A Tamil family who has been stuck in a detention center for the previous four years expressed optimism that a Labor win would soon allow them to return to their Queensland community.
During the pre-election campaign, the Labor leader Antony Albanese promised the family, that if they win the election their “long, painful saga” will be over.
Last-nights election results mean their wish to go back to Biloela where they were removed from in 2018, is closer than ever.
“We just called Priya in Perth and told her she and her family were coming home,” Fredericks said in a statement.
“Many happy tears were shed.
“This family has been taken away from their home for more than four years.
“They never should have been taken from the town that loved and needed them.
“As they make the long journey to Biloela to resume their lives here they also commence a journey of recovery and healing.”
Following the expiration of their visa, the Murugappan family was forced to leave their home in Biloela and was sent to an immigration detention center on Christmas Island.
Kopika and Tharnicaa, Priya and Nades’ children, were both born in Australia following their arrival in Australia by boat as refugees.