Changes to the Migration Act character test

05/07/2011

Changes to the Migration Act that toughen the penalties for criminal behaviour in immigration detention have been passed by the Australian Parliament. Under the Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test and Other Provisions) Bill 2011 a person would fail the character test should they be convicted of any offence committed while in immigration detention, while the maximum penalty for the manufacture, possession, use or distribution of weapons by immigration detainees has also increased from three to five years’ imprisonment.

**5 July 2011 **