Download Fragment

Monday, 4 July 2011
Page: 7575

Non-Citizens: Charges and Convictions

(Question No. 421)

Mr Morrison asked the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, in writing, on 2 June 2011:

(1) By state and territory, visa type, offence, and where relevant, the nature of the sentence, what number of charges were laid and convictions recorded against non-citizens each year between 2006-07 and 2010-11, where (a) no custodial sentence was given, and (b) a custodial sentence was imposed for (i) 12 months or less, (ii) between 12 months and 3 years, (iii) between 3 and 10 years, and (iv) more than 10 years.

(2) Are the states and territories and other Commonwealth agencies required to report to his department, all charges laid and convictions recorded against non-citizens; if so, what are the specific requirements, and have any proposals been made to change them.

Mr Bowen: The answer to the honourable member's question is as follows:

(1) My Department does not collect the data sought in the question. The Department considers the preparation of an answer to the question would involve significant diversion of departmental resources in the seeking of information from each state or territory and the Australian Federal Police and, in the circumstances, does not consider that the additional work can be justified.

(2) My Department has in place some information sharing arrangements with state, territory and other Commonwealth agencies. Such agencies are not required to report to my Department on charges laid and convictions recorded against non-citizens. No proposals have been made to change this arrangement.