CVGY and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Citizenship)

This matter concerned an application for Australian citizenship by conferral by CVGY, a resident of the United Kingdom, who had previously been refused citizenship on character grounds. The delegate of the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection had determined that CVGY did not meet the "good character" requirement under section 21(2)(h) of the *Australian Citizenship Act 2007* (Cth). CVGY sought a review of this decision by the Tribunal.

The sole issue before the Tribunal was whether CVGY met the good character requirement as stipulated in section 21(4)(f) of the Act. This section requires applicants over 60 years of age to be of good character at the time of the Minister's decision. The Tribunal was guided by the Citizenship Policy, which directs decision-makers to consider the ordinary meaning of "good character" as referring to enduring moral qualities, rather than mere community standing. This involves an objective assessment of a person's characteristics demonstrated over time, their ability to distinguish right from wrong, and their adherence to societal rules and values.

The Tribunal considered CVGY's past convictions, including a serious offence of indecently dealing with a child under 13, alongside traffic offences. While acknowledging that past convictions do not automatically preclude a finding of good character, and noting that 13 years had passed since the most serious offence, the Tribunal found that CVGY had demonstrated a lack of remorse. He continued to attribute blame for his conviction to others and had not accepted responsibility for his actions. Despite the presentation of character references and evidence of community service, the Tribunal concluded that CVGY had not sufficiently demonstrated good character over an extended period.

Consequently, the Tribunal affirmed the delegate's decision, finding that CVGY did not meet the good character requirement for Australian citizenship.