A detainee who was among the 149 released on the back of a controversial High Court decision has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday morning a 43-year-old recently released detainee was arrested on February 28, relating to two separate incidents.
Police allege one woman was assaulted and another was stalked by the man.
‘The 43-year-old Richmond man was interviewed by detectives from Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and subsequently charged with sexual assault, stalking and unlawful assault (x2).’
He faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where no application for bail was made. He’s due to appear again next month.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (pictured with fiancee Jodie Haydon)slammed a poltical ad about the High Court releases just last week
‘Victoria Police can confirm the man is one of the detainees recently released following a High Court ruling,’ the statement read.
It comes at an inconvenient time for Labor – just days out from the must-win Dunkley by-election caused by the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy late last year.
The PM last week slammed Voice No campaign group Advance for an advertisement which questioned where the ‘rapist, paedophiles and murderers’ released on the back of the High Court decision were located.
The full-page ad in the Herald Sun read: ‘Albo, you unlocked the doors of immigration detention and let loose 149 criminals.
‘Tell us, Prime Minister how many in Dunkley? We demand you tell us before March 2.’
March 2 is the date of the Dunkley by-election.
The full-page newspaper ad taken out by right-wing advocacy group Advance to sway voters in the Dunkley by-election
Mr Albanese later appeared on Melbourne radio station 3AW, accusing Advance Australia of fearmongering and spreading misinformation.
‘I think people will have a look at that ad, which is designed to frighten and scare people, and see it for what it is,’ Mr Albanese told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
‘Our top priority is keeping Australians safe. Australians know that this was a decision of the High Court of Australia and governments must obey the law.’
The alleged incident took place not in Dunkley but in nearby Richmond, which is within Greens leader Adam Bandt’s seat.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles revealed in Question Time on Thursday he was informed about the arrest on Wednesday night.
The government touted toward the end of last year that they had the option to redetain migrants at risk of redefending. Liberal Zoe McKenzie asked why this had not been utilised in this case.
‘All our law enforcement agencies are doing an extraordinary job,’ Mr Giles said.
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