18Applications in relation to a return permit

18 Applications in relation to a return permit

(1) An application for a return permit, or for a variation or revocation of a return permit, may be made orally or in writing to: (a) the Minister; or (b) the Department. (2) The Minister may, in writing, authorise any person (whether in or outside Australia) to receive applications on behalf of the Minister or Department for the purposes of subsection (1). (3) If the person to whom the application relates is located outside Australia at the time the application is made, the application must include the following information: (a) the person’s full name; (b) the person’s date and place of birth; (c) the person’s contact details; (d) if the application is for the issue of a return permit—the following information in relation to each child (if any) of the person: (i) whether the child is deceased or alive; (ii) the full name of the child; (iii) the date and place of birth of the child; (iv) if the child is alive—the location of the child. (4) If the person to whom the application relates is in Australia at the time the application is made, the application must include the following information: (a) the person’s full name; (b) the person’s date and place of birth; (c) the person’s current residential address in Australia; (d) the person’s contact details. (5) However, if the person making the application does not have information required by subsection (3) or (4), the person must explain why in the application. (6) If the application is for a variation of a return permit, the application must be accompanied by a statement that specifies: (a) the variation requested to be made; and (b) the reasons why the person to whom the application relates seeks to have the permit varied in the manner requested. (7) If the application is for a revocation of a return permit, the application must be accompanied by a statement that specifies the reasons why the person to whom the application relates seeks to have the permit revoked. (8) If the application is made on behalf of someone else, the person making the application must provide the following in the application: (a) the person’s full name; (b) the person’s contact details; (c) the person’s relationship to the person to whom the application relates; (d) a statement that the person to whom the application relates has consented to the person making the application on their behalf.

Note: Sections 137.1 and 137.2 of the Criminal Code create offences for providing false or misleading information or documents.