Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has responded to mounting pressure by issuing a new directive, named Direction 110, aimed at rectifying the controversial visa cancellation decisions that have sparked outcry across Australia.
The new direction replaces the contentious Direction 99, which has been criticized for enabling serious criminals to remain in the country despite having their visas revoked. Direction 99, implemented in early 2023, required the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) to consider an individual’s community ties when reviewing deportation appeals, leading to several cases where visa cancellations were overturned.
Direction 110 prioritizes community safety over non-citizens’ ties to Australia when assessing visa revocation or reinstatement. This shift aims to align with community expectations and bolster the government’s commitment to safeguarding Australian society.
Speaking in Melbourne, Minister Giles emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance approach to domestic and family violence, highlighting the elevation of the impact of victims of such violence and their families as a primary consideration under the new directive.
Blaming the AAT for decisions that diverged from government intent and community expectations, Minister Giles asserted the clarity of the revised direction in prioritizing the protection of the Australian community in visa decisions.
The new ministerial direction, effective from June 21, aims to address the flaws of the existing policy while ensuring prompt action in cases that remain under consideration. Minister Giles affirmed his commitment to closely monitoring cases subject to the previous directive and promptly canceling visas when deemed necessary in the national interest.
When questioned about the original Direction 99, Minister Giles declined to characterize it as a mistake, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing community safety in current and future decisions.
Despite the introduction of Direction 110, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton continued his criticism of Minister Giles, calling for an apology from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and highlighting concerns that the new directive might still lead to undesirable outcomes.
The issuance of Direction 110 represents a significant effort by the government to address public concerns and restore confidence in the visa cancellation process, though debate and scrutiny surrounding the issue persist.
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