El Salloum and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (Citizenship)

This matter concerned an appeal by Mr El Salloum against a decision of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs to refuse his application for Australian citizenship. The core of the dispute revolved around whether Mr El Salloum satisfied the "good character" requirement stipulated in paragraph 21(3)(f) of the *Australian Citizenship Act 2007* (Cth). The appeal was heard by The Hon. John Pascoe AC CVO, Deputy President.

The legal issues before the court were whether Mr El Salloum's past conduct, including his criminal history and interactions with law enforcement, demonstrated that he was a person of good character for the purposes of the citizenship application. This required the court to consider the applicant's explanations for his convictions, his understanding of Australian legal processes, and his assertions of being a victim of conspiracies and harassment.

The Deputy President's reasoning involved a holistic assessment of Mr El Salloum's behaviour over time, considering his evidence in response to various allegations and convictions. Mr El Salloum attributed his criminal convictions to his ex-partner, his youth, unfamiliarity with Australian laws, and a desire to protect his ex-partner. He denied some allegations entirely, claiming to be an artist and singer, while for others, he cited memory issues due to mental illness or alleged police fabrication and conspiracy. He also presented himself as a victim of ongoing harassment and attacks. The Deputy President considered these explanations in light of the evidence presented, including guilty pleas and the issuance of intervention orders. The decision affirmed the original decision to refuse citizenship.