Asylum seekers released from detention following a controversial High Court decision have had their welfare payments fast-tracked while Australians spend months waiting for claims to be processed by Services Australia.
The 149 refugees – including convicted murderers and rapists – began receiving Status Resolution Support Services within 14 days of walking free from detention following intervention from the federal government.
The payments offer temporary support to asylum seekers while they wait for a decision on their immigration status.
Services Australia could not confirm the dollar amount each detainee is receiving every fortnight because it is dependent on the level of support they qualify for.
But it did confirm the Department of Home Affairs, helmed by Minister Claire O’Neil, intervened to ensure a smooth transition for detainees affected by the ‘NZYQ’ High Court ruling.
They did confirm the Department of Home Affairs, helmed by Minister Claire O’Neil, intervened to ensure a smooth transition for the detainees impacted by the decision
Meanwhile, everyday Australians wait far longer for support when navigating the often frustrating and complicated Services Australia system.
Aussies wait an average of 91 days to access the aged care pension, 82 days to access disability support and 80 days for dad and partner pay.
There are still one million claims waiting to be processed across different schemes – including Paid Parental Leave, JobSeeker and Disability Support.
Tens of thousands of those customers have been waiting for an answer for more than 30 days.
Senator Linda Reynolds, who recently announced she would not recontest her spot in the Senate, has questioned the Department of Home Affairs over services available to the released detainees during parliamentary hearings on Tuesday.
A High Court decision saw 149 detainees – including criminal murderers and rapists – walk free on the streets of Australia
This was opposed by the government but their detention was ultimately determined unconstitutional
After several representatives insisted they weren’t aware or involved in high-level discussions on the detainees, Services Australia general manager of tailored programs Tony Piazza appeared before the inquiry to answer her questions.
He said: ‘The total cohort [receiving payments] is in the order of about 149.
‘Of those, 103 have transitioned to special benefits.’
Mr Piazza did not define what ‘special benefits’ detainees were entitled to, nor did he answer Ms Reynolds’ questions about how much money the 149 people receive.
Senator Linda Reynolds, who recently announced she would not recontest her spot in the Senate, interrogated the department on the detainees and the services available to them
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has been under sustained pressure over the bungle
He did confirm they were provided money on a fortnightly basis.
‘The rate is set by Home Affairs,’ he told the Senate estimates hearing.
‘There’s a range of bands they apply to, and they determine the eligibility of the individual.
‘Home Affairs engaged a third party provider to assist these people in navigating the system.’
Dozens of Senator Reynolds’ questions were taken on notice, prompting a rebuke during the hearing.
‘This is not a hard question and something that is entirely predictable that was going to be asked,’ she said.
Following the estimates hearing, she said: ‘The Albanese-Labor Government are treating more than 100 former detainees, including convicted murderers and rapists, better than Australians in need of welfare support.
‘It takes on average 91 days for an aged care pensioner to receive their benefits, yet these criminals receive welfare within 14 days – this is a disgrace.
‘Not only are the Albanese-Labor Government giving special treatment to these criminals, but they’re trying to hide it from Australians.’
Opposition spokesman for Immigration and Citizenship Dan Tehan said Australians would be questioning the government’s motives.
‘If public safety was Labor’s top priority their response to the release of 149 hardened criminals into the community would not have been such a mess,’ he said.
‘If supporting Australians was Labor’s top priority there wouldn’t be long queues to access welfare payments or see a doctor.
‘It seems the only ambition of the Albanese Labor Government was the divisive Voice which wasted $400 million and ended in failure.
‘Australians will be asking themselves: who does Labor govern for? Because it doesn’t feel like it’s governing for them.’
Daily Mail Australia approached the minister responsible for Services Australia, Bill Shorten, for comment.
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