In fact, the power the government is giving itself is not so much to refuse visas than to not issue them. Presently, if a person meets all the criteria set out in the act, the visa officer must issue a visa. But under the changes proposed, it only says that the visa may be issued. If the visa officer does not want to issue a visa, he or she does not refuse but simply does nothing. Doing nothing means that no decision is made. Consequently, the right of appeal to the Federal Court, for example, is limited since there is no decision. There is nothing to challenge.
On May 12th, 2008. See this statement in context.