[2018] AATA 3785
General information, not legal advice.
Administrative Appeals Tribunal of Australia
2018-10-11
Deputy President J
Original judgment source is linked above.
Zyaran and Minister for Home Affairs (Migration) [2018] AATA 3785 (11 October 2018)
The reviewable decision made 18 July 2018, being the decision of the delegate of the Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, not to revoke the decision made 1 September 2017 to cancel Mr Zyaran's Class BB Subclass 155 Five Year Resident Return visa, is affirmed.
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MIGRATION - mandatory cancellation of visa - failure to pass character test - substantial criminal record - whether the discretion to revoke the cancellation should be exercised - Ministerial Direction No. 65 - primary considerations - protection of the Australian community from criminal or other serious conduct - nature and seriousness of conduct - robbery - assault of an officer in the execution of duty - assault of taxi driver - property offences - possession or use of a prohibited weapon without a permit - nature of future harm - likelihood of engaging in further criminal or other serious conduct - expectations of the Australian community - risk to the Australian community - impediments if removed from Australia - decision affirmed
Migration Act 1958 (Cth)
Marzano v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2017] FCAFC 66
YNQY v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2017] FCA 1466
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Cth), Direction [No 65] - Visa refusal and cancellation under s501 and revocation of a mandatory cancellation of a visa under section 501CA, 22 December 2014
Primary Consideration 1: Protection of the Australian community from criminal or other serious conduct
Primary Consideration 2: Best interests of minor children in Australia affected by the decision
Primary Consideration 3: Expectations of the Australian community
Aggravated take and drive a motor vehicle with a person in/on it; inflict actual bodily harm; fail to stop in police pursuit; drive recklessly: aggregate 4 years and 6 months imprisonment
Custody of knife in public place: 40 days imprisonment
Robbery in company: 5 years and 6 months imprisonment
Courts' Sentencing Remarks as to the circumstances of the offences
February 2017 - aggravated take and drive motor vehicle and offence relating to police pursuit
On 12 November 2015 at approximately 2am the victim, a taxi driver, was waiting for a passenger at Lidcombe train station. The offender exited the train station and entered the back seat of the taxi and asked to be driven to Liverpool. During the trip the offender asked the victim whether he wanted drugs. From this point onwards the victim's memory of the offence is sporadic as a result of the assault. However, he remembers that he replied with words to the effect that he was going to take the offender to the police station or was going to call the police.
The victim then remembers being outside the taxi and seeing the taxi rolling away with no one inside it. He does not remember how he came to be outside the taxi. The offender removed an object from underneath his shirt and used it to hit the victim on the head, throat and chest. The offender put his hands around the victim's throat and tried to choke him. The victim tried to get back inside the taxi, as he tried to do so the offender repeatedly hit him on his back and tried to close the car door on him. The victim's body was half inside the taxi with his feet still on the road. The victim was in pain and started vomiting. The offender drove away in the taxi.
Immediately following the assault the victim called triple-0, after speaking to the operator he lost consciousness. The police attended to the victim passed out on the side of the road. He started coughing and appeared to have a seizure. He was taken to hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the victim's injuries were not significant in that he sustained a small cut to his forehead as well as pain in his neck and back.
The offender drove the taxi through a number of streets. He was intercepted by police in Hereford Street. Upon sighting police the offender drove the taxi onto a wide median strip in the middle of the road and accelerated across the grass area. The taxi drove at speed towards a marked police car that was parked across the entry to the street.
At the last minute the offender veered around the police car and onto a footpath. The offender drove at approximately 60 kilometres an hour around a bend in the road. Before the offender reached the end of the road he slowed the taxi's speed and opened the driver's side door. Before he could just out [sic] of the moving taxi the car mounted the gutter and travelled across the grass onto another road. The offender's body was partly handing out of the taxi. The taxi continued to veer across the road until it collided with a parked car and then a tree.
At this time the offender jumped out of the taxi and ran directly towards the police car. He was hit by the police car. The police observed the offender lying on the roadway having a seizure. They placed him in the recovery position and waited for an ambulance. He was taken to hospital for treatment. The next day he was discharged into the custody of Corrective Services.[7]
Shortly after 9pm on Sunday, 10 January 2010 the offenders Biu, Peyroux-Dean and Zyaran entered the Green Valley hotel through the front car park entrance of the hotel situated on Cartwright Avenue, Miller. All of the offenders approached the entrance of the hotel wearing hooded jackets, bandanas and gloves. The offender Zyaran was carrying a long-bladed machete whilst the offenders Biu and Peyroux-Dean were armed with screwdrivers.
