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High Court Rules Ankle Bracelets Unconstitutional for Detainees

3/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

The High Court in Canberra ruled that ankle bracelets laws for former detainees are unconstitutional.
The ruling says punitive ankle-bracelet measures must be court-imposed, not decided by the executive.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged the ruling and said the government will remove people with canceled visas from Australia.
Thus, 43 individuals will face mandatory reporting, and 27 visas were approved for return to detention under a Nauru resettlement deal.

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Story summary

The High Court in Canberra ruled that ankle bracelets laws for former detainees are unconstitutional.
The ruling says punitive ankle-bracelet measures must be court-imposed, not decided by the executive.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke acknowledged the ruling and said the government will remove people with canceled visas from Australia.
Thus, 43 individuals will face mandatory reporting, and 27 visas were approved for return to detention under a Nauru resettlement deal.