Racist far-right commentator Katie Hopkins has been deported after flouting Australia’s quarantine laws.
Ms Hopkins was brought to Australia by Seven Network to join its reality television program Big Brother.
But she was dumped from the show after boasting about deliberating breaking hotel quarantine rules.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews described the behaviour as shameful and cancelled Ms Hopkins’ visa.
“It was a slap in the face for all those Australians who are currently in lockdown and it’s just unacceptable behaviour,” Ms Andrews said.
“So personally, I’m very pleased she’ll be leaving.”
Ms Hopkins was sent back to Britain on a Monday afternoon flight.
The minister appeared to blame the NSW government for Ms Hopkins coming to Australia, with her entry granted on the basis of economic benefit.
But the federal government is ultimately responsible for issuing visas.
Questions have been raised over how Ms Hopkins was allowed into the country.
She has described migrants as cockroaches, labelled Islam repugnant, and called for a “final solution” in response to a terror attack.
During a round of television interviews, the home affairs minister was repeatedly pressed on how Ms Hopkins was deemed a person of good character.
“Well, she’s clearly not someone that we want to keep in this country for a second longer than we have to,” Ms Andrews said.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said film and television production companies routinely submitted visa applications.
Mr Hazzard said so long as arriving passengers entered the country safely, covered their own quarantine costs and did not take the place of returning Australians, their requests were usually granted.
He was also shocked by Ms Hopkins’ behaviour.
“To think she could think the measures we are taking to keep our community safe can be treated with such juvenile, imbecilic behaviour is mind-boggling,” Mr Hazzard told reporters in Sydney.
“To think that she thinks it is acceptable to put our staff at risk, and to put our broader community at risk, is completely abhorrent.
“I hope she is on the first plane back.”
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce was among her loudest critics, telling Ms Hopkins to “pack your bongos and get out of the country”.
“People can’t just come in and flout our laws,” Mr Joyce said.
“If you do flout them, then pack up your bags and get out, go, we don’t want you here.”
AAP
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