On the way into the hotel the offender Biu grabbed the victim [...] who was standing outside the hotel waiting for a taxi. [The victim] was lifted up by the offender who said 'Don't do anything or I will stab you'. [The victim] was dragged into the hotel where he fell over inside the entrance door area. Further threats were made for [the victim] to get up and he was walked towards the bar area where he was pushed onto a lounge chair.
The offender Zyaran approached the main bar area whilst holding the machete towards the bar and demanded money from the bar manager [...]. The offenders Peyroux-Dean and Biu approached the victim [...] who was employed as the hotel security guard in the dining room area of the hotel. [The victim] was forced to the ground where he was held down with a screwdriver at his back.
[The bar manager] stood near the cash register as the offender Zyaran reached in and grabbed various notes and coins from the register, placing them into a black backpack. The offender Zyaran then asked [the bar manager] to open the safe located underneath the poker machine till. [The bar manager] told the offender he was unable to open the safe as it was operated on a time delay mechanism.
Green Valley Police were alerted to the robbery by a hotel patron who had managed to exit the hotel without being seen. Police attended the hotel where all offenders were arrested without incident. All of the offenders were conveyed to the Green Valley Police Station. The money stolen from the hotel was found on the offender Zyaran and also in his backpack. The total amount of money stolen in the robbery was $6,303.70. All three offenders declined to participate in a record of interview.[8]
Please note that visa cancellation may be reconsidered if you commit further offences or otherwise breach the character test in future. Disregard of this warning will weigh heavily against you if your case is reconsidered [emphasis in original].[9]
PART C: RELEVANT LEGISLATION
(3A) The Minister must cancel a visa that has been granted to a person if:
(a) the Minister is satisfied that the person does not pass the character test because of the operation of:
(i) paragraph (6)(a) (substantial criminal record), on the basis of paragraph (7)(a), (b) or (c); or
(ii) paragraph (6)(e) (sexually based offences involving a child); and
(b) the person is serving a sentence of imprisonment, on a full-time basis in a custodial institution, for an offence against a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
This mandatory cancellation decision is referred to later in the Act as "the original decision".
(7) For the purposes of the character test, a person has a substantial criminal record if:
(c) the person has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of 12 months or more
PART D: DIRECTION NO. 65
Where the discretion to consider revocation is enlivened, the decision-maker must consider whether to revoke the cancellation given the specific circumstances of the case.
The Government is committed to protecting the Australian community from harm as a result of criminal activity or other serious conduct by non-citizens. The principles below are of critical importance in furthering that objective, and reflect community values and standards with respect to determining whether the risk of future harm from a non-citizen is unacceptable.
In deciding whether to revoke the mandatory cancellation of a non-citizen's visa, the following are primary considerations:
In deciding whether to revoke the mandatory cancellation of a visa, other considerations must be taken into account where relevant. These considerations include (but are not limited to):
F1: Primary Consideration 1: Protection of the Australian community from criminal or other serious conduct
F1.1: The nature and seriousness of Mr Zyaran's conduct to date
F1.2: The risk to the Australian community should Mr Zyaran commit further offences or engage in other serious conduct
**_The likelihood of Mr Zyaran engaging in further criminal or other serious conduct
During my time in jail I have completed the following courses:
Throughout these courses I have learnt how to deal with my emotions in a more positive way and how to make better choices when faced with difficult life situations. I have always held a job in jail where possible and believe that the work ethic I have developed will continue when I am released. I have good job prospects for when I am released.
I admit to having made stupid mistakes whilst growing up resulting in convictions and eventually my incarceration. I believe that the time spent in jail has opened my eyes to the wrongs I have committed and the harm I have caused other people and society at large. I also feel that this time away has led to a strong sense of soul searching and I have found a new purpose in life. I would like to be a contributing member to society and make my family proud of the person I know I can be. I feel that I am on the road to rehabilitation and would like the chance to spend the rest of my life in Australia with my family, whom I love very much.
I provide this reference in full knowledge of Patrick's past convictions. Patrick has pleaded guilty and is genuinely remorseful for his actions. Drugs also contributed to his behaviors and judgments. Most of our conversations during the many visits and numerous phone calls he has continuously acknowledged that he has to change his ways and get rid of the so called people that he thought were his friends. Patrick has taken responsibility for his actions and owns it. I know he has taken a lot of steps during his time in jail to change his attitude since the crime occurred. I believe and know that he is willing to change his ways and behaviors. I strongly believe the [sic] Patrick needs a second chance and support from everyone to redeem himself as an outstanding individual and become a role model for others who may go into the wrong paths as he did so he can let them know from his past life and experiences to better themselves.
