“Unfortunately the Administrative Appeals Tribunal set aside a decision of the Immigration Department to cancel Mr Taufahema’s visa and the Federal Court upheld that ruling,” he said

“It was accordingly necessary for the Federal Minister to exercise his discretionary power to cancel the visa on the basis Mr Taufahema did not pass a good character test and it was in the national interest to cancel that person’s visa.

“However, it is not only in the national interest Mr Taufahema be deported. It is in the interest of the all the citizens of NSW who support and appreciate our hard working police,” said Mr Smith.

“I am pleased with this result for a number of reasons. First, it sends a message to all those who might contemplate violence against police officers in NSW. Secondly, it shows our brave police men and women that we will not tolerate violence against police officers in the course of their duties.

“On behalf of one of my constituents, a serving police officer, I forwarded a submission to the Immigration Minister seeking he exercise his discretion to achieve this outcome. I am grateful he listened.

“I applaud this decision as a victory for commonsense and justice,” Mr Smith said.