Perth, Australia – A recent home invasion in Perth has left a 73-year-old grandmother, Ninette Simmons, severely assaulted and robbed by three offenders posing as police officers. The incident, which took place in April, also targeted Philip Simmons, Ninette’s 76-year-old husband, who was tied up while the perpetrators stole $200,000 worth of jewelry.
One of the suspects involved in the violent attack was a former immigration detainee, released in November following a High Court ruling that deemed indefinite detention unlawful. The assault has raised concerns at a federal level, with Industry Minister Ed Husic expressing deep worry over the situation and the need for measures to protect the Australian public.
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for explanations from Immigration Minister Andrew Giles and Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil regarding the incident. Dutton criticized the Albanese government’s handling of the matter, emphasizing the need for transparency in such cases of violence.
Despite the government’s attempts to pass legislation imposing mandatory minimum sentences for non-cooperative immigration detainees, the proposal faced opposition and delays in parliament. Mr. Dutton defended his stance, stating that the legislation needed to be strengthened to address the severity of the issue at hand.
The assault, as stated by WA Police Detective Inspector Gary Butler, has left a lasting impact on the victims, causing significant stress and anxiety. The investigation continues to seek justice for the appalling offense, with efforts focused on understanding why the couple was targeted and ensuring the safety of the community moving forward.
The aftermath of the incident underscores the importance of addressing concerns surrounding immigration detention policies and the protection of individuals in vulnerable situations. The government’s response to this troubling event remains a subject of public scrutiny as efforts are made to prevent similar incidents in the future.