This is a report setting out the findings of the Australian Human Rights Commission (Commission) following an inquiry into the detention of refugees who have had their visas cancelled or refused on character grounds under s 501 of the Migration Act 1958 (Cth) (Migration Act).

The Federal Government is predicting a 30 per cent drop in the number of migrants this financial year, and an 85 per cent drop in 2020-21 (compared with 2018-19). Some argue the coronavirus-induced slump offers an opportunity to rethink Australia's migration program.

This report recommends that the Australian government assess all current and future proposals for outsourcing government services against a ‘public interest test’, which includes flow-on economic and employment impacts.

This report examines how sentencing courts deal with an offender’s potential deportation from Australia. It summarises the ways that potential deportation can affect an offender’s sentence. It also identifies unresolved issues that courts may need to consider in the context of sentencing offenders who may face deportation.

Permanent residence visas issued to persons sponsored by an Australian resident for a partner visa make up 25% of Australia’s permanent entry migration program. This paper argues that this is because the partner visa is an attractive permanent residence option for the very large number of temporary migrants who are already here.