Key points
- Arrest follows extremist social media posts
- Weapons seized during Queensland home search
- Deportation pending court case and appeal
SYDNEY: Australian authorities have cancelled the visa of a British national and begun deportation proceedings after he was charged with allegedly displaying Nazi symbols and promoting extremist ideology online, officials said on Wednesday.
The 43-year-old man, who had been living in Queensland, was arrested earlier this month and charged after police alleged he used social media platforms to post the Nazi swastika, promote pro-Nazi views and incite violence against the Jewish community. Following his arrest, he was taken into immigration detention in Brisbane and is expected to appear in court in January.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visa cancellation, saying Australia would not tolerate hate-driven conduct. “If you come to Australia on a visa, you are here as a guest,” Burke said, adding that the individual “came here to hate” and therefore did not have the right to remain.
Police said the case is part of a broader crackdown amid a reported rise in antisemitism and right-wing extremism across the country. Earlier this year, Australia strengthened its hate crime laws, introducing mandatory jail terms for displaying banned hate symbols or performing a Nazi salute.
Online activity
Investigators began examining the man’s online activity in October after alleged extremist posts appeared on X. Police said that after his account was blocked, he created a new profile and continued sharing offensive content.
Authorities later searched his home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, seizing mobile phones, weapons, knives and several swords bearing swastika symbols. He was charged with three counts of displaying prohibited Nazi symbols and one count of using the internet to cause offence.
The man retains the right to appeal the visa decision and may either leave Australia voluntarily or be deported following legal proceedings.
