WHO should be allowed to visit Australia?
Plenty of people have asked this over the Easter weekend after the Government let Yvonne Ridley come here. Essentially my whole portfolio of immigration is about answering that question. Sometimes it involves pretty tough decisions. Newly married couples may find themselves separated while visas are sorted out. People can wait unreasonable lengths of time for their parents to be allowed to join them. Often the parents pass away while waiting for approval. Sometimes people lie in their claims and immigration officials are forced to work out who is legitimate and who isn’t. And I’ve seen my fair share of good people who get caught up in the system. So, given Australia makes it pretty difficult for some worthy people to enter our country, why did we put out the welcome mat for Ms Ridley? Over Easter she spoke in Melbourne at an event which named itself the First Annual Australian Islamic Conference. It has been reported – and not denied – that Ridley has praised the masterminds of the Bes
