The Albanese Government has bundled sweeping migration, hate-speech and gun-control measures into a single 319-page omnibus bill introduced to Parliament on 15 January 2026.
At the heart of the package is an expansion of the Migration Act character test that will allow the Home Affairs Minister to refuse or cancel a visa if the holder is judged to have promoted, incited or supported hatred or extremist violence—even if no criminal conviction exists. The Government argues the extra grounds (which include membership of a newly created list of designated “hate groups”) close a loophole that let extremists use Australia as a safe haven.
![Omnibus Bill Expands Visa Cancellation Powers Amid New Hate-Speech and Gun Laws]()
Business immigration advisers say the wider test could generate more cancellations for posted workers, international students and even long-term residents, because evidence thresholds are lower than for a criminal conviction. Global mobility managers are being urged to update risk screening, employee codes of conduct and social-media policies to ensure expatriates do not inadvertently breach the new rules.
For employers and individual travelers who suddenly find their visa status in question, VisaHQ can help clarify eligibility, prepare compliant applications and manage urgent renewals. Its online platform and expert consultants are already assisting clients with Australian visa requirements and can provide up-to-date guidance on the evolving character-test provisions: https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
The bill also criminalises intentional hate speech with jail terms of up to five years, introduces a national gun buy-back and tighter firearm import rules, and formalises continuous background checks shared between states and agencies. While praised by Jewish and multicultural organisations, the package faces opposition amendments and must pass both houses before the summer recess. Corporate relocation teams should watch the parliamentary timetable closely, as the character-test provisions would take effect the day after royal assent.
At the heart of the package is an expansion of the Migration Act character test that will allow the Home Affairs Minister to refuse or cancel a visa if the holder is judged to have promoted, incited or supported hatred or extremist violence—even if no criminal conviction exists. The Government argues the extra grounds (which include membership of a newly created list of designated “hate groups”) close a loophole that let extremists use Australia as a safe haven.
Business immigration advisers say the wider test could generate more cancellations for posted workers, international students and even long-term residents, because evidence thresholds are lower than for a criminal conviction. Global mobility managers are being urged to update risk screening, employee codes of conduct and social-media policies to ensure expatriates do not inadvertently breach the new rules.
For employers and individual travelers who suddenly find their visa status in question, VisaHQ can help clarify eligibility, prepare compliant applications and manage urgent renewals. Its online platform and expert consultants are already assisting clients with Australian visa requirements and can provide up-to-date guidance on the evolving character-test provisions: https://www.visahq.com/australia/.
The bill also criminalises intentional hate speech with jail terms of up to five years, introduces a national gun buy-back and tighter firearm import rules, and formalises continuous background checks shared between states and agencies. While praised by Jewish and multicultural organisations, the package faces opposition amendments and must pass both houses before the summer recess. Corporate relocation teams should watch the parliamentary timetable closely, as the character-test provisions would take effect the day after royal assent.
