Commenting on the decision of the Federal Court to extend an injunction to the Tamil family seeking to remain in their community, Amnesty International Australia’s Tim O’Connor said:
“We welcome the Federal Court granting an injunction to prevent Tharunicaa, and consequently her family receiving a short reprieve from their ongoing torment.
“The outpouring of support from the Australian community clearly shows many, many thousands of Australians want Kopika, Tharunicaa and their parents back in Minister Dutton’s home state of Queensland.
Amnesty International Australia Campaigner, Tim OÇonnor
“We encourage Minister Dutton to listen to the community across Queensland and Australia, and act in the best interests of these young children by using his compassion to let them stay in Biloela.
“The reality is, Minister Dutton can, should he wish, secure the future of this young family with the stroke of a pen, as he has already done in more than 4000 cases since his tenure began.
“The extraordinary powers Minister Dutton has secured in his position as Home Affairs Minister and as the senior Minister in the department include the powers of Ministerial intervention, which specifically stipulate exceptional circumstances, including compassionate circumstances.”
