Last Thursday, the federal government 'quietly' passed
an amendment to legislation to deny Australians who normally live
in other countries, from returning home without a border force
exemption.
Until now, residents of other countries who are Australian are
allowed to leave the country without applying for an exemption.
The government's rule change, effective from August 11,
means a person will have to demonstrate to the Australian Border
Force Commissioner a "compelling reason for needing to leave
Australian territory", according to the government's
explanatory statement tabled in Parliament.
It's a change that's come under fire and comes on top of
Australia's other controversial and 'go it alone'
measures to ban its citizens, temporary visa holders, permanent
residents and dual citizens from leaving the country, without
having a compelling reason to do so.
