Al-Jumaili and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs (Citizenship)

This matter concerned an application for Australian Citizenship by conferral made by Mr Al-Jumaili. The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs had refused the application on the grounds that Mr Al-Jumaili was not of good character, as required by the *Australian Citizenship Act 2007* (Cth). The Administrative Appeals Tribunal affirmed the Minister's decision, and Mr Al-Jumaili sought judicial review of that decision in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The primary legal issue before the Tribunal was whether Mr Al-Jumaili had demonstrated he was a person of good character, having regard to his criminal history and his failure to disclose numerous offences on his citizenship application and associated forms. The Tribunal was required to consider the seriousness of the offences, the applicant's explanations for his conduct, and any evidence of rehabilitation and enduring moral qualities.

The Tribunal found that Mr Al-Jumaili's failure to disclose thirteen criminal offences, including drug and larceny offences, weighed heavily against a finding of good character. While Mr Al-Jumaili provided explanations for his past behaviour, citing a difficult childhood and drug use, the Tribunal was not satisfied that he had demonstrated sufficient rehabilitation. His voluntary withdrawal from the MERIT program and the relatively short period since his last offence, which concluded in October 2017, were significant factors. The Tribunal concluded that a sufficient period of time had not elapsed to establish a pattern of good behaviour, and therefore, Mr Al-Jumaili did not satisfy the good character requirement for citizenship.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision under review, meaning the application for Australian Citizenship by conferral was refused. Mr Al-Jumaili was advised that he could make a fresh application in the future.