A KOSOVAR family living in Australia for the past seven years faces the prospect of being deported if criminal charges are proven against the father, Albury Court was told yesterday.
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Shefket Halimi appeared yesterday before magistrate Tony Murray on three counts of intimidation, three charges of assault and one of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Mr Halimi, 46, has pleaded not guilty to the offences relating to three daughters aged 16, 14 and 12.
Police prosecutor Sgt Bob Hanzic made an application for adjournment to clarify the family’s status with the Immigration Department.
Sgt Hanzic said the three girls were willing to give evidence until told yesterday that it might impact on their residency.
“It is obviously a big issue for the children. They do not want to get deported,” Sgt Hanzic said.
Mr Murray was told the family could apply for Australian citizenship in two years.
They are on a global special humanitarian visa granted to Mr Halimi, but the other family members are on it.
Sgt Hanzic said he had spoken to the girls about the situation so they could make “an informed decision” about whether they give evidence.
Mr Halimi was represented by Albury barrister Allan Blackman, who said he had spoken to an immigration official yesterday morning.
Mr Blackman said Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone had the discretion of deporting the family if Mr Halimi was convicted of an offence with a possible penalty of 12 months’ jail or more.
“There are serious implications for the whole family,” Mr Blackman said.
Mr Halimi has moved from Lavington to live in Melbourne and Mr Blackman said his daughters were not living with him.
Mr Blackman said other information provided to him suggested Mr Halimi was in jeopardy simply by being charged.
Mr Murray said if that was the case, there was nothing preventing Mr Halimi from being deported now.
“It is a matter we are all speculating in, your honour,” Mr Blackman said.
Sgt Hanzic said the girls were “scared and apprehensive” about being deported.
Mr Murray adjourned the case until Monday for mention, with further information being sought by police and Mr Blackman.