The Commonwealth Ombudsman has criticized the Australian Border Force (ABF) for its handling of deportations, particularly regarding the use of a drug injection on an ex-detainee during a recent deportation process. This criticism was part of a broader investigation report titled “Taking Liberties,” which highlighted systemic issues within the Department of Home Affairs and the ABF concerning the removal of unlawful non-citizens from Australia. Key findings from the Ombudsman’s report include:
- Inadequate Processes: The investigation revealed that the processes employed by Home Affairs and ABF to remove unlawful non-citizens are inefficient, leading to significant delays that adversely affect the physical and mental health of detainees. The Ombudsman noted that these delays can exacerbate health issues over time.
- Recommendations for Improvement: The report made three main recommendations aimed at expediting deportation processes:
- Establish a prioritized procedure for removing detained individuals.
- Regularly review policies against relevant judicial decisions.
- Conduct comprehensive reviews of significant cases to assess the entire detention and removal period.
- Concerns Over Treatment: The Ombudsman expressed particular concern about the treatment of individuals during deportation, including the administration of drugs without adequate oversight or justification. This practice raises ethical questions regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations, especially those with mental health issues.
The report underscores ongoing criticisms regarding Australia’s immigration detention system, which has been described as arbitrary and lacking transparency. Many detainees experience prolonged detention without clear resolutions, often leading to severe mental health consequences.
How did the Australian Border Force respond to the Ombudsman’s criticisms.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has responded to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s criticisms regarding its deportation practices, particularly the use of drug injections during deportations. In their response, the ABF acknowledged the Ombudsman’s findings and emphasized their commitment to improving procedures related to the removal of unlawful non-citizens.Key points from the ABF’s response include:
- Acknowledgment of Issues: The ABF recognized the serious concerns raised by the Ombudsman about the treatment of detainees and the processes surrounding their removal from Australia. They noted that these issues are being taken seriously and are under review.
- Commitment to Improvement: The ABF stated that they are actively working to enhance their policies and procedures, particularly in response to judicial feedback and recommendations from the Ombudsman. This includes a focus on ensuring that removals are conducted with appropriate planning and respect for individuals’ rights.
- Operational Changes: While specific details on operational changes were not extensively outlined, the ABF indicated that they are reviewing their operational procedures to ensure compliance with legal standards and to incorporate best practices in handling deportations.
- Future Engagement: The ABF expressed an intention to engage further with the Ombudsman’s office to address ongoing concerns and to ensure that lessons learned from past incidents are integrated into future practices.
What was the response from the government to the Ombudsman’s report about the criticism of Australian Border Force.
The Australian government has responded to the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s report, which criticized the Australian Border Force (ABF) for its deportation practices, including the administration of a drug injection to an ex-detainee.Key aspects of the government’s response include:
- Acknowledgment of Criticism: The government recognized the Ombudsman’s concerns regarding the treatment of detainees and the procedural shortcomings highlighted in the report.
- Commitment to Reform: The government expressed its commitment to improving the processes related to the removal of unlawful non-citizens, indicating that it would take the Ombudsman’s recommendations seriously and implement necessary reforms.
- Focus on Health and Safety: The response emphasized that the health and safety of individuals during deportation processes are a priority. The government stated that it would review its policies to ensure they align with best practices and legal standards.
- Engagement with Stakeholders: The government plans to engage with relevant stakeholders, including health professionals and legal experts, to reassess its approach to handling deportations, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.
Overall, this situation reflects broader systemic challenges within Australia’s immigration policies and practices, particularly in how they affect individuals’ rights and well-being during detention and deportation processes.
