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THE HON DR SHARMAN STONE MP
Federal Member for Murray
Tuesday 18 June 2013
Protecting our streets from foreign criminals
Foreign criminals have been able to manipulate our sense of a fair-go and have been able to stay in our country long after they were convicted of a crime.
Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone said “a new policy just announced by the Coalition government will take stronger action to crack down on foreign criminals who commit crimes in our country.”
“Existing laws already allow for the cancelation of visas held by non-citizens when they have been convicted of a criminal offence and sentenced to one year in jail. Far too often however non-citizens who have committed criminal acts are able to remain in Australia, through lengthy appeals.
“Australian border protection is also over whelmed by the tens of thousands of non-citizens released into the community without adequate security checks, after they arrive by boats.
The Coalition’s new policy will: ï§ Implement tough rules that automatically cancel the visa held by a non-citizen when they commit crimes of a certain type which are punishable by more than one year in jail. Appeal rights will no longer be available, except in special circumstances.
ï§ Swiftly remove or deport non-citizens who have committed a criminal offence punishable by more than one year in jail, and double the period for which they are banned from re-entry from 10 years to 20 years.
“Our Policy will ensure that community expectations for non-citizens are met and supported by tough laws. Closing loopholes that allow foreign criminals years of extra time in the country and sees them back in the country after 10 years is an important thing to do,” Sharman Stone said.
Media contact: Sheree Tivendale M: 0417 148 110
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