Government documents also show that 102 convicted sex offenders were released into the community during the six years when Dutton held the relevant portfolio.
Four Vietnamese asylum seekers intercepted by Border Force off the coast of Broome last week were detained after 38 people from two other boats were also picked up.
While the Coalition has called on Labor to “take responsibility” for released detainees,Dutton would not comment on a decision made when he was home affairs minister.
The group was discovered near the city of Kupang,and believed to be heading to Australia.
A man has been found in remote Western Australia after going missing following his arrival via an unknown vessel.
A search was under way on Saturday for a man who police say was believed to have arrived with a group of people on Friday.
A person in immigration detention cannot be released just because they fear persecution in their birth country,the federal government will argue in a High Court challenge.
Party sources say Bennelong MP Jerome Laxale questioned the impact of provisions blocking visas from countries who don’t accept the return of their citizens.
Diaspora communities say they were blindsided by proposed laws that could ban foreigners from countries such as Iran and South Sudan from entering Australia.
Stephanie Foster declined to detail discussions,saying the relationship between ministers and staff “depends on being able to have trusted conversations”.
Minister Clare O’Neil was twice pursued by cameras,was asked the same question seven times and the government’s rushed bill was blocked by the opposition and the crossbench on Wednesday.