A government report has found that the Department of Home Affairs wrongfully detained two Australian citizens in 2016 and 2017 due to systemic failures, including poorly trained staff who ignored critical information and failed to take responsibility for flawed decisions. The report, by former inspector general of intelligence and security Vivienne Thom, warns it is 'quite possible other citizens have been detained or removed in similar circumstances'.
One of the men was born in Australia to New Zealand parents and had been a citizen since age ten, but officials ignored his repeated claims of citizenship and detained him for deportation under section 501 of the Migration Act. The other, born in the Australian territory of Papua (now part of Papua New Guinea), was held for 13 days despite being a citizen by birth. Both were detained after serving custodial sentences.
Thom's report, released under freedom of information laws, highlighted a culture where officers worked in their 'lane' without broader context, and described training as inadequate. 'Staff involved in this case did not have the fundamental level of knowledge required to perform their duties,' it stated. Senior officials acknowledged a lack of 'professional curiosity' driven by change fatigue and poor training.
The Department of Home Affairs said it is committed to improving procedures and has agreed to implement all recommendations. The cases echo the 2001 wrongful deportation of Australian citizen Vivian Alvarez Solon. Compensation claims would be a matter for individuals and their legal representatives.
