The applicants in this case, the father, son and nephew, are citizens of a Pacific Island Nation. They travelled to Australia on tourist visas, and overstayed their visas. The applicants were identified as overstayers and were detained in Villawood Detention Centre, together with other members of their extended family. In detention, one of the applicant’s family member committed suicide. The three applicants were subsequently released from detention on compassionate grounds.

This case has had considerable media attention and the applicants’ Ministerial Intervention submission is currently before the Minister.