...
I know all this negative experiences [sic] has taught hum a valuable lesson and all we need to do is to support him to bring out the good and the best out of this man.[23]
Evidence of Mr Sterjovski, Mr Zyaran's step-father
I have been together with Patrick's mum Marilyn for the past 20 years.
Together we have raised, educated and nurtured Patrick through his Primary to High School years.
...
Patrick has realised and fully accepts that some choices with the wrong associations had led him astray of what path in life he needed to take and cherish.
A good job opportunity, work placement or trial and to enrol in some courses would be valuable for his self-esteem and confidence for him to settle back into a stable routine in life and become a good community citizen.
...
I thank you for this opportunity to allow me to express my feelings towards a young man that I believe in and will continue to support.
I have known Patrick for about 3 years
...
Patrick and I have always had a very close friendship, and we were planning to get more serious with our relationship once he had completed his sentence, with dreams of getting married and eventually starting a family together. This has been put on hold due to Patrick's detainment which has been emotionally and mentally devastating not only on myself, but also his family.
...
I believe Patrick's [sic] needs family to support him through this new chapter of his life. If deported to Fiji, I feel that this would put copious amounts of stress on Patrick and effect [sic] his wellbeing as he would have no money, no family to turn to and be homeless. Patrick being deported back to Fiji, not only effects [sic] him but also effects [sic] myself and his family. I believe if given the opportunity, Patrick can prove that he can be a contributing member of the Australian society.
Availability of support from Transition Reintegration and Community Connection Program (OnTRACC)
This letter is to confirm that Mr Patrick Zyaran has been referred to the OnTRACC (Transition Reintegration and Community Connection) program whilst in custody. OnTRACC is a 12 month voluntary program delivered in partnership with Corrective Services NSW, which supports medium to high risk (LSI-R) parolees in the Sydney Metro region to successfully reintegrate into the community and reduce their risk of reoffending.
The OnTRACC program provides support to Parolees, subject to an individual's needs, in the following areas:
- securing housing
- scheduling and attending appointments
- assistance with referrals and paperwork
- seeking employment or training opportunities
- legal support with fines and/or debt
- strengthening a client's formal and informal supports in the community
- supporting integration with pro social networks
The Courts' Sentencing remarks as to prospects of rehabilitation
His mother believes that he was disadvantages by not having a father figure in his life during his earlier years, however, the offender is fortunate to have a good relationship with his stepfather over the past twelve years.
According to the pre-sentence report he appears to have a close and supportive relationship with his mother. His mother has indicated that he is welcome to return to live with her and her husband when he is released from custody provided he behaves himself.[28]
I am somewhat guarded about the offender's prospects of rehabilitation and the likelihood of his re-offending. He does have a record of previous convictions and committed these offences only four months after the expiration of his last parole period. He appears to have an unresolved substance abuse problem that contributes to his offending conduct.
The offender does enjoy the support of his mother, stepfather and extended family. I have also had regard to the references tendered on his behalf that he is deeply sorry for his actions. I am not satisfied that he fully appreciates the seriousness of his actions and the underlying factors giving rise to his criminal behaviour. It may well be that as a result of the difficulty he has remembering the circumstances relating to the offences, he is unable to fully appreciate the extent of his wrongdoing. However, I accept that he has expressed some remorse for his actions, a factor that is relevant to his prospects of rehabilitation.
...
