austlii:cth/ARTA/2025/2060
General information, not legal advice.
ARTA
2025-10-14
Original judgment source is linked above.
Ms THIENGTHAM has not satisfied me that she passes the character test. I have decided to exercise my discretion under s501(1) of the Act to refuse to grant Ms THIENGTHAM a Partner (Temporary) Class UK visa. I hereby refuse to grant Ms THIENGTHAM a Partner (Temporary) Class UK visa. My reasons for this decision are set out in the attached Statement of Reasons.
CONCLUSION > > 124. I have found that Ms THIENGTHAM does not pass the character test and she has not satisfied me that she passes the character test. > > 125. In considering the use of my discretion, I have given the highest priority to the safety of the Australian community and the need to protect its safety. > > 126. When considering the factors that weigh in favour of granting a visa in this case, I have taken into account that the best interests of Mr Pearson's three grandchildren, with whom Ms THIENGTHAM has some level of relationship weigh in favour of granting the visa and I have given this consideration some weight, for reasons as discussed above. > > 127. I found other factors also weigh in favour of visa grant. I found the strength, nature and duration of Ms THIENGTHAM's ties to Australia weighed somewhat against refusal of her visa. I found Ms THIENGTHAM's impediments to return to Thailand and the impact on Australian business interests both weighed very little against refusal of her visa. > > 128. However, I have also given significant weight to the very serious nature of Ms THIENGTHAM's criminal conduct related to human trafficking and the serious nature of her other conduct, in repeatedly providing false and misleading information about her criminal history. These matters weigh heavily against granting a visa to Ms THIENGTHAM. > > 129. In my view, the Australian community would expect that non-citizens who have a history of such conduct should be denied the privilege of coming to, or forfeit the privilege of staying in, Australia. > > 130. I consider that where serious harm could be inflicted on the Australian community, any risk of reoffending may be considered unacceptable. I consider this to be so here. > > 131. In addition to the need to protect the Australian community from risks of harm, I have also considered what the community would expect in relation to non-citizens of character concern. I am of the view that the community generally would not expect non-citizens who have committed very serious criminal offences and have engaged in other serious conduct to hold a visa in Australia, especially where the non-citizen continues to pose a significant risk to the community. > > 132. I have found that the factors that weigh against grant of Ms THIENGTHAM's Partner (Temporary) Class UK visa application outweigh the factors in favour of grant and that Ms THIENGTHAM presents a risk of harm to the Australian community which is unacceptable.
501 Refusal or cancellation of visa on character grounds > > Decision of Minister or delegate - natural justice applies > > (1) The Minister may refuse to grant a visa to a person if the person > > does not satisfy the Minister that the person passes the character > > test. > > Note: Character test is defined by subsection (6).
For the purposes of this section, a person does not pass the > > character test if: > > (a) the person has a substantial criminal record (as defined by subsection (7)).
(1) Australia has a sovereign right to determine whether non-citizens who are of character concern are allowed to enter and/or remain in Australia. Being able to come to or remain in Australia is a privilege Australia confers on non-citizens in the expectation that they are, and have been, law-abiding, will respect important institutions, such as Australia's law enforcement framework, and will not cause or threaten harm to individuals or the Australian community. > > (2) The safety of the Australian Community is the highest priority of the Australian Government. > > (3) Non-citizens who engage or have engaged in criminal or other serious conduct should expect to be denied the privilege of coming to, or to forfeit the privilege of staying in, Australia. > > (4) The Australian community expects that the Australian Government can and should refuse entry to non-citizens, or cancel their visas, if they engaged in conduct, in Australia or elsewhere, that raises serious character concerns. This expectation of the Australian community applies regardless of whether the noncitizen poses a measureable risk of causing physical harm to the Australian community. > > (5) Australia has a low tolerance of any criminal or other serious conduct by visa applicants or those holding a limited stay visa, or by other non-citizens who have been participating in, and contributing to, the Australian community only for a short period of time. > > (6) With respect to decisions to refuse, cancel, and revoke cancellation of a visa, Australia may afford a higher level of tolerance of criminal or other serious conduct by non-citizens who have lived in the Australian community for most of their life, or from a very young age. > > (7) Decision-makers must take into account the primary and other considerations relevant to the individual case. In some circumstances, the nature of the non-citizen's conduct, or the harm that would be caused if the conduct were to be repeated, may be so serious that even strong countervailing considerations may be insufficient to justify not cancelling or refusing the visa, or revoking a mandatory cancellation. > > (8) The inherent nature of certain conduct such as family violence is so serious that even strong countervailing considerations may be insufficient to justify not cancelling or refusing the visa, or revoking a mandatory cancellation, even if the information available at the time of consideration suggests that the noncitizen does not pose a measureable risk of causing physical harm to the Australian community.
