More than 90 people released from indefinite detention will be fitted with ankle monitors and face jail time if they breach strict reporting requirements.
Emergency legislation to change visa rules was passed by federal parliament on Thursday following a historic Supreme Court ruling that resulted in the release of 93 asylum seekers.
Among the released group were some murderers and rapists who had completed their sentences for their crimes in prisons, raising concerns about the safety of the community.
The laws came into effect on Saturday.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles (pictured) said those released must meet and adhere to strict conditions, with any breach now considered a criminal offense
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said those released must meet and adhere to strict conditions, with any breach now considered a criminal offence.
Detainees will be required to report on the people they live with, their travel plans, their links with clubs or organisations, financial information and any contact with individuals or groups involved in criminal activity.
They will be equipped with electronic monitoring equipment and will be subject to a curfew.
People convicted of crimes against children are not allowed to work with them or go near schools or daycare centers.
“These offenses carry a mandatory minimum sentence of one year and a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment,” Giles told reporters in Melbourne.
“The government has acted with the safety of the community as our paramount concern throughout this period.”
Mr Giles said the full implications of the court’s decision cannot be fully understood until the reasons behind the decision are made known.
“We will consider future legislation if necessary,” he said.
Lawyers have called for an urgent review of the new laws.
The president of the Law Council of Australia, which represents 90,000 lawyers, said experts in migration, social services and the law should be involved in any review.
“We are deeply concerned by the hasty passage of a law that imposes harsh criminal provisions, subject to mandatory sentences and draconian restrictions on freedom that are disproportionate to the risks it seeks to address,” said Luke Murphy.
He said people who had served prison sentences were routinely released into the community and claimed mandatory sentencing requirements were arbitrary and limited an individual’s right to a fair trial.
“The Law Council believes that restricting the freedoms of individuals based on the prediction that they will commit a criminal offense in the future is only legitimate as an extraordinary and tailor-made plan,” he said.