(DIR) Home Prime Minister Anthony Albanese 'not currently scheduled' to meet WA grandmother allegedly bashed by detainee (HTM) Source ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will not meet with Western Australian grandmother Ninette Simons during his visit to Perth on Wednesday, although he acknowledged the "appalling situation" which had resulted in her alleged bashing by a released immigration detainee. The 73-year-old and her 76-year-old husband were violently beaten during an alleged home invasion at the end of last month, with Ms Simons later telling Immigration Minister Andrew Giles she feared for her safety following the attack. Outrage over the incident grew further when it was subsequently revealed the alleged offender had been on bail, which the Commonwealth had not opposed despite the detainee having previously breached his visa conditions. Critics of Mr Giles have used the attack to renew calls for his dismissal, but Mr Albanese has also come under pressure both for the performance of the Immigration Minister and the government's Community Protection Board - which had been established to coordinate measures to keep the public safe from harm. At a press conference on Wednesday, the Prime Minister was again asked about the government's handling of detainees and the case of Ms Simons, with Mr Albanese pressed on whether he would visit the grandmother and personally apologise. However, while he offered sympathy for the 73-year-old, the Prime Minister brushed off suggestions the two might meet, saying it was "not currently scheduled" as part of his trip to WA. "Ninette Simons, my heart goes out, no one should be the subject of violence such as Ninette Simons had to put up with," he said. "It's an appalling situation, there's no place for violence in Australian society in any form. "I'm not currently scheduled to visit Ninette Simons. I think I've made it very clear that Ms Simons has been subject to a terrible crime, the allegations are now before the court, as they should be, for the three alleged perpetrators." Earlier, Ms Simons had said she felt let down by the government's handling of the detainee issue, singling out its Community Protection Board for failing to prevent the attack. Pressed on whether he accepted any level of responsibility for the incident, Mr Albanese deflected, saying it was "regretful that anyone is subject to a violent attack". The Prime Minister also again defended Mr Giles, dodging questions about his handling of the issue and seeking to emphasise the High Court's role in freeing the detainees last year. Mr Albanese claimed the government was focused on bringing the "strongest possible legislation" to bear on the issue, but insisted the High Court's decision meant it was no longer possible to impose "punitive measures." He also highlighted the last bill brought by the government on the issue had been opposed by both the Coalition and the Greens, claiming the opposition must back the legislation if it was serious about protecting the community. ______________________________________________________________________ Served by Flask-Gopher/2.2.1