Australian Immigration Minister Reviews Visa Application of Candace Owens

Australian Immigration Minister Tony Burke intends to personally assess the visa application of far-right influencer Candace Owens, who has announced a speaking tour in Australia this November.

Owens, known for her controversial views and millions of online followers, is scheduled to hold events in major cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide. Tickets for her events are reportedly selling for $100.

The influencer has made numerous inflammatory remarks against the trans community, labeling the trans equality movement as ‘Satanic’ and accusing trans individuals of being ‘clinically insane.’ She has also made baseless claims linking trans people to a rise in mass shootings.

Minister Burke has emphasized his stance against hate speech, having taken a stringent approach to similar cases in the past. He mentioned that as of now, Owens has not submitted a visa application, despite her tour being just three months away.

Many advocacy groups, including LGBTQIA+ and Jewish organizations, alongside various politicians, have expressed strong opposition to Owens’ potential visit. Burke noted he possesses legal authority to prevent visas to individuals who incite discord.

Candace Owens responded during a radio interview, downplaying criticisms of her comments as merely ‘speech and conversation.’ However, she faced further backlash from political figures such as Coalition immigration spokesperson Dan Tehan and Independent MP Allegra Spender, both calling for the visa to be denied on the grounds of spreading hate.

Owens has also faced significant scrutiny for past comments related to Jews and Muslims, leading to calls for her travel to Australia to be halted due to concerns about her controversial beliefs and statements.