Anthony Albanese says decision not to put an ankle bracelet on detainee who allegedly hit his grandmother ‘lacks common sense’ but supports Immigration Minister

Ninette Simons, 73, and her husband were allegedly assaulted by three men posing as police officers during a terrifying home invasion in the city’s north on April 16.

One of the men who allegedly attacked the cancer survivor was identified as Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan, 43, who was among approximately 150 detainees released following the High Court ruling against indefinite detention in November last year.

It was revealed that Doukoshkan was released on bail three times in 2024, with the most recent occurring just days before the alleged attack on Ms Simons and her husband.

Sky News Australia revealed this week that the Commonwealth did not oppose bail for the detainee accused of violating his curfew, despite claiming he had done so.

On Friday, Albanese was questioned on Sunrise about the issue while addressing gender-based violence against women following a funding announcement on Wednesday.

Presenter Nat Barr asked if it was time for Mr Giles to be sacked over the alleged attack.

“No, Nat, in this country, in Australia, we have a separation between the judicial system and the political system,” the Prime Minister responded.

“But if it were up to me, I assure you that in that case bail would not have been granted. But these things are done independently by the director of the Public Ministry and in consultation with the AFP. That was not a decision of the Government “

The Community Protection Board, created by the Department of Home Affairs in response to the controversial NZYQ High Court ruling, is responsible for the management of detained immigrants who have been allowed to return to public life.

However, the panel cautioned that Doukoshkan did not have to wear one.

Albanese insisted he was “as upset by the decision as you are” and that not putting on a monitoring bracelet “lacks common sense.”

“If you have a board that you appointed that says this person doesn’t need an ankle bracelet, surely that’s a failure?” Barr argued.

The Prime Minister admitted it was a “wrong decision” by the board and claimed it was made independently.

It comes after it was revealed on Thursday that a Commonwealth prosecutor had twice raised concerns about Doukoshkan’s reoffending but did not oppose his bail.

“So ultimately, Your Honor, the prosecution is concerned about your ability to not commit further crimes, particularly in relation to the curfew, given your attitude toward compliance thus far,” the prosecutor said, reported the SMH.

“Despite that, Your Honor, we are not opposed to imposing bail with a personal commitment, but we want the accused to know this very well… It is possible that more violations will not have the same response in terms of attitude towards freedom on bail”.

The curfew charges were later dropped after the government realized it had issued invalid visas to detainees, including Doukoshkan, who were released.

The 43-year-old had previously been charged with drug offences, driving without a license and trespassing, which resulted in a $400 fine.

In March, the Labor Party rushed through a bill that would threaten hundreds of detained immigrants and illegal non-citizens with a minimum of 12 months in jail and/or a $93,900 fine if they refuse to cooperate with efforts to deport them from Australia.

The bill failed to pass the Senate after the Coalition and Greens joined forces to delay it for at least six weeks, with shadow home affairs minister James Paterson saying a “proper investigation” was needed to protect against possible “unintended consequences”.

Albanese said his government was “trying” to implement measures to protect the community, but the bill had been delayed by the Coalition and the Greens.

“We want to take the strongest possible action here. We recognize that the safety of the community is the absolute priority,” the prime minister added on Friday.

“It is a scandal that this has happened and my government is committed to doing everything possible to address these issues.”

An urgent meeting of attorneys general from across the country will be held on Friday to discuss issues such as gender violence and immigration.