In its final night for the year, Parliament passed legislation that will strip Australian citizenship from dual citizens who are involved in terrorist conduct overseas or convicted of terrorism activity.

The bill provides for dual citizens to lose their citizenship in two new ways: by engaging in conduct deemed to amount to a renunciation of citizenship, or by being convicted of a prescribed offence.

A statement from the office of the minister of immigration noted that the Australian Citizenship Amendment (Allegiance to Australia) Bill 2015 aims to ensure terrorists who are dual nationals are prevented from returning to Australia and dual nationals who engage in terrorism within Australia can be removed where possible.

“The changes to the existing legislation were necessary to reflect the current threat that Australia and the rest of the world faces” notes the statement adding that, “Australia's current threat level is now at 'probable' – meaning that there is credible intelligence assessed by our security agencies that indicates individuals or groups have developed both the intent and capability to conduct a terrorist attack in Australia.

Is it possible that there is anything that could be more frustrating in the “universe” of migration practice than for the Department to “doubt” the “genuineness” of a genuinely genuine relationship, and to refuse an offshore partner visa application that is genuinely meritorious? 

Bad, bad enough that the Department has seen fit to raise the application fees to a point where they cost an arm and a leg and another arm and another leg! 

And worse, worse yet that the Department’s processing times for these applications make “a snail’s pace” seem like “warp speed” – what on earth is it that makes review so beeping beeping slow?? 

“Tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth”!

This admonition, given to potential witnesses about their paramount obligation when giving evidence in court cases, applies with equal force to visa applicants.

It is absolutely essential that visa applicants be entirely truthful in the information and documents that they provide to the Department in connection with a visa application. This obligation is stated expressly in section 101(b) of the Migration Act, which provides that a non-citizen must complete his or her application form in such a way that no incorrect answers are given or provided. The consequence of providing incorrect information on a visa application may be that the visa may be cancelled under section 109 of the Act. And under section 48, a person whose visa has been cancelled may only be able to re-apply for a very limited types of visas.

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Despite the amazing natural wonders of Western Australia, the state closest to Asia is struggling to draw visitors and as a result has seen spending by tourists drop by AU$60 million in the year to September, according to figures released by Tourism Australia yesterday.

Overall, the results from Tourism Research Australia’s International Visitor Survey show continuing growth with further record international arrivals, visitor nights and spending figures.

The report revealed that spending reached a new high of $34.8 billion, an increase of 13 per cent or $4.1 billion over the year, which is the strongest growth seen since 2001. International visitor arrivals increased 7 per cent to 6.7 million while nights were up 10 per cent, reaching 242 million during the year ending September 2015.

The Government’s efforts to boost flight capacity, visa reforms and focused international marketing are increasing Australia’s appeal in the growing global tourism market, noted Minister for Tourism and International Education, (and Minister Assisting the Minister for Trade and Investment) Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.

“We have also made tourism infrastructure one of five National Investment Priorities, backing the growth of a key industry which supports around a million jobs,” noted the minister adding, “Australia’s strong international education sector is clearly having a positive impact on our tourism industry; with every international student in Australia attracting visits from friends and family.” Minister for Tourism and International Education Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck.

The figures show that visiting Australia for the purposes of education is supporting strong growth, with visitation up 19 per cent and nights up 18 per cent. Total trip spend for education visitors increased by 27 per cent for the year to $8.2 billion, which drove 43 per cent of the overall increase.