Australian PM rules out random visa checks

A police operation in Melbourne has been cancelled amid public outrage about possible spot checks on people's visas. - AFP/File / William West

SYDNEY, Aug 29, 2015 (AFP) - Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott Saturday distanced himself from a police operation in Melbourne which was cancelled amid public outrage about possible spot checks on people’s visas, saying his office had no prior knowledge of it.

The furore erupted Friday when the Australian Border Force (ABF) issued a news release saying its officers would join police and transport officials in Melbourne city this weekend to speak “with any individual we cross paths with“ to identify visa fraudsters.