High Court ruling

2020-02-11

The Greens welcome the High Court’s decision regarding the government’s ability to deport First Nations peoples.

“Trying to deport First Nations peoples whose country we stole is a fundamentally racist thing to do,” Greens Immigration and Citizenship spokesperson Senator Nick McKim said.

“All First Nations peoples who are in Immigration detention should now be immediately released.”

“It is also time to rein in the authority of both the Immigration Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs so we don't see these kinds of gross abuses of power.”

“This is a significant development for the rights of First Nations peoples."

Australian Greens spokesperson on First Nations issues Senator Rachel Siewert said:

“It is deeply insulting and disrespectful that Mr Dutton thinks he can deport the Traditional Owners of this land." 

“This type of Government policy directly contradicts Closing the Gap objectives."

“With the PM set to address the Parliament tomorrow on the Closing the Gap report I would suggest that that he use the opportunity to apologise for this racist approach."