This is not a case where it can be said that there is no prospect of rehabilitation. I am prepared to find that he has some prospects of rehabilitation. Furthermore, I note that when the offender was released from custody in 2015 he had no form of identification which would have no doubt hindered his prospects in the community. I accept that since that time his mother has located his birth certificate and an expired Fijian passport which will allow him to apply for further forms of identification will be significantly enhanced by a period of supervised parole.[29]
F2: Primary Consideration 2: Best interests of minor children in Australia affected by the decision
F3: Primary Consideration 3: Expectations of the Australian community
In substance this consideration is adverse to any applicant. As the Minister submits, it is inextricably linked to the other primary consideration of protection of the Australian community. In particular, the last two sentences of para 13.3 of the Direction suggest the "expectations" about which it speaks are expectations adverse to the position of any applicant who has failed the character test and been convicted of serious crimes. In this primary consideration as expressed (and despite the references earlier in the Direction to "tolerance") the Australian community's "expectations" are defined only in one particular way: namely, that the Australian community "expects" non-revocation where a person has been convicted of serious crimes of a certain nature. That is, this is not a consideration dealing with any objective, or ascertainable expectations of the Australian community. It is a kind of deeming provision by the Minister about how he or she, and the executive government of which he or she is member, wish to articulate community expectations, whether or not there is any objective basis for that belief. That is the structure of this part of the Direction.[33]
Strength, nature and duration of ties to Australia
My mum has been very stressed and has been put [sic] medication for high blood pressure anxiety. I have lived with my mother since birth without a father. She has looked after me all these years and it is now time for me to look after her as is custom to my religion.[35]
**_Extent of impediments Mr Zyaran may face if he is removed from Australia
Based on his presentation in a clinical interview, Mr Zyaran was thought to have made a good initial recovery from a serious brain injury. Further improvement can be expected over the next twelve months or so. However, serious head injuries frequently result in subtly personality change, with a coarsening of pre-existing traits, reduced inhibition, increased irritability and impaired problem solving ability. Hence Mr Zyaran will probably require the support of a brain injury rehabilitation service to help him to recognise those limitations and to provide him with the support he needs to resume work and manage other social demands.
Mr Zyaran's prognosis is closely linked to the course of his substance use disorder. Hence he requires ongoing supervision and support to help him maintain abstinence from illegal drugs after his release, and also to minimise any alcohol use, as his tolerance to the effects of alcohol is likely to be far lower. He is also likely to derive some benefit from treatment for anxiety and depression with antidepressant medication and counselling.[38]
The government provides generous public health services, including free primary and secondary health care. However, x-ray and other support services are not generally subsidised.[39]
I certify that the preceding 97 (ninety-seven) paragraphs are a true copy of the reasons for the decision herein of Deputy President J W Constance
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Agg take/drive m/v with person in/on it-inflict abh-t1
Police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly - 1st off-t2
H 59188624: imprisonment (aggregate): 4 years and 6 months commence 12/11/2015 conclude 11/05/2020.
non parole period with conditions: 2 years and 4 months commence 12/11/2015 conclude 11/03/2018.
Indicative: (h59188624) 2015/00334424-003 (003) 4 years non parole period 2 years 2015/00334424-002 (002) 13 months release subject to supv court case reference number 2015/00334424
H 59188624: imprisonment (aggregate): 4 years and 6 months commence 12/11/2015 conclude 11/05/2020.
non parole period with conditions: 2 years and 4 months commence 12/11/2015 conclude 11/03/2018.
Indicative: (h59188624) 2015/00334424-003 (003) 4 years non parole period 2 years 2015/00334424-002 (002) 13 months release subject to supv disqualification - driver: 2 years court case reference number 2015/00334424
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not m/v)
Goods in personal custody suspected being stolen (not m/v)
Possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit-t2
Custody of knife in public place - subsequent offence
H 55481745: imprisonment: 40 days commencing 21/08/2014 concluding 30/09/2014
H 39699761: imprisonment: 5 years and 6 Months to commence 100110 conclude 090715 non parole period with conditions: 3 years and 6 Months release subject to supv (agd/jl 190111) (dna/rt 62910) (District Court 90016172) court case reference number 2010/8931
Never licensed person drive vehicle on road-1st offence
Wilfully use offensive language on train/rail land/monorail
H 28684601: s10a conviction with no other penalty: (eeco 3627)
H 28684601: s10a conviction with no other penalty: (eeco 3627)
Behave in offensive manner in/near public place/school
[4] The cancellation was mandatory in accordance with the provisions of subsection 501(3A) of the Act.
[10] Applicant's Statement of Issues, Facts and Contentions dated 15 June 2016 at [3].
[11] Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Cth), Direction [No 65] - Visa refusal and cancellation under s501 and revocation of a mandatory cancellation of a visa under section 501CA, 22 December 2014, at [6.2(3)], [8(1)].
[14] Marzano v Minister for Immigration and Border Protection [2017] FCAFC 66 at [31].
[15] 'Serious conduct' is defined in Annex B to the Direction to include conduct of concern which may not constitute a criminal offence.
[17] Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Cth), Direction [No 65] - Visa refusal and cancellation under s501 and revocation of a mandatory cancellation of a visa under section 501CA, 22 December 2014, at [13.1.2(1)].
[39] Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Country Information Report: Fiji 17 September 2017 at 6 at [2.24] http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/publications/Documents/country-information-report-fiji.pdf viewed 5 October 2018.
Marzano
Minister for Immigration and Border Protection