Rahman and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (Migration)

This matter concerned an application for citizenship by Mr Rahman, with the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection as the respondent. The dispute centred on whether Mr Rahman was of good character, a requirement for citizenship. The decision was made by Professor R Deutsch, Deputy President, of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether Mr Rahman demonstrated good character, notwithstanding a pattern of driving convictions and financial defaults. Specifically, the Tribunal considered whether the applicant had accepted responsibility or shown remorse for his conduct, the age at which the offences occurred, any extenuating circumstances such as mental health issues, and evidence of stable employment and community involvement. The Tribunal also considered the applicant's honesty in dealings with government entities.

The Deputy President reasoned that the number and extent of Mr Rahman's offences, which occurred when he was in his thirties, demonstrated a disregard for the law. While Mr Rahman claimed mental health issues and prescribed medication contributed to his driving offences between 2005 and 2015, and provided some medical records, the Tribunal found that he had not credibly accepted responsibility or shown remorse. The Tribunal concluded that insufficient time had passed for it to be satisfied that Mr Rahman was of good character.

The Deputy President affirmed the decision under review.