High Court Rules Against Ankle Bracelets for Detainees

Australia's High Court has ruled that electronic monitoring ankle bracelets and curfews imposed on former immigration detainees are unconstitutional, citing a violation of the separation of powers. This decision came after a challenge by a stateless Eritrean man released from detention, who had been charged for failing to comply with the imposed restrictions. The court found these measures to be punitive and unjustifiable, leading to the release of 215 detainees, of whom 143 were affected by the monitoring and curfew. The federal government's emergency legislation intended to impose these restrictions was deemed overreaching and not within their authority. Following this ruling, the government is considering further legislative responses, while the previous measures had already cost taxpayers over $73 million. The ruling poses a significant political challenge for the Albanese government amid ongoing criticism regarding its handling of immigration policies.