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AUSTRALIA’s Immigration Minister has said that he will be “happy to deport” any Irish backpacker caught breaking Covid rules after they were accused of participating in a mass gathering on the beach on Christmas Day.
Australian media have blamed Irish and British revelers for the open-air party on Sydney’s Bronte Beach, next to the famous Bondi.
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One man was charged after riot police had to be called in to disperse hundreds of people, most of whom were not wearing masks, with little evidence of social distancing.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said he was “shocked” and warned that the Australian government would be analyzing the visa conditions of those who attended.
He said: “The small minority of people who are doing the wrong thing must understand that they are guests in Australia, that they are holders of temporary visas and, if they violate their visa conditions, they are subject to visa cancellation.
“Under immigration law, if someone threatens public health or safety, their visa can be canceled and revoked.
“We don’t want public health and safety to be compromised by a small group of people who do not respect the country they have come to.”
‘HAPPY TO DEPORT’
He added: “They know that the situation in their home countries is worse in many ways.
“There are many options available to the department. You can put them in immigration detention. However, we are very happy to deport people, if they flagrantly disobey public health orders.
“Sydney residents would agree in 10 months after a pandemic, we all know about the drill now, we all understand how difficult this has been around the world, we understand why we have to do what we are doing.
“The people who are guests in our country also have to be doing the right thing.”
In a Christmas Day tweet, the local area mayor Paula Masselos also pointed a finger at temporary visa holders.
She said: “Our community has worked hard to keep us Covid free for many weeks.
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“The behavior of this visitor is shocking, disrespectful and unacceptable, putting us all at risk. Thanks to the riot squad for breaking up this meeting. An accused person. “
Hawke also warned that authorities would be vigilant on New Year’s Day.
He added: “I have instructed the Department of Home Affairs to work closely with the New South Wales authorities in the lead up to New Years Day to make sure everyone is doing the right thing and if anyone is caught doing the right thing. wrong, that your visa status is presented to the government. “
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