Controversial far-right commentator Katie Hopkins has taken a parting shot at Australia after being deported for flouting COVID-19 rules.
On Sunday, Hopkins was fined AU$1000 (NZ$1057) by New South Wales police for failing to wear a mask. She also had her crucial skills visa cancelled.
But it seems the TV personality took a parting dig at officials, posting a selfie with the text, “See you in the morning, my lovelies. You may "deport" the Hopkins. But you cannot silence the truth. We will fight to TAKE BACK our freedoms.”
Hopkins, 46, arrived in Australia last week and was rumoured to be appearing on the TV show Big Brother VIP.
But she quickly drew criticism for her quarantine hotel antics including claiming COVID-19 was similar to the flu, comparing migrants to cockroaches and suggesting people with dementia shouldn't block hospital beds.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews called Hopkins actions "despicable" in a statement on Monday.
"It is despicable that anyone would behave in such a way that puts our health officials and community at risk.
"The Morrison Government will always act swiftly to protect the health and safety of the Australian community.
"All visa holders must abide by the health directions issued by our health officials – we won't tolerate those who don't. There’' no place in Australia for visa holders who would deliberately endanger others.
"Entry to Australia brings responsibilities and the community rightly expects better. Those who don't live up to the standards can expect to have their visas cancelled and to be removed."
Hopkins flew back to the United Kingdom on Monday.
NSW is currently dealing with an outbreak of the infectious delta variant. On Monday the state recorded its fifth death from the outbreak, a woman in her 50s who was found dead inside her home in Green Valley in Sydney’s southwest. It's the 61st death in NSW related to COVID-19 and the fifth from the current outbreak.
NSW also recorded 98 new cases on Monday, with 20 still infectious while in the community.
