'Throw them out': Senator's tough stance on crims

SENATOR says tribunal has failed its charter in allowing murderers and drug dealers to stay.

Queensland Senator Fraser Anning has spoken out about the decision-making processes of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal which held a $500,000, three-day conference at Novotel Twin Waters on the Sunshine Coast this week.

IN THE midst of its three-day, $500,000 conference at Novotel Twin Waters Resort, Queensland Senator Fraser Anning has attacked the Administrative Appeals Tribunal over decision-making processes he claimed has allowed murders, violent offenders, drug dealers, armed criminals and sex offenders to live in the Australian community.

Senator Anning, a former Sunshine Coast publican who quit One Nation Party after securing office, said it was absolutely disgusting taxpayers were footing the bill for a conference at one of Queensland's finest holiday destinations.

"It is appalling that the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) has allowed eight murderers, 66 violent offenders, 17 individuals convicted of sex crimes, 23 armed robbers and 33 drug dealers to live in our community: they were also going to allow a convicted terrorist to stay as well," he said.

"The AAT by their own admission, acknowledged the convicted terrorist had an "extensive criminal record" but still ruled against the Government's view he failed the character test.

"I am concerned what measure the AAT actually uses to who is and isn't of sound character. Thankfully Minister Dutton has the sense and fortitude to intervene."

Senator Anning said it was obvious to everyday Australians that a convicted terrorist should have failed the character test.

He said when an avenue of review no longer upheld community standards, drastic and immediate change was needed.

"Australians expect those who wish to come here and live in our communities to become productive members of society, integrate, contribute and not add to an ever growing crime problem," Senator Anning said.

"The AAT is simply not meeting that expectation."

He accused the tribunal of miserably failing its own charter to promote public trust and confidence in its decision making process.

"For every foreign criminal the AAT has let into our communities the taxpayer has funded the appeals process," Senator Anning said.

"The AAT's flagrant disregard for the Australian public knows no bounds as 300 employees treat themselves to a lavish trip away, no doubt a reward for the "good" work they have been doing.

"What we need are more people looking out for everyday law abiding Australians, and not foreign criminals looking to get a free ride at the tax payers expense," Senator Anning concluded.

The AAT has defended its Sunshine Coast conference saying a tender process had met mandatory requirements and ensured that the booking represented the best value for money due to the ability to offer a competitive rate compared with other facilities.

Originally published as 'Throw them out': Senator's tough stance on crims