The High Court of Australia on Wednesday upheld the federal government’s decision to deny a visa to American political commentator Candace Owens, effectively preventing her from entering the country. The court unanimously ruled that immigration minister Tony Burke’s October 2024 decision was lawful, rejecting Owens’ argument that the refusal placed an “impermissible burden” on her implied right to freedom of political communication. “The implied freedom of political communication does restrict the government’s power to prevent communication on political matters,” the court noted. However, it added that such a restriction may stand if it is “imposed to fulfil a constitutionally legitimate purpose.” “The law cited to reject the visa is valid. It does not impinge on the implied right to

See Full Page