Verma and Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs (Citizenship)

The applicant, a citizen of India, sought Australian citizenship. His approval to become a citizen was cancelled by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs under section 25 of the *Australian Citizenship Act 2007* on the grounds that he was not of good character. The applicant sought review of this decision before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

The Tribunal was required to determine whether, on the evidence before it, it was satisfied that the applicant was not of good character. The Tribunal considered the applicant's prior conviction for a domestic violence offence in 2016, an incident on 8 September 2021, and his conduct in a subsequent relationship with a woman referred to as N, including his receipt of significant financial gifts and money from her. The Tribunal also considered character references provided by the applicant.

The Tribunal found that while the applicant's conduct towards his ex-wife was concerning, it occurred in the context of a failing relationship and, if not repeated, would not alone be sufficient to conclude he was not of good character. The incident on 8 September 2021 was deemed minor and isolated, not indicative of a pattern of violence. However, the Tribunal was satisfied that the applicant took advantage of N by failing to return substantial sums of money and gifts when the relationship ended, which demonstrated a lack of good character. The Tribunal distinguished between reputation and character, focusing on established conduct.

The Tribunal affirmed the decision to cancel the applicant's approval to become an Australian citizen, finding that being of good character is an essential eligibility criterion. While the applicant was advised he could re-apply in the future if he demonstrated appropriate behaviour, his current application would not proceed.