I was shocked and appalled to have received the news earlier today that my visa had been revoked just hours before boarding a flight to Australia by Immigration Minister David Coleman.
I have been a victim of a smear campaign from politicians who have been listening to special interest groups attempting to discredit my beliefs, my views and my character by spreading lies.
I would like to clarify the following in no uncertain terms:
- I am not anti-Semitic
- I am not a Holocaust denier
- I do not wish to have Holocaust denial be taught in schools.
With no shred of evidence, these ploys have worked. My previously approved visa accepted last September has been vetted by the highest levels of Government in Australia but has now been thrown out at the last hour.
This is due to pressure not only from these groups, but also from an article in The Australian today, stating libellous claims. I was never given the right of reply to, despite requesting the chance to speak before the article was published.
Minister Coleman has also included my views on vaccinations and global warming as reasons for my visa to be revoked.
This knee-jerk reaction to accommodate the people behind this smear campaign has left a sinister mark on Australians, compromising freedom of speech and ideas. This goes further than just me today, but sets a dangerous precedent for citizens who have differing views and are willing to openly express these.
Does this mean that from this point forward, the Australian Government has given license to ban any media outlet, politician, citizen or public figure from entering this country based on their beliefs?
This is the creation of a blatantly Orwellian totalitarian state and says the Government believes they have the right to dictate what the nation can and cannot choose to hear. I am not forcing anybody to listen to my views, nor am I forcing anybody to believe them. I am simply stating my well-researched beliefs and giving the Australian public an open forum to consider another viewpoint.
I urge Minister Coleman to reconsider this decision and base this judgement on facts. I have been to Australia 10 times since 1997 for speaking engagements and there has never been a single problem or incident. Minister Coleman confirmed this in his judgment. The purpose of my tour is to discuss my latest research I was not even going to mention the Jewish community - as I did not on my last tour.
My visit to Australia is not a ‘risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community or a segment of the Australian community’ as the Government have stated when revoking my visa. That is ludicrous - I have been ten times for goodness sake with no problem.
You, the Australian public, deserve to choose what you see and hear. Electing to deny my entry into the country only confirms to the general public that my contentions is truly correct; freedom is in the process of being demolished in Australia.
Once gone - it won’t be coming back.
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