The government’s proposal to strengthen the “character test”, which allows it to cancel the visas of people convicted of certain crimes, is unnecessary given the minister’s already vast powers.
There has been little recognition of how western governments furthered separation of families with disabled children, through immigration policies that ignored postwar humanitarian ideals.
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the ban on October 30.
AAP Image/Paul Miller
The Federal Government’s proposal to permanently ban asylum seekers and refugees who come to Australia by boat is in direct contravention of the Refugee Convention.
By appointing former police officer Roman Quaedvlieg to head a uniformed branch that replaced an administrative agency, the Abbott government all but guaranteed a more aggressive enforcement culture.
AAP/Glenn Hunt
While the Australian Border Force’s Operation Fortitude caused an outcry, people might be surprised at the extent of official powers to check their immigration status in a range of circumstances.
Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd celebrated the government’s carbon tax success, but she doesn’t have much reason to celebrate.
AAP/Alan Porritt
Last week demonstrated how fast fortunes may change in politics. Just as the government thought it could get onto the front foot, it experienced a significant setback by not being able to make changes…
Julia Gillard and her Immigration Minister Chris Bowen haven’t had the best of weeks.
AAP/Alan Porritt
The Malaysia Solution isn’t quite dead, but its vital signs are certainly not good. With a steely look in her eye, and barely concealed anger, Julia Gillard blamed Opposition Leader Tony Abbott for “trashing…
Without reform of the Migration Act, the governments plan for processing refugees offshore would be in tatters.
AFP/Saeed Khan
Later today the Australian Government plans to put the Migration Legislation Amendment (Offshore Processing and Other Measures) Bill 2011 to a vote in the House of Representatives. Without it, the government’s…
The Australian Ambassador is doing everything he can for the Australian boy detained in Bali, but Indonesian children aren’t so lucky.
AFP/Sonny Tumbelaka
This week the nation has been in an uproar over the arrest of a 14 year old Australian boy in Indonesia, accused of buying drugs. TV news reports discussed the terrible conditions of the prison, where…