Ongel v Minister for Immigration & Multicultural & Indigenous Affairs

AND: MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION & MULTICULTURAL & INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS

REASONS FOR JUDGMENT HELY J: 1 This is an appeal from a decision of Jacobson J made on 30 May 2003 which is fixed for hearing before this Full Court on 4 November 2003. The appellant is currently in immigration detention in Villawood in consequence of the cancellation of his visa under s 501(2) of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) ('the Act') . The appellant has applied on motion for an order that he be released from detention pending the hearing of the appeal, on what might succinctly be called compassionate grounds. The appellant has offered to submit to a number of conditions if release from detention is ordered. 2 However, the Act was amended in September 2003 by the addition of subs (4) to s 196 which precludes the making of an interlocutory order for the release of a person in detention such as the appellant. It seems to me that the consequence of s 196(4) is that this Court has no power to grant to the appellant the relief which he seeks. 3 For that reason I would propose that the motion be dismissed with costs. SPENDER J: 4 I agree with those reasons and with the orders that Hely J proposes. BENNETT J: 5 I too agree with those reasons and the orders Hely J proposes. HELY J: 6 The order of the Court is that the motion be dismissed with costs. I certify that the preceding six (6) numbered paragraphs are a true copy of the Reasons for Judgment herein of the Honourable Justices Spender, Hely & Bennett.

Solicitor for the Respondent: Australian Government Solicitor