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Visa cancelled after Nazi symbol allegations
A 43-year-old British national living in Queensland has had his Australian visa revoked and now faces deportation after being accused of posting Nazi imagery and promoting violent extremist views online.
Arrest and charges
The man was arrested earlier this month following an investigation into social media activity where he allegedly shared a Nazi swastika, disseminated pro-Nazi ideology, and made threats against the Jewish community. Police detained him in Brisbane this week, with his first court appearance scheduled for January.
Government response to extremism
Australian authorities have intensified efforts to curb the use of prohibited symbols amid a surge in antisemitic incidents and far-right extremism. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the man had abused his visa status, emphasizing that Australia does not tolerate hate.
"He came here to hate-he doesn't get to stay. If you come to Australia on a visa, you are here as a guest," Burke told the ABC on Wednesday.
Tony Burke, Australian Home Affairs Minister
Recent precedent and legal context
Last month, Burke revoked the visa of Matthew Gruter, a South African national, after he attended a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales parliament. Like Gruter, the British man may appeal the decision or choose voluntary departure to avoid deportation.
Police are reportedly considering whether to delay his removal to allow him to stand trial next month. Under laws introduced earlier this year, displaying hate symbols or performing Nazi salutes now carries mandatory prison sentences.
Investigation details
Queensland police launched an inquiry in October after the man allegedly posted extremist content on X (formerly Twitter). When his account was suspended, he created a new one under a similar name and continued sharing offensive material, authorities said.
A search of his Caboolture home in late November uncovered phones, weapons, and swords bearing swastika engravings. He now faces three counts of displaying banned Nazi symbols and one charge of using the internet to cause offense.
Authorities' stance on hate symbols
Australian Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt stressed the importance of preventing symbols from undermining social cohesion. "If we identify instances where this is happening, we will act swiftly to disrupt the behavior, prosecute those involved, and protect the dignity, safety, and cohesion of our diverse community," he said earlier this month.
Next steps
The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment, though no response has been received at the time of publication. The man remains in immigration detention pending further legal proceedings.
