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Visa cancelled over alleged extremist links
A British national residing in Western Australia has been detained for deportation after Australian authorities revoked his visa on character grounds. Ryan Turner, reportedly affiliated with the far-right National Socialist Network, was taken into immigration custody on Tuesday.
Government stance on hate groups
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated the administration maintains a strict position against extremism. "Our government has zero tolerance for bigotry and hate. If you don't like Australia, you can leave," Burke said. The UK Foreign Office has been approached for comment but has not yet responded.
Recent crackdown on extremist symbols
Australia strengthened its legislation last year, introducing mandatory prison sentences for displaying hate symbols or performing Nazi salutes. Authorities have intensified efforts to curb the use of such symbols amid concerns over growing antisemitism and far-right extremism.
Connections to controversial rallies
Turner is believed to be associated with the National Socialist Network, the same organization behind an anti-Jewish protest outside the New South Wales parliament in 2024. Around 60 men, dressed in black and holding a banner reading "abolish the Jewish lobby," participated in the rally. Attendees reportedly chanted "blood and honour," a slogan linked to the Hitler Youth.
It remains unclear whether Turner attended the event. Another foreign national, South African Matthew Gruter, who was also part of the group, was deported last November after being photographed at the front of the rally. Gruter, who had lived in Australia since 2022 and worked as a civil engineer, returned to South Africa with his family.
Other recent cases
In a separate incident, a British man in Queensland, identified in court documents as Kayn Adam Charles Wells, was arrested and charged with using social media to post Nazi symbols, promote extremist ideology, and incite violence against the Jewish community. Wells, whose visa was also cancelled, appeared in court this week and reportedly requested voluntary removal from Australia. His case has been adjourned until February.
New measures to combat hate speech
Following a deadly attack at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach last month, where two gunmen killed 15 people, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced new laws to target hate speech and radicalization. The reforms aim to empower the home affairs minister to cancel or refuse visas for individuals spreading extremist views.
Next steps for Turner
Turner has the option to appeal the visa cancellation or voluntarily return to the UK. No timeline has been provided for a potential appeal or deportation.
