Ministerial Direction Revised to Prioritise Community Safety in Deportation of Foreign-Born Criminals

Cabinet Minister Murray Watt has announced a revision to ministerial direction 99, shifting the focus to prioritise 'community safety' over ties to Australia in the deportation of foreign-born criminals. The update comes as a response to unintended interpretations by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, aiming to ensure that public safety remains the primary concern in such decisions.

Cabinet Minister Murray Watt announced a revision to ministerial direction 99, prioritizing “community safety” in the deportation of foreign-born criminals over their ties to Australia. This update was driven by unintended interpretations by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), which previously considered a criminal's ties to Australia more heavily. The new direction is aimed at ensuring that community safety remains the primary concern in such decisions. The updated directive has not yet been shared publicly.

Meanwhile, authorities are intensifying the search for a missing woman following a townhouse explosion in Whalan, Sydney. The blast, occurring just before 1pm on Saturday at Waikanda Crescent, caused significant damage to the property and neighboring townhouse. Rescue teams have been hampered by complications including a gas leak, ongoing fire, and structural instability. NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell confirmed the search area is now a crime scene. Despite setbacks, rescue efforts continue with optimism for a successful recovery.