Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention 2021

# Ending Indefinite and Arbitrary Immigration Detention Bill 2021 ## What it does This bill would stop the government from holding asylum seekers in immigration detention for unlimited periods. Instead of indefinite detention, it sets time limits and requires the government to use alternatives like monitoring programs whenever possible. It also adds protections for children, families, and people's right to legal help while detained. ## Why it matters Many asylum seekers have spent years in immigration detention centres with no clear end date—affecting their mental health and families. This bill would force the government to either process their cases faster or release them into the community with conditions, rather than leaving them in limbo indefinitely. ## Key details - **Time limits**: Sets maximum detention periods (the specific numbers aren't in this excerpt, but Part 2 covers this) - **Alternatives first**: Government must try monitoring, reporting, or other conditions before using detention - **Child protection**: Special rules preventing children from being detained when possible - **Independent oversight**: Creates monitoring and review processes so decisions can be challenged in Federal Court - **Starts immediately**: The bill takes effect as soon as it receives Royal Assent **Status**: This is still before Parliament—it hasn't been passed into law yet.

🔒 Voting closed — this bill has been decided by parliament