Chris Bowen (McMahon, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship) Share this | Hansard source

I think the member for Cook has come back to clean up the problems from yesterday, Madam Deputy Speaker. The fact of the matter is that when a visa is cancelled, or when a visa cancellation process is begun, it is a very serious matter, and it must be handled with due consideration of the facts and the case in hand. When you are considering a visa, it must be based on all the evidence before you. I asked my department to thoroughly examine the claim made by Mr Al Abbasi and then, after thoroughly examining that claim and in coordination with sister agencies overseas, the notice of intention to cancel announcement was made.

There is a right way and a wrong way to cancel a visa. If you cancel it the wrong way, not only can the visa be reinstated but also the taxpayers of Australia can be required to pay very substantial compensation to the individuals concerned. If you want a tip on how not to do it, check with the member for Menzies.

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