A United States woman who posted a controversial video of her grabbing a baby wombat is having her visa checked, Immigration Minister Tony Burke said.
Sam Jones faced intense online backlash after she shared a now-deleted video on Instagram showing her picking up a distressed baby wombat, while its mother screeched and chased her, before placing the wombat down next to the road 30 seconds later. A man can be heard laughing off-screen.
Burke said the department is working through the conditions on Jones' visa and determining whether immigration law has been breached.
He said he thought Jones would be unlikely to return to Australia in the future.
"Given the level of scrutiny that will happen if she ever applies for a visa again, I'll be surprised if she even bothers," he said.
"I can't wait for Australia to see the back of this individual. I don't expect she will return."
Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong referred questions on whether Jones should have her visa cancelled, to Burke, but said: "Really, leave the wombat alone."
Jones describes herself on social media as a "wildlife biologist and environmental scientist".
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese commented on the situation on Thursday afternoon, saying it was an "outrage".
"They are gentle, lovely creatures... I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she should try some other Australian animals, maybe she should try a crocodile.
"Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother."
