Convicted killers not coming here

Letter to the Editor - Fraser Coast Chronicle
14 January 2009

Your story (Jane’s too old to start new life Down Under, 14/1/09) incorrectly claims that convicted British murderers Jon Venables and Robert Thompson might be living in Australia.

They have never come to Australia and, as far as I am aware, are never coming. This old rumour has been refuted by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on numerous occasions since 2001.

The department has been assured by the relevant UK authorities that resettlement for the pair was not under consideration. Nothing has changed.

Visa applicants for Australia must meet character requirements, which exist to protect the Australian community from anyone who may be a risk to it.

The Migration Act contains a broad power to refuse or cancel a visa where a person does not pass the character test, including where the person has very serious criminal convictions or previous criminal conduct.

It is wrong for your paper to reignite a completely false rumour without at least making an effort to check the facts.

Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager,
Department of Immigration and Citizenship