Chris Brown banned from Australia over Rihanna assault

Chris Brown performs at Vector Arena in 2008.

Singer Chris Brown has been banned from performing in Australia following his assault conviction for beating up ex-girlfriend Rihanna in 2009.

The 26-year-old, who is due to arrive for a series of concerts in December, has been issued with a formal notice from Australian officials stating they intend to refuse his visa on character grounds, says The Daily Telegraph.

Brown now has 28 days to explain why he should be allowed into the country.

Tickets for his concerts are due to go on sale on Monday.

The rejection from Australia makes it even more unlikely Brown will be able to perform in New Zealand as planned.

Earlier this month Brown announced a one-off show in Auckland in December as part of his world tour.

Hours later the Herald revealed the R&B singer's visit could by stymied by immigration New Zealand due to his criminal history.

Brown denied entry into the UK in 2010 on the grounds of being guilty of a serious criminal offence.

INZ confirmed that the rejection meant he could not enter New Zealand. Now he has been rejected from two countries, the chance of him being granted entry her is extremely slim.

"If Chris Brown has been excluded from another country he will be ineligible to be granted a visa to enter New Zealand unless given a special direction," a spokesman said.

On Friday the same spokesman said no application had been received from Brown for a special direction.

The R&B star was convicted of assault in 2009 for bashing Rihanna, threatening to kill her and biting her ear.

He was sentenced to five years' probation, a year-long domestic violence program and 180 days of community labour.

Two years ago Brown said his counselling helped him understand his actions were wrong.

"I think it is just proving myself once again and me being a man. Knowing what I did was wrong and never doing it again," he said.

But many argue his violent lyrics suggest he has not reformed.

The singer has been banned from entering Britain and Canada in the past, and has already toured Australia since the assault conviction on Rihanna.

The Department of Immigration has been contacted for comment.

- Herald with AAP