16. As stated by the Full Court of the Federal Court in Kumar v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, although the Tribunal is required to take into account Direction 99, that direction does not dictate the outcome of the review before the Tribunal. The primary and other considerations in Direction 99 are mandatory relevant considerations but are 'not an exhaustive universe' of considerations. > > 17. Complying with Direction 99 is no substitute for the Tribunal reading, identifying, understanding and evaluating the case made by an applicant on the material before the Tribunal. > > 18. It is not sufficient for the Tribunal to weigh each of the considerations in Direction 99 separately and then aggregate each of the individual assessments by some form of calculus. Instead, the Tribunal must undertake a process of weighing and balancing, by which it evaluates the different considerations in relation to each other in a balancing exercise in order to reach the ultimate conclusion required by s 501(1) of the Act.__] > > 18. The discretion conferred by s 501(1) of the Act is to be exercised subject to the Act and subject to the self-evident Australian community protective purpose of the discretion. However, by the very circumstance that the section confers a discretion, it necessarily follows that Parliament has accepted that this purpose is not necessarily served in a given case by a refusal to grant a visa to a person who does not pass the character test.
(a) The Applicant; > > (b) Mr Ian Pearson (her partner); > > (c) Ms Kristina Pearson, the daughter of Mr Pearson; > > (d) Ms Jilapada Silapong, partner of the Applicant's daughter.
I am writing this letter to provide further clarification regarding my past criminal case. I did not have the opportunity to present the truth before the court, as I had entrusted my case to a lawyer whom I believe would represent me fairly. Unfortunately, the lawyer did not provide any assistance and assured me that everything could be resolved because a friend who had travelled with the complainant was willing to testify that I had nothing to do with sending them to Bahrain and that I was not involved in the allegations. > > As I had no knowledge of legal proceedings, I place my trust in my lawyer. However, on the day of the hearing, I was told by the lawyer to accept all statements made by the complainant. I was shocked and completely unprepared for this. The court immediately delivered the judgement, sentencing me to 2 years in prison. I was taken into custody right away. Later, my lawyer demanded an additional fee at a very high amounts which I could not afford, leaving me without legal support. > > Regarding the plane tickets that the complainant claimed I delivered, I had already informed the police from the beginning that I could prove my innocence by requesting airport CCTV footage to confirm that I did not deliver any tickets. As for the allegation that I applied for visas for the complainants, this was untrue because Thai citizens can travel to Bahrain without a visa. They can simply purchase a ticket and travel. Unfortunately, I never had a chance to clarify these facts in court. > > During my time in prison, I reflected deeply on everything. I accepted the court's decision and did not request a public defender, nor did I appeal. I am truly grateful for the mercy shown by the Appeal Court and the Supreme Court, which reduced my sentence to one year and 4 months. > > While in prison, I behaved well and never caused any problems. I volunteered to work in the prison laundry until the day of my release. After being released, I waited for the Supreme Court's decision and never attempted to escape or break any rules. > > The mistake cost me everything. My ex-husband abandoned me and never visited. I lost my future, and it was extremely difficult to integrate into society. I was ashamed to face people, withdrew from social interactions, and carried a criminal record that destroyed opportunities for my life. I felt deep regret that my children had to feel ashamed because their mother had been in prison, and my younger sister had to take on the responsibility of raising them. I never want to make another mistake or face a similar situation again. > > I cannot fully express how deeply remorseful I am for what happened. It was one of the hardest times in my life. Since then, I have rebuilt my life, found work, adapted to society, and created new opportunities to move forward - until I met Ian.
