KARLIS SALNA
March 10, 2010
AAP
A Cambodian-born man, raised and educated in Australia since arriving as a nine-year-old some 27 years ago, has agreed to voluntarily return to his country of origin.
Authorities had been seeking to deport the man, who has been in detention at Villawood in Sydney, for almost three years.
While the unidentified man initially said he did not want to return to Cambodia, where six of his eight siblings were reported to have been killed, he has now agreed to leave Australia voluntarily.
The man's case is revealed in a report by the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman, tabled in the federal parliament on Wednesday.
The report details the tragic past of someone who arrived in Australia as a boy but went on to develop an extensive criminal history, including armed robbery and supplying drugs.
While in jail he repeatedly attempted self harm, and did so again after being placed in immigration detention.
"He is recorded as having attempted self-harm a number of times when previously in jail, including at least one attempt at hanging," according to the Ombudsman's assessment.
In May 2009, a noose was discovered in his room at the Villawood Detention Centre.
While the report conceded the man had not responded well to attempts at rehabilitation, it also pointed out that having been in Australia for most of his life, he remained a member of the community.
"It nevertheless remains relevant that Mr X came to Australia as a child of nine, was raised and educated here, and, despite his poor record as a member of the community, has been part of the Australian community for almost 27 years."
However, the man, described by authorities as a non-citizen, has now elected to return to Cambodia voluntarily.
"This person is willing to return voluntarily ..." according to a statement by Immigration Minister Chris Evans, which accompanied the ombudsman's report.
Senator Evans said the man's removal from Australia depended on travel documents being issued, and the Department of Immigration and Citizenship was giving the matter priority treatment.
"As part of this person's removal, a post-removal support package and assistance would be provided," Senator Evans said.
The man is one of seven individuals included in the ombudsman's report.
Five of those mentioned have been in detention for more than three years, including one for almost seven years and another for five years and nine months.
Four of the detainees are being held at Villawood while the other three are in community detention.
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