Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

These were judgements that were appropriately made, consistent with the provisions in the Migration Act, as I indicated to the chamber yesterday. The Australian government is committed to protecting the community from criminal or other serious harm by noncitizens. All noncitizens who apply for entry into Australia must meet the character test set out in the Migration Act.

A noncitizen can fail the character test for a number of reasons, including where they have a substantial criminal record or where their conduct causes a risk to the Australian community. For visitors who may hold controversial views, as I said yesterday, any risk they may pose will be balanced against Australia's well-established commitment to freedom of speech and freedom of beliefs, amongst other relevant considerations. These are judgements that are made on a case-by-case basis. While we never comment on individual cases, obviously the case that Senator Keneally refers to was approached in the appropriate way, consistent with our laws, and as will all cases be into the future.