... During my first visa application. I had enlisted the help of an agent in Thailand to apply for the visa and was granted a one-year visa to enter Australia for the first time. I travelled with two daughters of a friend. As I do not speak English, the eldest daughter of my friend filled out the incoming passenger cards for me, and I only signed it. I was unaware that there was a question about whether I had a criminal record. > > In my first entry, I had no intention of concealing any information. It wasn't until my second trip to Australia that I became aware of the question while filling out the incoming passenger card by myself at the airport using a translation app. I was shocked and anxious, realizing that if I had answered truthfully at the time, it might have contradicted my previous entry, potentially causing problems and leading to immediate deportation to Thailand by immigration officials. > > It was out of fear and lack of foresight, I selfishly concealed this information multiple times, which has understandably impacted my credibility. > > At the time, I was determined to maintain my relationship with Ian, as we had only recently started seeing each other. Ian worked hard to make ends meet and save money for visits to Thailand, but he couldn't afford many trips. Thus, I travelled to Australia to see him instead. > > On my third entry, I had a serious conversation with Ian about whether our relationship should continue, as my visa was nearing expiration, and I wouldn't be able to return to Australia. Ian assured me that he was committed to our relationship and wanted to move forward and apply for a Partner Visa. > > Each time I entered Australia, I carried a sense of guilt and worry. I was never at peace, as the guilt lingered in my heart. I only acted to give myself a chance to have someone in my life. During our relationship, Ian showed genuine care and concern for me, treating me well despite his own modest means. Ian was serious and sincere, unaware of my actions until I told him when he was ready to apply for a Partner Visa. > > Initially, Ian was shocked and asked for the full story. However, he gave me a chance to start over and find ways to rectify the mistakes I had made. Since spending several years together, we have taken care of each other through sickness, hardship, and joy. I have built a good relationship with Ian's family, helping care for his grandchildren. I have been accepted and loved by his family, contributed to the community, and adhered to Australian laws. I have improved myself, worked responsibly, and never caused any harm or posed a danger to society.
In 2022, when my father Ian suffered a heart attack, [the applicant] was right by his side every single day, providing care, comfort and strength during one of the most challenging periods of his life. I have seen first-hand how much happiness and stability she brings to him, and I can honestly say that she has made a lasting and positive difference not only in his life, but to all of ours as well.
Anna has bought her skills first to Lismore and now to Casino, where she has established a small business that has become an important part of the local community. Beyond her business, she actively supports and participate in community events, including Anzac services, community markets, and other gatherings. > > I have personally recommended and is services to many people, including colleagues from my large workplace, and the feedback has always been positive. Her business provides a valuable service that spares Casino residence from having to travel more than 25 minutes to Lismore. Her presence and contribution are, in my view, an asset to the casino community.
PRIMARY CONSIDERATION 1- PROTECTION OF AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY
(a) the nature and seriousness of the non-citizen's conduct to date; and > > (b) the risk to the Australian community, should the non-citizen commit further offences or engage in other serious conduct.[34]
..., the particular circumstances of the applicant's offending highlight its seriousness. The offending conduct involved her encouraging and arranging for a Thai woman to travel to Bahrain and work as a prostitute as part of a sex trafficking enterprise. She and her co-offenders preyed on the victim's vulnerability and financial difficulties, in recruiting her and in coercing her to pay 50,000 baht if she wanted to return home. The applicant was plainly involved in the enterprise and well aware of its manipulative and degrading nature, for financial gain and with no regard for the wellbeing, safety and dignity of the victim. The applicant's involvement in such an enterprise was a callous and abhorrent manipulation of a vulnerable woman and should be regarded as a serious case of criminality.
(a) was impermissible having regard to the decision of the Full Court of the Federal Court of Australia in HZCP v Minister for Immigration and the Border Protection;[39] > > (b) demonstrates a consistent denial of responsibility, lack of remorse and absence of any insight into the harms associated with her offending.
