Snoop Dogg granted visa
Media release – 12 September 2008
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) today granted a visa to rap/hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg, enabling him to enter Australia for his planned concert tour.
‘Given his criminal record, the department undertook a full character assessment of Snoop Dogg’s criminal history and previous conduct before making a decision on his visa application,’ a departmental spokesman said.
‘In making this decision, the department weighed his criminal convictions against his previous behaviour while in Australia, recent conduct – including charity work – and any likely risk to the Australian community.
‘We took into account all relevant factors and, on balance, the department decided to grant the visa.’
The US performer – real name Cordozar Calvin Broadus – has previously been granted entertainment visas and visited Australia without incident in 1998, 2006 and 2007.
‘Mr Broadus will need to abide by Australia’s laws and he will be formally counselled before his arrival about his visa conditions and our expectations relating to his conduct,’ the spokesman said.
‘The counselling will advise him that any further conduct that comes within the scope of Australia’s character test could result in the cancellation of his visa or refusal of any future visa applications,’ he added.
Mr Broadus tours extensively and to the department’s knowledge, is not banned from entering any country to perform. He is currently on tour in Europe.
There is no evidence of any violence occurring either at any of his performances or as a consequence of Mr Broadus’ presence in those countries.
Mr Broadus has also committed to undertaking charity work with at-risk youth during his visit to Australia.
Despite media reports, Mr Broadus was not refused a visa in April 2007 on character grounds; the visa application was withdrawn.
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