Visitors with a domestic violence conviction can now be refused entry or kicked out of Australia under a new federal government directive.
The legislation, which came into effect last month, expands on existing laws that order visitors visas to be cancelled if the holder has been sentenced to a year or more in jail.
“If you’ve been convicted of a violent crime against women or children, you are not welcome,” said Immigration minister Davis Coleman according to SBS.
“Wherever the offence occurred, whatever the sentence, Australia will have no tolerance for domestic violence perpetrators.”
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare indicates that one in six Australian women have experienced physical or sexual abuse by a current or former partner and more than half of these women experienced more than one violent incident.
If you are experiencing domestic violence, you can seek help via 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or Lifeline 12 11 14.
