Claims Peter Dutton Intervened In Au Pair Case For AFL Boss Gil McLachlan

A third au pair


Article heading image for Claims Peter Dutton Intervened In Au Pair Case For AFL Boss Gil McLachlan

AAP

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton may have new questions to answer following revelations he personally intervened to stop the deportation of a third au pair.

Mr Dutton, who's facing an upcoming Senate inquiry over his involvement in the cases of two other au pairs, sought a briefing on the third after she arrived in Australia in November 2015.

Border force officers detained the woman for questioning over concerns she intended to work in the country.

Mr Dutton reportedly used his powers to approve the 27-year-old's release after his office was lobbied by AFL boss Gil McLachlan on behalf of a relative in South Australia.

Documents obtained by the ABC show Mr Dutton granted the woman a three-month tourist visa, on the condition she did not work.

"Having regard to this person's particular circumstances and personal characteristics, I have decided to use my discretionary powers ... as it would be in the public interest to grant this person a visa," he wrote.

"In the circumstances, I have decided that as a discretionary and humanitarian act to an individual with ongoing needs, it is in the interests of Australia as a humane and generous society to grant this person a visitor visa (subclass 600) for a period of three months."

Greens Senator Nick McKim quickly seized on the reports.

"Dutton has some serious questions to answer. Looking forward to the Senate inquiry," he posted to Twitter.

So too did opposition immigration spokesman Shayne Neumann.

"Labor expects the new Prime Minister Scott Morrison to ensure his minister fully cooperates with the Senate Inquiry and its efforts to get to the bottom of these matters," he said on Tuesday.

Mr Dutton and the AFL have been contacted for comment.

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28 August 2018




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