Warning ‘hardened criminals’ could be freed from immigration detention; Coalition call for Giles to go

Pressure is mounting on Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to step down as new legal challenges could see 150 more “hardened criminals” released from immigration detention.

New legal challenges could lead to a further 150 “hardened criminals” being released from immigration detention into the community, as pressure mounts on Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to step down over the national security debacle.

Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan said Mr Giles has been “asleep at the wheel” amid reports government lawyers have advised between 100 and 150 detainees are poised for release if an upcoming fresh legal challenge is successful.

“That means there would be up to 300 hardened criminals released into the community,“ Mr Tehan told Sky News.

“Our understanding is the government has been advised by lawyers, from Home Affairs or the Attorney-Generals, that there is the potential for another 100 to 150 hardened criminals to be released into the community.

“That is what we need Andrew Giles being upfront about this week, is that true? Have they received that legal briefing from the department?”

Opposition Immigration spokesman Dan Tehan has warned another 150 immigration detainees may be released. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie on Monday suggested Mr Giles’ time was ”all but over as a minister” and he should be back on the backbench.

“It’s time Labor had a really good look at their ministers and maybe it’s time for a reshuffle 12 months out before the next election,” she said.

Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has called for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to be sacked from the frontbench. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“I’m sick and tired of watching ministers that sit there, that bugger up and there is no repercussions for them and that is why you will never get change in politics until people are held responsible or accountable.”

Ms Lambie said she was “terribly worried” about the former immigration detainees, many of whom were previously convicted of serious crimes, now being “loose” on Australian streets.

“It is a real, real problem and something needs to be done about it,” she said.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles says the government will ‘vigorously defend’ itself in the latest High Court case. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

“To lose control of our national security is an absolute disgrace, if you can’t get rid of a person who has lost control of that then we’re in trouble in this country.”

Mr Giles said the federal government would fight the release of more detainees by mounting a new defence in the High Court against asylum seekers who refuse to co-operate with authorities.

“The government believes these individuals should be removed from Australia as a priority,” he said.

“Individuals who do not co-operate with their removal should remain in immigration detention.

“We successfully defended this position in the Federal Court and will vigorously defend this in the High Court.”