The court heard that in July 2024, investigators from the Australian Federal Police identified the man’s involvement in a scheme in which he was paid to collect unlawful non-citizens arriving by boat in the Northern Territory.
“Sri Lankan-based people smugglers continue to try to exploit vulnerable members of the community in a bid to encourage highly dangerous and illegal maritime ventures to Australia.”
The judges acknowledged that political debate often involves robust language but said that does not exempt public commentary from Australia's anti-discrimination laws.
