Ninette Simons: Girrawheen grandmother allegedly attacked by former prisoner sends message to new minister

A Perth grandmother who was allegedly beaten and robbed by a former immigration detainee is hoping newly appointed Immigration and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke can keep her safe after the Labor Party announced a Cabinet reshuffle.

Ministers Clare O’Neil and Andrew Giles have faced scrutiny for their handling of the Supreme Court’s November 8 decision to release 153 non-citizens from detention camps across the country.

Criticism intensified when Ninette Simons and her 76-year-old husband Philip were allegedly attacked in their home by three men – including, according to police, former prisoner Majid Jamshidi Doukoshkan.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday that Mr Burke – who had previously served as Minister for Employment – would take on the now combined responsibilities of the Department of Home Affairs and Immigration.

Mr Albanese denied that the move was an admission of failure.

Ms Simons, 74, said she wished Mr Burke would prioritize public safety in his new appointment.

“We want to feel safe in our community and he (Mr Burke) can assure us that the prisoners will not be allowed to move freely and will not attack us in our homes,” she said.

“I don’t think I’ll ever get over this… we’ve increased security measures, but we’re still scared.”

“Not only they, but also their friends know where we live now… we don’t know if they will come back and take revenge.”

“I was beaten. I’m lucky to be alive.”

The Kuwait-born man is one of three accused of posing as police officers to enter the Simons’ home in Girrawheen on April 16 and steal about $200,000 worth of gold jewelry.