Lawyers for Aboriginal Australian man Brendan Thoms have confirmed he has been released from detention this afternoon, following a landmark decision handed down by the High Court earlier today that found Aboriginal Australians are not ‘aliens’ under the Constitution and can no longer be deported from Australia.
Maurice Blackburn senior associate Claire Gibbs welcomed the news of Mr Thoms’ release, following 501 days spent in detention.
“Brendan should never have been in detention, and we are thrilled that the Federal Government have now finally acted to do the right thing and release him following today’s decision.
“Brendan has had 500 sleepless nights worrying he could be deported at any time, and that is now thankfully at an end.
“He is very happy to have been released and to now be reunited with his family at long last,” she said.
