High court paves the way for multimillion-dollar compensation claims to NZYQ cohort in blow to government

The Australian high court ruled against the government on June 10, 2026, paving the way for potential multimillion-dollar compensation claims for over 350 unlawful non-citizens previously held in indefinite detention. This decision represents a significant setback for the Albanese government, following a previous high court ruling in March 2026 that deemed the imposition of ankle monitoring bracelets and curfews on members of the NZYQ cohort unconstitutional. Human rights lawyers and refugee advocacy groups have welcomed the court's latest decision, describing it as a "significant outcome." The NZYQ cohort refers to individuals who were detained indefinitely following a high court ruling in 2023 that permitted the government to detain non-citizens who had arrived in Australia by boat before March 2023, even if they had not committed any crimes. The government had sought to impose strict conditions on their release, including electronic monitoring and curfews, which were subsequently challenged and overturned. The current ruling now opens the door for these individuals to seek damages for their unlawful detention.