Murray Watt (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Environment and Water) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Duniam, for the question. I don't have any specifics on that particular case, but I'll see what I can make available either during or after question time. Obviously, I'll also need to consider what information can be provided publicly about an individual.

You would be aware that we don't normally comment publicly on individual cases, but as Senator Duniam—and I'm sure the whole chamber—would be aware, this government has taken action in relation to previous practices and decisions of the AAT, as it was then known, to overturn cancellations of visas when those visas had been cancelled by ministers or departmental officials. The government took action—I think it was at least 12 months ago—to put in place a new ministerial direction that altered the circumstances that should be taken into account by the now ART when it's making these sorts of decisions. This has opened up opportunities for ministers to take action if the situation requires it. As I say, that's a general statement on these sorts of matters. If there is anything I can provide you on the specifics, I'll come back to you as quickly as I can.