Labor revamps deportation directive to stem visa crisis

Phillip Coorey and Andrew Tillett

May 29, 2024 – 4.57pm

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The government has moved to stem the damage caused by the latest immigration crisis by revising a ministerial directive that has enabled dozens of people who have had their visas cancelled to stay in Australia and commit more crimes.

Under sustained pressure in Parliament, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Immigration Minister Andrew Giles have announced the controversial Direction 99 will be rewritten to ensure legal authorities exercise “common sense” and “give weight to community safety” when hearing appeals against visa cancellations.

Phillip Coorey is the political editor based in Canberra. He is a two-time winner of the Paul Lyneham award for press gallery excellence.

Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.