Australian visitors to Australia can be refused entry or removed from the country if they have been convicted of domestic violence, under a new federal government directive, SBS Australia reports.
Immigration Minister Davide Coleman’s decision came into effect last week, excluding anyone who has committed violence against women or children from the country. “If you’ve been convicted of a violent crime against women or children, you are not welcome,” Mr Coleman said, per SBS Australia. “Wherever the offence occurred, whatever the sentence, Australia will have no tolerance for domestic violence perpetrators.”
Current laws only allow the government to revoke the visas of foreigners who fail a character test or who have spent 12 months in jail.
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The new directive will not only apply to decision-makers inside the Department of Home Affairs but also to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. “There have been a number of cases where decision-makers within the government have refused a visa to someone who has been guilty of domestic violence,” Mr Coleman added. “And in the administrative appeals tribunal has sought to reinstate that visa.”
If you are impacted by assault, domestic or family violence call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. If you need help immediately, please call 000.
