What's happened
Dutch volleyball player Steven van de Velde, convicted of a sex crime in 2016, was refused a visa to compete in Australia’s upcoming beach volleyball championships. The Australian government cited his criminal record, and the decision has sidelined him and his teammate from the event starting in Adelaide on November 14.
What's behind the headline?
The Australian visa refusal highlights the country's strict immigration policies, especially regarding individuals with criminal backgrounds. The decision underscores the tension between sporting inclusivity and public safety concerns. While Van de Velde's participation was technically within his rights as a qualified athlete, the government’s use of the character test demonstrates a prioritization of community safety over sporting merit. This case also raises questions about the IOC's limited authority, as it cannot prevent qualified athletes from competing, even when their past crimes are publicly known. The public outcry and petition reflect societal discomfort with allowing convicted sex offenders to participate in international events, especially in a country where child safety is a sensitive issue. The decision sets a precedent that criminal history, particularly sex offenses, will likely lead to visa denials, impacting future international sporting events and athlete participation.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the Australian government refused Van de Velde’s visa citing his criminal record, emphasizing the use of the 'character test' and public outcry. Rod McGuirk notes that the decision was influenced by Van de Velde’s past and Australia's long-standing policy of wide discretion in visa approvals. AP News highlights that Van de Velde anticipated the visa issue due to his past, and the move also affects his teammate Brouwer. All sources agree that the decision was driven by safety concerns and public opinion, with some noting the IOC's limited power to intervene. The articles collectively portray a story of balancing athlete rights with societal safety, with the Australian government taking a firm stance against allowing convicted sex offenders to compete.
How we got here
Van de Velde, who represented the Netherlands at the Paris Olympics last year, was convicted in 2016 for raping a 12-year-old girl. He served over a year in prison and returned to professional volleyball in 2018. Australia’s immigration authorities use a 'character test' to refuse visas to individuals with criminal records, which led to his visa denial. The move followed public outcry and a petition with over 4,000 signatures calling for his exclusion. The decision impacts not only Van de Velde but also his teammate Alexander Brouwer, who will not compete at the championships.
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Anthony Stephen Burke is an Australian Labor Party politician serving as Manager of Opposition Business since 2013, and has served as Member of Parliament for Watson since 2004.
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Steven van de Velde is a Dutch beach volleyball player. He was convicted of child rape in 2016. He has qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympics, with the Dutch Olympic Committee standing by their nomination.