Backpackers involved in a crowded Christmas gathering at Sydney's Bronte Beach may have their visas cancelled.
Key points:
- Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said Christmas revellers in Sydney's Bronte Beach could have their visas cancelled
- The large gathering was held on Christmas, and many of those involved were on holiday in Australia
- Much of Sydney is under COVID restrictions following an outbreak in the northern beaches
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said the Government would assess anyone on a temporary visa caught breaching public health orders in the lead-up to New Year's Day celebrations, including those found to have breached rules last week.
Video of a party of hundreds of revellers held on the Bronte foreshore on Christmas Day was shared widely over the weekend.
"I was shocked at the scenes on Bronte Beach there," Mr Hawke told radio station 2GB.
"Under the Migration Act, if somebody is threatening public safety or health, their visa can be cancelled and revoked."
COVID restrictions for Christmas Day restricted outdoor gatherings to no more than 100 people outside the northern beaches.
Those living closer to the COVID outbreak in Avalon were not able to gather outdoors with more than one person.
Mr Hawke said he had instructed the Department of Home Affairs "to work closely" with NSW authorities to make sure everyone was doing the right thing.
"If anyone is caught doing the wrong thing, their visa status will be brought before the Federal Government," he said.
Despite restrictions to international travel, Mr Hawke said deportation was still possible.
Over the weekend NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard described the behaviour as "absolutely appalling".
"There was clearly a large group of people that didn't give a damn about the rest of Sydney," Mr Hazzard said.
Earlier in the year a spike in COVID cases was linked to backpackers in Sydney's eastern suburbs.
But some backpackers were critical of others who flouted the rules.
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMicGh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmFiYy5uZXQuYXUvbmV3cy8yMDIwLTEyLTI5L2Jyb250ZS1iZWFjaC1iYWNrcGFja2Vycy1mYWNlLWRlcG9ydGF0aW9uLWJyZWFjaC1uc3ctY292aWQtcnVsZXMvMTMwMTg5NzbSASdodHRwczovL2FtcC5hYmMubmV0LmF1L2FydGljbGUvMTMwMTg5NzY?oc=5
2020-12-29 00:44:00Z
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