What happened to the Biloela family?

After more than 18 months on Christmas Island, the Tamil family from Biloela will be moved into community detention in Perth after the immigration minister, Alex Hawke, said the family would be allowed to reunite on the Australian mainland while they pursue ongoing legal action.

Where are the murugappan family from?

Australia
Nadesalingam Murugappan (Nades), Kokilapathmapriya Nadesalingam (Priya) and their two daughters are Sri Lankan Tamils seeking asylum in Australia. The couple married in Australia after arriving separately on people smuggler boats; their children were subsequently born in Australia.

Are the Tamil family still on Christmas Island?

While her mother Priya is with her, Tharnicaa’s father Nades and older sister Kopika remain in detention on Christmas Island far off the coast of northern Western Australia. The Tamil family have been held there since August 2019 but their legal battle to remain in the country stretches back years.

How much does it cost to keep the Biloela family on Christmas Island?

Christmas Island stay has cost $6.7m so far Parents Priya and Nades plus children Tharnicaa and Kopika resided in the Queensland town of Biloela before they were taken by Australian Border Force officials in 2018.

Are the Biloela family refugees?

Australia has released a refugee family from Christmas Island, after their youngest child was flown to the mainland for medical care. The family will now be allowed to live together in Perth while they pursue legal action related to their immigration status.

Are the murugappan Family refugees?

Immigration minister Alex Hawke said he had exercised his powers under Article 195A of the Migration Act to give the family so-called bridging visas with rights to work and study. …

Why are the Tamil family not refugees?

The restriction is in place because the Department of Home Affairs has previously found the family’s case does not meet Australia’s protection obligations. “This family, where they have had their cases determined, have been deemed to not be owed protection by Australia, which means they don’t have refugee status.

Are biloela family refugees?

Are the Biloela family still on Christmas Island?

The couple and their Australian-born daughters, Kopika, 6, and Tharnicaa, 4, have been held on Christmas Island since August 2019 after being removed from the Queensland town of Biloela following unsuccessful asylum claims by the parents. “This is [a] small freedom but I like my community back in Biloela.”

How much does it cost to keep the Tamil family on Christmas Island?

In August 2019, they were moved to Christmas Island while their case was proceeding slowly through the courts. Keeping them in detention on the island has cost the government $1.4 million in the past year alone.

Where are the Tamil family now?

“The family will now reside in suburban Perth through a community detention placement, close to schools and support services, while the youngest child receives medical treatment from the nearby Perth Children’s Hospital and as the family pursues ongoing legal matters,” he said in a statement.