Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has cancelled the visas of two German nationals after the duo was arrested for causing major disruptions to a major transport hub in Sydney.
The government's visa cancellation comes after Blockade Australia protesters blocked Port Botany for two days in a row, causing traffic chaos at a major Sydney industrial hub.
Speaking to 2GB Radio, the Immigration Minister said he had been consulting with NSW Police and Border Force officials to come to a decision on the German men's visas.
Hawke then revealed the two men's temporary working visas had now been cancelled on 'good order' grounds.
"We have zero tolerance for temporary visa holders committing crimes in Australia," he said. "It's unacceptable and we're going to take a very tough stand."
Border Force will now remove the brothers from Australia as soon as possible.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said earlier today that deportation options were being investigated following their climate protests over the last two days.
BREAKING: Immigration Minister has cancelled the visas of two climate activists who blockaded Port Botany this week on "good order" grounds-they now face detainment and deportation to Germany.
One hung a banner reading, "No Nations, No Borders, Stop Australia's Operation." pic.twitter.com/orx4kjZcXp
- Blockade Australia (@BlockadeAus) March 24, 2022
She told 2GB: "It's an option to be considered for cancelling a visa. No one supports their conduct, it's stupid and they can go home".
Blockade Australia has lashed out at the federal government's move and accused the nation of being 'geared for profit and the protection of capital over the community'.
"Will will not cave to fear tactics," the climate action group said in a statement. "There are no borders to the climate crisis. You cannot deport the climate resistance."
In reaction to protests at the Port Botany transport hub and roads in North Sydney in recent weeks, the NSW government will beef up fines and sentences for those who cause traffic bedlam to protest.
A spokesman for NSW Acting Premier Paul Toole said the government would extend legislation, as current offences only apply to action on the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Australia's system is geared for profit and the protection of capital over the community. Will will not cave to fear tactics.
There are no borders to the climate crisis.
You cannot deport the climate resistance. #BlockadeAustralia #ClimateChaos pic.twitter.com/4XLy4AtkdA
- Blockade Australia (@BlockadeAus) March 24, 2022
A maximum penalty of two years in jail and a $22,000 fine could be issued to anyone who disrupts a bridge or tunnel across Greater Sydney.
According to ABC News, another climate protest disrupted Port Botany traffic when the 32-year-old tied himself to a pole in front of a railway, which caused significant delays.
His protest comes after two women last night were arrested for allegedly using trucks to block a container terminal during peak hour traffic.
Both women were charged with encouraging the carrying on an operation to commit a crime, not obeying police or authorised persons, and preventing free passage of a vehicle.
They will appear at Waverley Local Court next month.
Featured Image Credit: Blockade Australia/Twitter. Blockade Australia/Twitter.
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