, case work support and case management.

While the SRSS scheme is operated on a case-by-case basis, under the Detention Services Manual, any detainee is eligible for travel funding on an individual basis, however the government continues to decline to discuss individual cases.

The scandal has sparked calls for the Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil and the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to resign. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

The scandal has sparked calls for the Home Affairs and Immigration Ministers to resign, with shadow immigration spokesman Dan Tehan questioning the government’s use of taxpayer funds.

“According to Clare O’Neil’s department of Home Affairs, immigration detainees released from detention may be entitled to domestic flights paid for by the taxpayer,” Mr Tehan said.

“The question Clare O’Neil needs to answer is, were free flights provided to Aliyawar Yawari? And if so why? Because of the complete mishandling of this issue, Clare O’Neil and the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles must resign.”

The Department of Home Affairs has been contacted for comment.