An individual who evaded deportation from Australia six years ago is now facing expulsion after disregarding warnings about their immigration status and engaging in criminal activities.
This person has resided in Australia since the age of 15 and has children who are Australian citizens.
The final straw that led to the cancellation of their visa was the theft of 11 bottles of alcohol from liquor stores.
Prior to this incident, the individual had a lengthy criminal record dating back to 2010 when they were still a teenager.
They have been living in New South Wales, with ties to Hastings where their family resides.
Despite having a sister in Hawke’s Bay who has offered support, the individual’s criminal history includes drug possession, assaulting law enforcement officers, domestic violence, breaching protection orders, and driving under the influence.
Incidents detailed in the tribunal decision depict a pattern of violent behavior towards intimate partners and police officers, often involving breaches of domestic violence orders.
One particular incident involved the individual’s partner seeking refuge at a neighbor’s house with their children, only to have the individual follow and aggressively confront them.
Substance abuse has been a consistent issue for this individual, with drug and alcohol dependencies contributing to their criminal behavior.
Their most recent convictions for shoplifting resulted in a 13-month prison sentence and subsequent transfer to an immigration detention center.
The tribunal, in denying the individual’s request to remain in Australia, emphasized the likelihood of reoffending and the lack of rehabilitation for their criminal tendencies.
Despite ties to their children in Australia, the seriousness and frequency of their offenses outweighed any mitigating factors.
The tribunal’s decision to uphold the cancellation of the individual’s visa was based on the impact of their criminal behavior on their children and the community at large.
FAMILY VIOLENCE
If you are in immediate danger:
• Call the police at 111 or seek help from neighbors or friends.
• Leave the area and seek assistance in a public place.
• Take your children with you and prioritize your safety.
• Remember, violence is never your fault.
Resources for help and information:
• Women’s Refuge: Crisis line – 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline – 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It’s Not Ok: Family violence information line – 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian, and Middle Eastern women and children. Crisis line – 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: Information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Working to end men’s violence against women
By Ric Stevens
