Federal MP Bob Katter is demanding the Australian government implement sweeping changes to the nation's migration system in the wake of the Bondi Junction terror attack. The independent member for Kennedy has drafted new legislation aimed at preventing individuals with a history of violence from entering or remaining in the country.
Proposed Legislation in Response to Tragedy
The push for reform follows the tragic stabbing attack at Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday, April 13, which resulted in the deaths of six people. The assailant, identified by police as 40-year-old Joel Cauchi, was shot and killed by a responding police officer. While authorities have stated Cauchi was known to police in Queensland and had mental health challenges, the incident has ignited a fierce debate about national security and migration controls.
Katter's proposed bill seeks to grant the Immigration Minister enhanced powers to refuse or cancel visas on character grounds. Specifically, it would mandate the refusal of a visa to any non-citizen who has a recorded conviction for a violent offence. Furthermore, it would compel the cancellation of a visa for any non-citizen charged with a violent crime.
The draft legislation states: "The minister must refuse to grant a visa to a non-citizen who has a recorded conviction for a violent offence." It adds, "The minister must cancel a visa that has been granted to a non-citizen who is charged with a violent offence."
Katter's Call for Immediate Action
Bob Katter has been vocal in his criticism of the current system, arguing it is too lenient. He asserts that the proposed laws are a necessary and immediate step to protect Australian citizens. "We're calling for the minister to have the power, and in fact be forced, to reject the visa of anyone who has a conviction for violence," Katter stated.
He emphasised that his proposal is straightforward and focused solely on violent behaviour, not on race, religion, or nationality. "We're not interested in what colour they are, what religion they are, what country they come from," he said. "If you have a conviction for violence, you're not coming into this country. And if you are charged with violence, you're out."
Katter is urging the government to support his bill or introduce its own version with similar intent. He has called for bipartisan support, framing the issue as one of fundamental public safety.
Government Response and Broader Context
In response to the attack and the ensuing discussion, a spokesperson for Immigration Minister Andrew Giles indicated that the government is continuously reviewing its policies. The spokesperson highlighted that the minister already possesses "extensive powers" to refuse or cancel visas based on character grounds, including criminal history or behaviour deemed a risk to the community.
"The minister has extensive powers to refuse or cancel a visa where a person is found not to be of good character, including where they have a criminal history or their conduct represents a risk to the Australian community," the spokesperson said.
The debate occurs amidst a broader national conversation about migration levels, visa integrity, and community safety. Katter's proposal adds a specific, hardline dimension to this discussion, directly linking migration policy to the prevention of violent crime.
As the community mourns the victims of the Bondi Junction attack, political pressure is mounting on the Albanese government to demonstrate that all possible measures are being taken to ensure such a tragedy is not repeated. Whether Katter's legislative push gains traction in Parliament remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly placed the issue of migration and character testing firmly back on the political agenda.
