Some non-Australian citizens facing deportation for convictions of serious crimes like domestic violence and child sexual abuse are managing to hang onto their visas and stay in the country.

It’s sparked fierce debate in Canberra this week, as both sides of parliament attempt to answer one question – who is to blame?

So, why are non-citizens in Australia being allowed to stay after they have served their time? Why are tribunals finding they shouldn’t be deported? And is the system working?

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on why it all boils down to a document called direction 99.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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