Systemic flaws cause record rise in wrongful detention of Australian citizens

The Commonwealth Ombudsman's latest investigation uncovered that 30 Australian citizens were incorrectly placed in immigration detention during the 2024/25 financial year, representing the largest increase in such cases since 2005. The findings attribute the wrongful detentions to recurring communication failures and the department's failure to apply known safeguards. Among the cases, Mx B was held for 945 days, repeatedly asserting citizenship that was only verified after release.

A departmental review initiated in June 2025 has yet to produce a final report, with its status still pending in early 2026. While Home Affairs has introduced some procedural enhancements, the ombudsman says significant gaps remain. The report proposes three specific reforms to tighten assessment processes and provide clearer information to those affected, all of which the department has agreed to implement.