Character applications before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal : practical guidance for the conscientious practitioner

Non-citizens who seek residence of any kind in Australia are subject to strict statutory regulation under the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (the Act). One aspect of that statutory regulation is that non-citizens who have engaged in criminal or other adverse conduct can be the subject of visa cancellation and refusal decisions under pt 9 of the Act.1 This article offers practical guidance for the conscientious practitioner acting in character-related matters before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).