A British man living in Western Australia is set to be deported over claims that he was part of a well-known neo-Nazi group.
Ryan Turner's visa was cancelled on character grounds, and he was taken into immigration detention on Tuesday. He can appeal the decision to cancel his visa or voluntarily return to the UK.
Turner is understood to be a member of the National Socialist Network, the same group that organized an anti-Jewish rally outside the New South Wales parliament last year.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated, Our government has zero tolerance for bigotry and hate. If you don't like Australia, you can leave. The BBC has contacted the UK Foreign Office for commentary.
Last year, Australia tightened its hate crime laws, introducing mandatory jail terms for displaying hate symbols or performing a Nazi salute. In recent months, police have been cracking down on the use of these symbols amid fears of rising antisemitism and right-wing extremism.
Several foreign nationals with links to Nazi ideology have had their visas revoked, including South African man Matthew Gruter, who was detained last November and had participated in a neo-Nazi rally in Australia. Attendees at that rally were photographed chanting slogans associated with extremist ideologies.
In another recent case, a British man in Queensland was arrested for allegedly using social media to promote pro-Nazi ideology and incite violence against the Jewish community. Australia is intensifying its efforts to combat hate speech and extremist behaviors.
