Government considering ‘options’ to reform ministerial ruling that saw criminals given Australian visas

Labor's Murray Watt tells Senate the directive is being interpreted in a way that no minister intended'

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails, free app or daily news podcast

Labor is giving active consideration" to reforming a controversial ministerial direction on visa cancellation, as Clare O'Neil concedes it is deeply concerned" about cases of serious criminal offenders having their visas restored.

Evidence from home affairs officials to Senate estimates on Tuesday evening revealed it had given options" to reform the direction, which has resulted in dozens of visas being restored to non-citizens with serious criminal convictions by an independent tribunal.

Sign up for Guardian Australia's free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup