Time to come home

In a recent article, ABC have reported that the remaining five members of the Bali Nine have returned to Australia after spending two decades in Indonesian prisons, saying they are “immensely grateful” to the country's new president for making it happen.

At one stage, a number of the men faced the prospect of the death penalty. All of them have served nearly 20 years in Indonesian prisons for the offences for which they were convicted.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the men had committed serious offences "but it was time for them to come home".

In a joint statement with Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, Mr Albanese also thanked the Indonesian government for its cooperation in facilitating the men's return to Australia "on humanitarian grounds".

Mr Albanese said: "The men will have the opportunity to continue their personal rehabilitation and reintegration in Australia."

The Julian Wagner Memorial Fund endorses the words of the prime minister.We hope that the men who have paid their debt to society can reestablish their lives and wish them well in their efforts. We are particularly conscious of the toll that separation has taken on the men, and particularly, on the men’s family members.

You can read the article here