Matt Williams (Hindmarsh, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

My colleagues have spoken on this bill at length, so I do not wish to reiterate some of the detail of the provisions in this legislation, but I want to reinforce that these changes are necessary to ensure that the substantive amendments made by the Migration Amendment (Character and General Visa Cancellation) Act 2014 are given their full effect and that the character provisions are dealt with consistently throughout the Migration Act.

As we have heard from my colleagues, these amendments enhance the government's ability to address character concerns presented by noncitizens in the Australian community. This demonstrates this government's clear and continuing commitment to ensuring that noncitizens who pose a character risk to the Australian community are dealt with effectively and efficiently. We are talking about a certain category of individuals that present a risk to our country. It is this risk that we want to ensure is mitigated as much as possible.

The key amendments in this bill relate to the new removal powers, which will put beyond doubt that noncitizens who do not seek revocation of a subsection cancellation decision in accordance with a section of the Migration Act within the prescribed time frame, or whose request for revocation is refused, are required to be removed as soon as reasonably practicable.

The mandatory cancellation provisions introduced in December 2014 have resulted in an initial spike of noncitizens having their visa cancelled and subsequently being placed in immigration detention. Noncitizens who have had their visa mandatorily cancelled are able to seek revocation of that decision. So there is a course for them going forward.    A noncitizen awaiting a revocation outcome may remain in immigration detention or leave Australia and await the outcome of their revocation request in their home country. If the revocation decision is favourable, that person would be able to return to Australia.

I want to say a few words about the communities that I have been speaking to on the issue of migration and integration into our community. Some of the churches and religious denominations in my electorate of Hindmarsh have come to me with some views on immigration, which I have taken on board. For example, they were very passionate about our country reaching out to the Syrian refugees. The decision we took last year to accommodate 12,000 Syrian refugees was a great decision. We reacted promptly and compassionately to the situation involving those refugees. From speaking to the Minister for Social Services and the Minister for Immigration, who is working on the project of integration with the Syrian refugees, I know that a lot has been done by the government not just in terms of financial resources; there has been a dedicated focus by government agencies working with service providers, such as the Australian Refugee Association in my electorate of Hindmarsh.

I want to run through some of the organisations that have been involved in contacting me. I recently attended World Prayer Day, which was all about Cuba, at the St Andrews by the Sea Uniting Church at Glenelg. I commend them on the work they are doing in the community more broadly, whether it be Mary's Kitchen, which I have been to at Christmas time twice now, I think. Reverend Adam Tretheway does a great job down there, as do all the volunteers at Mary's Kitchen. Reverend Malcolm Rawlings from the Henley Fulham Uniting Church has contacted me, along with some members of the parish. President Joe Cutillo and others from the Lockleys Catholic Parish Senior Citizens Club have raised various issues with me which I have taken on board. Whether it be foreign aid or matters of integration of refugees, our government is acting appropriately. In relation to our near neighbours, Julie Bishop, who has just returned from Fiji, has told us about the wonderful work the Australian government, the armed services and the aid agencies are doing in Fiji. This happens on so many occasions, whether in the Philippines after the cyclones or in Nepal after the disasters there. When there are natural disasters around the world, the Australian government and the Australian people band together and contribute with open hearts and open wallets to help countries and citizens in need.

My family has been to the Adelaide West Uniting Church at Brooklyn Park on a number of occasions. So I know from personal experience that there are very generous members of their community who have a vested interest in contributing to a safer and a better world. The list goes on of churches in my electorate. Ron Roberts from the Glenelg Church of Christ and everyone down there do a great job in looking out for the disadvantaged not only in our local communities but also overseas, as religious organisations do so well.

In talking about the contribution of community groups, I would also like to pay tribute to some of the Meals on Wheels organisations for the work they do in my electorate. I recognise, amongst others, Colin Humphreys from Edwardstown, Heather Franks from Henley and Grange, and Robert Boyle from West Torrens for their work and that of all their volunteers. There is also a great group in Glenelg North. As I am sure we all know, Meals on Wheels are committed, display great teamwork and are dedicated to helping residents in their local communities. I have been on meal runs a number of times, as I am sure some of my colleagues in this place have. Residents value not just the quality of food they provide but also the personal contact from the drivers and other helpers.

In taking this opportunity to speak on this bill, I want to pay tribute to the migrant community leaders who have had a great impact on my local community and wider society. The Manager of the Italian Pensioners of Thebarton, Francesco Violi, was recently recognised in the Australia Day Honours and is widely regarded by his local community as the driving force behind the work of the Italian Pensioners. I pay tribute to him for his passion for his community and for the hard work he does. I also pay tribute to Kelley Russo, Executive Officer of the PISA Italian Meals and Services. PISA make great quality food for Italian seniors in particular. I recognise John Mitroussidis, President of the Western Macedonian Brotherhood. George Genimahliotis is President of the Pan-Macedonian Federation at Mile End. I have been to a number of their events, including a Melbourne Cup function. There was a lot of colour and vibrancy, and a good afternoon was had by all who attended. Well done in bringing a number of communities together to celebrate in fellowship. They have done a great job in integrating their many communities. Mr Deputy Speaker, I am sure you recognise the contributions such organisations in your own electorate make.

On that fine note, well done to all these organisations and their members. It has been great engaging with you over the journey of my first term in parliament. Your contributions to our community and your hard work and dedication are valued. I pay tribute to you and thank you for your service to our community.

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