Sunrise host Nat Barr clashed with Tanya Plibersek over the Supreme Court’s decision:
Sunrise host Natalie Barr has hit out at a senior Albanian minister over the government’s lack of foresight ahead of a major Supreme Court decision.
At least 114 people – including convicted rapists, murderers and child molesters – have been released into the community after the court ruled that indefinite detention without the prospect of deportation was illegal.
Emergency legislation was rushed through Parliament a week after the decision, but the coalition had questioned why the government did not have draft measures ready in case the court did not side with the Commonwealth.
Barr asked the same questions to Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on Monday morning, ahead of the last joint meeting week of the year.
“You’ve known since June, by your own admission, that the odds (of this decision) were 50-50.
“I’m sure your lawyers would have told you they might have gotten out… That’s what people struggle with.
“Could it have been introduced before they were released, just in case the murderers, rapists and child molesters could have walked the streets?” Barr wondered.
READ MORE: Anthony Albanese hit by Newspoll shocker
Tanya Plibersek argued that the government needed to know what the Supreme Court would decide before it could solve the problem. The court has still not given any reasons
Ms. Plibersek responded, “You need to know what the Supreme Court decides.”
Barr interjected, “But do you know that?”
Ms Plibersek stood by her government’s actions.
“We have strengthened the legislation to ensure these people are subject to the highest standard of supervision,” she said.
Her panelmate Barnaby Joyce then entered the chat and said the highest form of control was essentially ‘locking them up’.
Barr then picked up the debate again, saying it was “good now” to have the legislation in place, but people “can’t understand why you couldn’t put it in place even before you got the court ruling…just to be sure.” .
Ms Plibersek responded: “We acted very quickly,” speaking of the legislation introduced just a week after the Supreme Court ruling.
“But why not sooner?” Barr intervened
“I just don’t understand why you couldn’t have done it in advance, just in case.”
Ms. Plibersek reiterated that the administration was taking action, before Barr wrapped up the conversation and moved on to another topic.
Home Secretary Clare O’Neill announced a $255 million law enforcement package on Sunday evening in response to the Supreme Court decision
The clash comes as the government was hit by a Newspoll shocker that showed Labor and the Coalition on a two-party preferred basis at 50:50.
Labor will also table a $255 million law enforcement package on Monday to support the community in the wake of the High Court ruling.
The legislation passed by Parliament requires all released prisoners to wear ankle protectors and adhere to curfews and other restrictions or face criminal penalties.
The package includes $150 million for the Australian Border Force to provide additional staff for compliance, removal and surveillance functions; with $88 million for the Australian Federal Police for response teams to investigate visa breaches.
Home Secretary Clare O’Neil said the government’s security is keeping communities safe “within the limits of the law.”
“This funding will ensure our agencies can dedicate the time and resources necessary to manage this cohort moving forward,” she said.
“We will continue to work with law enforcement and immigration authorities to ensure they have the resources they need to do this difficult work.”
Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie dismissed the announcement, saying it wasn’t likely the extra funding would hit the ground today or have a major impact.
“(The Commonwealth) has doomed this (the AFP) to failure… They have not invested properly in the AFP for years,” she told Channel Nine.
‘Why would people want to fill these roles? How do you seduce them?’