Immigration Minister Tony Burke criticized far-right provocateur Candace Owens, stating she possesses “the capacity to incite discord in almost every direction,” as Australia denied her visa application ahead of her planned speaking tour in November.
The U.S. conservative influencer and podcast host, known for promoting conspiracy theories and antisemitic rhetoric—such as downplaying Nazi medical experiments—will be barred from entering Australia due to concerns from the federal government about her controversial background. “From downplaying the impact of the Holocaust with comments about Nazi doctor Josef Mengele to claims that Muslims started slavery, Candace Owens can incite discord across various topics,” Burke remarked.
Owens had organized a five-date speaking tour across Australia, with events slated for Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Ticket prices ranged from $95 for general admission to $1,500 for a private dinner with her.
Her provocative statements regarding Jewish, transgender, and Muslim communities have drawn significant backlash. In July, she questioned the validity of well-documented Nazi medical experiments, labeling the historical accounts as “completely absurd” and “bizarre propaganda.” The U.S. Anti-Defamation League has accused her of promoting antisemitic tropes and anti-Israel rhetoric, while LGBTQ+ advocacy group Glaad has flagged her anti-trans comments, including declaring the trans equality movement to be “evil.”
Owens’ proposed tour faced opposition from various local Jewish groups. Opposition Home Affairs spokesman James Paterson described her as “a dangerous antisemite and a conspiracy theorist” in a recent interview. In August, Burke revealed he had requested a briefing on her visit and consulted with the federal antisemitism envoy, Jillian Segal.
Burke’s office subsequently confirmed that Owens’ visa had been denied. Guardian Australia reached out to Owens’ management and local tour promoters for comment but did not receive an immediate response. Owens has not addressed the visa denial on her social media platforms.
The tour website promoted her events as appealing to those interested in exploring alternative viewpoints and engaging in discussions on pressing political and social topics, emphasizing Owens’ provocative approach that often sparks debate.
Alon Cassuto, CEO of the Zionist Federation of Australia, supported the decision to deny Owens entry, stating, “Bigotry and antisemitism are unacceptable in any form, regardless of whether they originate from the far left or right. For the sake of our nation’s social cohesion, there is no place in Australia for Candace Owens.” During the pandemic, Owens controversially suggested the U.S. military invade Australia to free its citizens from what she described as a “totalitarian regime,” making comparisons to Hitler, Stalin, and the Taliban.
