WE SAY GOOD RIDDANCE

THE Turnbull government has taken a tough stand on foreign-born criminals by deporting an unprecedented number in recent years.

The blitz has seen Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton and his department put a ruler under the crimes and character of almost 3000 foreign nationals.

Australia has every right to dictate whether overseas citizens deserve to stay in this country.

Since December 2014 when laws for stronger character tests were adopted, the government has ordered the deportation of 2847 foreign-born criminals.

For too long, previous governments and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal adopted a soft approach to foreign nationals who committed serious crime because they had either family in Australia or had long histories of residency or work here.

While compassionate grounds can still be considered in a small number of cases, the pendulum has now swung the other way towards a close to zero tolerance. Only those who have committed minor offences, specifically not crimes of violence or drugs, should be considered for any leniency. Family ties can no longer be a saving grace for foreign criminals to rely on the good will of Australia.

Residency, tourism, work or family visas to Australia are a privilege not to be abused.

The nation has its own homegrown criminals which authorities need to deal with and the taxpayer has to provide prisons for.

If a foreign national is convicted of a crime in Australia he or she foregoes any reasonable argument to remain following their sentence.

If police and security agencies provide adverse character assessments, the same applies.

Outlaw motorcycle gang members have been caught out by the initiative and 147 bikies have been given their marching orders.

Gold Coasters know only too well the havoc such individuals can wreak. Minister Dutton’s hardline approach, in conjunction with local policing, is vital if the Gold Coast is to remain free of the bikie scourge, and should be wholeheartedly welcomed.