House debates Questions without Notice

Visa Cancellation

Wednesday, 29 May 2024 House of Representatives

David Littleproud

David Littleproud Maranoa, National Party, Shadow Minister for Agriculture

2:25 pm

My question is to the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs. New Zealand citizen Troy had his visa cancelled following convictions for serious assaults against women and children, including hitting a three-year-old disabled toddler in the head. The Albanese Labor government's watering down of the law has allowed this criminal to stay in Australia, making our country less safe. When will the Albanese Labor government apologise for this catastrophic mistake and revoke direction 99?

Andrew Giles

Andrew Giles Scullin, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs

2:26 pm

I thank the Leader of the Nationals for his question. Of course, all of us here are concerned for the victims in these circumstances. That is why, as the Prime Minister has said and I have just outlined at some length, we are introducing a new, revised ministerial direction to ensure that the two principles we have held for some time—protection of the community and common sense—are part of the decision-making consistently, particularly at the AAT, where we have not been seeing common sense.

I note that yesterday members opposite had a chance to have a say about that. They chose to vote to keep the AAT.

Milton Dick

Milton Dick Speaker

Order! The member for Herbert and the Minister for Skills and Training will cease interjecting so I can hear from—

Government members interjecting—

Order, Member for Hume! I'm trying to hear a question. Members on my right are provoking you, and I will ensure that they don't do that as well.