NBCS and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs (Citizenship)

This matter concerned an application for Australian citizenship by conferral by NBCS. The delegate of the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs had not been satisfied that the applicant was of good character, as required by paragraph 21(2)(h) of the *Australian Citizenship Act 2007* (Cth). The Administrative Appeals Tribunal was tasked with determining whether the applicant met this requirement.

The Tribunal was required to consider the meaning of "good character" in the context of the Act and to assess whether the applicant possessed the enduring moral qualities indicative of good character. This involved a broad interpretation of the term, not limited to community reputation, but rather an objective assessment of a person's moral qualities. The Tribunal had to weigh all the evidence before it to make a value judgment on the applicant's character.

The Tribunal applied the principles established in *Irving v Minister for Immigration, Local Government and Ethnic Affairs*, which define "good character" as referring to the enduring moral qualities of a person, rather than their public standing. The Tribunal considered the applicant's migration history, family circumstances, and community involvement, including his role as a volunteer and organiser of fundraising events. Despite some past behavioural issues of a young relative residing with the applicant, the Tribunal found that the applicant's overall conduct and contributions demonstrated that he was of good character.

Accordingly, the Tribunal set aside the delegate's decision and remitted the matter with a direction that the applicant satisfied the good character requirement under section 21(2)(h) of the Act.