Federal government launches renewed push to boot ‘a lot’ of foreign-born criminals

The federal government has launched a renewed push to kick foreign-born criminals out of Australia.

It will today reintroduce legislation to the Senate, which was first introduced more than 1200 days ago and opposed by Labor and the Greens, which makes it easier to deport people who’ve committed a serious crime.

Under the proposed amendment, the government could refuse or cancel visas for non-citizens who’ve been convicted of a crime punishable by at least two years’ jail.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke says deportations will be retrospective and “there will be a lot” of foreign-born people deported.

“If you’ve had a conviction of two years or more we’ll be going around and looking at anyone who happens to be on one of those visas,” he told Neil Mitchell.

The amendment would also prevent more serious criminals from ever getting an Australian visa.

Mr Hawke denies the push is trying to wedge Labor on the eve of an election.

“You could say we’re trying to shame them, in front of the public, into supporting good laws,” he said.

“The public agree that serious violent criminals should be deported from Australia.”

Press PLAY below to hear Alex Hawke on the new push, cannabis and Djokovic