Why Zac Efron’s brother was granted an exemption to enter Australia
Hollywood star Zac Efron’s brother was granted an exemption to enter Australia after the NSW government estimated he would pump $2 million into the film industry.
Dylan Efron angered Australians stranded overseas after he documented his two-week hotel quarantine, which ended earlier in the month, on social media.
The younger Efron travelled to Australia to help his brother with the production of the second season of Netflix series Down To Earth.
Hollywood star Zac Efron’s brother, Dylan, was granted an exemption to enter Australia after the NSW government estimated he would pump $2 million into the film industry
Labor’s home affairs spokesman Kristina Keneally quizzed Australian Border Force Commissioner Michael Outram about the exemption at a hearing in Canberra on Monday.
‘It really set off a number of Australians who couldn’t get home for dying relatives,’ Senator Keneally said.
‘Stranded Australians were very angry about Dylan Efron.’
Dylan (left, with Zac) angered Australians stranded overseas after he documented his two-week hotel quarantine, which ended earlier in the month, on social media
Mr Outram said the state government needed to prove significant economic benefit, similar to the Indian cricket tour or Australian Open tennis tournament.
‘The exemption was granted on the basis of the applicant having critical skills and was supported by the NSW government,’ he said.
‘Mr Efron’s arrival was not included in NSW flight caps and did not impact on the number of Australians that could return.’
The border force boss said the NSW submission predicted the Efron series would pump $2 million into the local film industry.
Mr Outram said an assurance was sought in writing that Efron was not taking up a quarantine space but conceded he served his quarantine in a hotel.