In brief
Authorities in Australia have cancelled the visa of a 43-year-old British man residing in Queensland after he was arrested for allegedly promoting Nazi ideology and violence against the Jewish community through social media. His actions have triggered a strict response from authorities, which includes possible deportation, amidst growing concerns over antisemitism.
A British national in Australia has had his visa cancelled and faces deportation for allegedly displaying Nazi symbols.
The 43-year-old man living in Queensland was arrested and charged earlier this month, after allegedly using a social media account to post the Nazi swastika, promote pro-Nazi ideology and call for violence towards the Jewish community.
The man was taken into immigration detention this week in Brisbane and is due to face court in January. Police have been cracking down on the use of prohibited symbols amid a recent rise in antisemitism and right-wing extremism.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said: He came here to hate - he doesn't get to stay.
Burke emphasized the importance of maintaining social cohesion, stating, If you come to Australia on a visa, you are here as a guest.
Last month, Burke also revoked the visa of Matthew Gruter, a South African national living in Australia since 2022, for attending a neo-Nazi rally.
Similar to Gruter, the British man can appeal his visa revocation and has the option to leave Australia voluntarily or be deported. However, police are evaluating whether to delay deportation until after his court appearance.
Earlier this year, Australia tightened its hate crime laws, introducing mandatory jail terms for displaying hate symbols or performing a Nazi salute.
Police began investigating the British man in October for his posts on X. After being blocked from the platform, he reportedly created a new account to continue posting offensive content.
Authorities conducted a search of his residence in Caboolture, near Brisbane, seizing phones, weapons, and items bearing swastika symbols.
The man faces three counts of displaying banned Nazi symbols and one count of using the internet to cause offense. Australian Federal Police are committed to addressing such behavior to protect community safety and cohesion.
