Mike Tyson granted visa for Australian tour but has been warned

CONVICTED rapist Mike Tyson will be let into Australia for a speaking tour, after authorities ignored angry calls for him to be banned.

MIke Tyson

CONVICTED rapist Mike Tyson will be let into Australia for a speaking tour with a warning not to harm anyone, after authorities ignored angry calls for him to be banned.

The Immigration Department's decision to grant Tyson a visa was met with disbelief, with claims it makes Australia look soft on sex offenders.

And Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has demanded the Gillard Government overturn the department's decision.

The visa allows Tyson to take part in the Day of the Champions motivational speaking event, which covers five Australian states and helps raise money for charity.

The former world heavyweight champion was banned from New Zealand, which was also part of the tour, after a charity raised concerns about his 1992 rape conviction.

But a spokesman for Australian Immigration Minister Chris Bowen said an entertainment visa had been granted after "taking into account a range of factors".

"As with any visa applicant who has a criminal record, Mr Tyson's application was assessed in accordance with the character provisions of the Migration Act," he said.

"The applicant has been formally warned that visa holders are expected to respect Australia law and not cause or threaten harm to individuals or the community."

Factors taken into account would include the length of time since conviction, and whether the applicant has reoffended.

Tyson's charity work and public profile since his conviction also would have been assessed.

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu has come out swinging at the decision.

"The Commonwealth should not have granted this visa," Mr Baillieu said.

"It is inappropriate and the Commonwealth should reverse its decision,"

"This decision by the Commonwealth is completely out of touch."

Immigration Minister Chris Bowen chose not to intervene in the decision-making process, despite having the power to do so.

Women's rights campaigner Melinda Tankard Reist said the wrong message was being sent.