31st Jul 2019, 4:02 PM – Senate Committees - Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee - Reference

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim (Greens), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the third sitting day of October 2019:

Allegations regarding visa applications and other immigration matters, with particular reference to the following:

(a) allegations that current members of Parliament, including ministers, pressured senior officers in the Department of Home Affairs to make it easier for certain people, including high-roller clients of Crown Resorts, to pass customs;

(b) allegations that visa applications for certain people were fast-tracked by the Department of Home Affairs or the former Department of Immigration and Border Protection;

(c) any agreements between the Department of Home Affairs and Crown Resorts to fast-track visas for wealthy clients of Crown Resorts;

(d) the operation and effectiveness of Commonwealth legislation, administrative arrangements and law enforcement strategies in identifying, detecting, and disrupting any activity that weakens the functions and integrity of the Department of Home Affairs;

(e) Crown Resorts' alleged links to organised crime, money laundering, improper activity by consular officials, tampering with poker machines, and domestic violence and drug trafficking on Crown Resorts' property;

(f) the relationship between Crown Resorts and governments, including the role of former members of state and federal parliaments and the influence of political donations;

(g) the need for any legislative or administrative reform; and

(h) any related matters.