As regards the applicant's provision of false and misleading information to Australian authorities, the applicant accepts that she engaged in that conduct in relation to each entry into Australia subsequent to her first because she knew that if she told the truth she would be denied entry or deported. The applicant says this was out of "fear, not fraud" (ACS [4.2]). But inherent in the nature of fraudulent conduct is that it is engaged in because the person knows that deceit is the only avenue via which they will obtain the desired outcome. The applicant's "fear" of the legal processes that might have unfolded if she had been forthcoming about her criminal history does not assist her case. But it does, in the Minister's submission, substantiate his contention that the applicant is a person who has not achieved anything resembling the kind of rehabilitation that might lead the Tribunal to view her as posing something less than a real risk of further offending.
3.1 Trafficking offences are inherently serious and contrary to international norms. > > 3.2 However, the seriousness must be assessed in light of the actual conduct. On her account, the Applicant was not an organiser, recruiter, or profiteer; she acted merely as a go-between, with no evidence of coercion or financial gain. > > 3.3 Under Australian evidentiary standards, it is doubtful whether such limited conduct - passing on a phone number - would have sustained a conviction for trafficking. > > 3.4 While the Tribunal must accept the conviction exists, it is entitled, in exercising discretion, to give it less weight given the questionable trial process, minor involvement, and the 15+ years that have passed since.
4.1 The Applicant admits she incorrectly answered "No" to the criminal conviction question on her incoming passenger cards. > > 4.2 Her explanation is that she feared being automatically denied entry if she answered truthfully. This was an error of judgment made out of fear, not fraud. > > 4.3 The conduct was wrong but is distinguishable from deliberate, repeated criminal dishonesty. Since then, she has made full disclosure of her conviction in immigration processes. > > 4.4 The provision of false information therefore does not establish an ongoing risk but reflects a mistake under pressure.
(a) the Applicant's conduct is not so serious that any risk of repetition would be unacceptable; > > (b) the nature of the harm to individuals or the Australian community should the Applicant engage in the conduct for which she was convicted would be serious; > > (c) the evidence indicates further criminal offending is unlikely, the Applicant is remorseful for her conduct and her time in the community since she was released imprisonment, both in Thailand and in Australia, suggests the applicant is rehabilitated and will not further engage in illegal conduct.
PRIMARY CONSIDERATION 2- FAMILY VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY THE NON-CITIZEN
PRIMARY CONSIDERATION 3- STRENGTH, NATURE AND DURATION OF TIES TO AUSTRALIA
52 It can be accepted that the applicant provides Mr Pearson with emotional, mental and physical support, and if the applicant were removed from Australia this would create a significant hurdle for the applicant and Mr Pearson in maintaining their relationship. As such, the Minister accepts that the applicant's removal would have a significant impact on Mr Pearson. The Minister also accepts that this consideration weighs in favour of not exercising the discretion to refuse the visa. However, the following matters are relevant to the weight that this consideration should carry. > > 53 Firstly, as to Mr Pearson's health needs, his family reside in Casino, he is an Australian citizen who is entitled to assistance from Medicare and other social welfare as needed, and there is no apparent reason why his family could not support him. > > 54 Secondly, the applicant has been in Australia since 2020 and for a period of some four years before then, the couple were able to maintain a distance relationship and by visiting each other. Virtual contact and visits to Thailand by Mr Pearson would remain possible. > > 55 Thirdly, the Tribunal should have regard to the fact that the applicant's visits and residence in Australia have occurred in circumstances where she undermined the integrity of Australia's migration system by providing false information as to her criminal conduct in respect of each visa she applied for. > > 56 Turning to the family, through Mr Pearson, the applicant has a relationship with his daughters (Kristina and Sarah) and his grandchildren ... . The applicant also has a relationship with Mr Pearson's ex-partner, Ms Josephine Pearson. From these statements, the Minister accepts that the applicant plays a role in the lives of the people in Mr Pearson's extended family. The applicant contends that she "is deeply integrated into [Mr Pearson's'] family". However, there is no evidence demonstrating how the applicant interacts with his daughters or ex-wife, or to suggest that they rely on her for any practical, financial, or emotional support. Further, the applicant would be able to maintain a relationship with these individuals if she were returned to Thailand, through virtual contact and visits to Thailand. > > 57 The second limb of this consideration requires the Tribunal to consider the strength, nature and duration of any other ties in Australia (paragraph 8.3(2)). The applicant has resided in Australia on a permanent basis since March 2020. This is not trivial but also a relatively confined period - she arrived here as an adult, at the age of 44 years old, having lived most of her life in Thailand. The applicant has also provided two statements of support from members of the community of Casino, and appears to have assisted the community following the Lismore floods. The applicant's employment ties are addressed below. To the extent that the applicant has made a positive contribution to the Australian community, this should be weighed against the significant detriment to the community any reoffending would cause. > > 58 Overall, while this primary consideration weighs in the applicant's favour, the Tribunal should give it moderate weight.
