Australia 'very seriously' considering denying Chris Brown a visa over domestic violence history

The federal government is considering refusing a visa to US singer Chris Brown on character grounds over his history of domestic violence.

Brown, 26, is due in Australia in December for a run of stadium shows and had his tour posters defaced in Melbourne this week with sticker’s emblazoned with “I beat women”.

In 2009, the RnB star was convicted over the assault of then-girlfriend and fellow singer Rihanna, who required hospital treatment for her injuries.

Brown was sentenced to five years’ probation and served with a restraining order over the attack. He was also later jailed over an unrelated assault.  

Speaking at a press conference today to announce a $100m domestic violence package, Minister for Women and Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash said her colleagues were aware of Brown’s impending tour and were studying his case on merit.

“I can assure you that the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection will be looking at this very, very seriously,” Ms Cash said.

“People need to understand, if you are going to commit domestic violence and you want to travel around the world, there are going to be countries that say to you:

‘You cannot come in because you are not of the character that we expect in Australia’.”

New Zealand officials have already denied Brown a visa on character grounds.

Ms Cash recalled her time as Assistant Minister for Immigration, during which she denied boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr a visa on character grounds.

Mayweather, the highest paid athlete in the world, has a history of domestic violence offences against multiple former girlfriends.

“This is a government that is not afraid to say no,” Ms Cash said.

“We said no, you are not the type of person we want in Australia.”

READ MORE: Federal government announces $100m domestic violence package