Carol Nader; 7/6/08
The contentious character test that has led to the cancellation of 250 visas in the past four years should be urgently amended to make the system clearer and fairer, the Federal Government has been urged. Government figures show there have been 68 visas cancelled on character grounds this financial year to the end of May. Of the 27 cancellations based on character since the new Government came to power, all but one were by the Immigration Department. In only one case the Immigration Minister was the decision maker. There have been 26 visas refused on character grounds so far this financial year to the end of March, and 178 in 2006-07. While the numbers are a small proportion of the numbers of visa refusals and cancellations, there is debate around the fairness of the test in deciding what constitutes good character. Most cancellations and refusals based on character involve people who have committed serious criminal offences including child sex offences and murder.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/government-urged-to-amend-character-test-20080606-2mya.html
Tags: Australia, Migrants & Refugees, Political