(a) Mr Pearson's evidence that he would follow the Applicant to Thailand if she was removed. Further if this did not occur, his family would assist him in applying for the age pension and that the assistance available to him "moderates the Applicant's previous contention that Mr Pearson will be left without a "primary carer" or support if the Tribunal makes an adverse decision"; and > > (b) the asserted tie to Ms Silapong is not a tie to Australia and there is no basis for Ms Silapong's assertion she will suffer significant hardship if the Applicant is removed to Thailand. In this regard the Respondent notes Ms Silapong holds a work and holiday visa and has a spouse (the Applicant's daughter) in Thailand.
PRIMARY CONSIDERATION 4- BEST INTERESTS OF MINOR CHILDREN IN AUSTRALIA AFFECTED BY THE DECISION
PRIMARY CONSIDERATION 5- EXPECTATIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN COMMUNITY
(a) the difficulty in obtaining someone to work in the business while the Applicant was in Sydney attending the hearing of these proceedings; and > > (b) the lack of any identified competition,
there seems little prospect of Mr Pearson being able to maintain the business and that the business would be forced to close if the Applicant was required to depart Australia. While the amount is unknown, this would likely cause financial loss to the Applicant and Mr Pearson and to the Applicant's sister, Vilawan.
(c) Primary consideration 1 (Protection of Australian community) weighs in favour of refusing the Partner Visa. > > (d) Primary consideration 2 (Family violence committed by the noncitizen) has been given no weight as there are no reported incidents. > > (e) Primary consideration 3 (strength, nature and duration of ties to Australia) weighs strongly against the exercise of the discretion to refuse the Partner Visa. > > (f) Primary consideration 4 (Best interests of minor children in Australia affected by the decision) weighs strongly against the exercise of a discretion to refuse the Partner Visa. > > (g) Primary consideration 5 (Expectations of the Australian community) weighs in favour of refusing the Partner Visa.
The Tribunal sets aside the decision under review and in substitution decides that discretion should not be exercised to refuse to grant the visa to the Applicant under s 501(1) of the Migration Act 1958.
[9] HB 478 and following, see HB 565 for particulars of visas sought
[35] Respondent's SFICS at [20] - HB 68
[36] the respondent referred to PNLB and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Migration) [2018] AATA 162 at [22]
[37] Respondent's SFICS at [31] - HB 68-9
[38] Respondent's written closing submissions at [6]
[40] Respondent's closing submissions at [7]
[41] Applicant's closing submissions at paragraph 2.2
[42] Applicant's closing submissions at paragraph 3
[43] Applicant's closing submissions at paragraph 4
[50] Respondent's closing submissions at [9]
[51] Respondent's SFICS at [61 - HB 76
[54] Paragraph 8.5 (1) of the Direction
[55] Paragraph 8.5 (2) of the Direction
[56] Respondent's SFICS at [74] - HB 78
Kumar
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
Kumar v Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (Migration) [2023] AATA 4069
HZCP v Minister for Immigration and the Border Protection [2019] FCAFC 202; (2019) 273 FCR 121
PNLB v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Migration) [2018] AATA 162
(2019) 273 FCR 121