Kantha: Deportation depends on Aussie govt

CHIEF Immigration Officer Solomon Kantha says it is up to Australian authorities whether to grant a PNG citizen in prison for murder a protection visa, and whether to deport him.
Kantha was responding to a plea by Richard Basa, on behalf of his son Mark in prison for murder, to PNG immigration authorities to help the family bring him home.
He said they could not influence decisions by the Australian government under its immigration laws and matters within its jurisdiction.
The Australian Home Affairs Department refused to grant Mark a protection visa and to deport him to Papua New Guinea.
“If Mark is still a PNG citizen and has an Australian visa, then it is a matter for the Australian government under its immigration laws to determine whether he has a legal right to remain in Australia or not,” Kantha said.
“We are unable to influence that decision as it is a matter within Australia’s jurisdiction.”
Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton on Sept 16 refused to grant Mark the protection visa on the ground that “he is still of bad character and a threat to the Australian community”.
“Protection visa is for those seeking asylum because of the fear of persecution,” he said.
Dad Richard said Dutton was using a section of the Australian law which required a person who had committed a crime and served time in prison to pass a “character test” to be granted a protection visa.
“According to Dutton, Mark failed the character test,” he said.
“This implies that Mark would be deported to PNG should other efforts to keep him in Australia become effortless.”
Mark was convicted 13 years ago of the murder of 20-year-old Australia air force technician Zane McCready.