The accused allegedly assured the complainant that the visa would be arranged within 90 days and collected nearly AUD 34,000 in instalments.

“This is not about North or South, Tamil or Punjabi — this is about being Indian.”

A security guard who intervened was also allegedly assaulted. He called police and was later assessed by paramedics.

As the material before the regulator indicates, 30 of the 38 applications in question were refugee-related matters, which had placed subclass 866 protection visa work at the centre of the investigation.

Nominations close on 19 May 2026, with communities encouraged to put forward seniors who go above and beyond.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also congratulated Basiala in an official letter, acknowledging his longstanding commitment to the community.

Tribunal found that the applicant could safely relocate within India, including to major cities such as Delhi or Mumbai, where there was no evidence of ongoing threat.

“Some have accidentally overstayed. Some are in the system waiting for decisions. And some have deliberately played the system.”

“This behaviour is designed to provoke fear and division — and that is simply not acceptable.”

“The main thing is what you say. You just have to tell them, ‘I am gay and it is my reality.’ There is no other way.”