December 11, 2017
Minister powerless against Australian spite
Corrections Minister Kelvin Davis would like the Australian Government to address reports that New Zealanders in detention are being offered money to accept deportation back to New Zealand – and then the money is not paid.
He's unhappy there has been no movement on the issues he raised in Opposition about the way Australia's tough interpretation of its visa rules is affecting the whanau of those whose lives have mostly been over the Tasman.
The message for New Zealanders heading over is to be good citizens and be wary of situations where they could fall foul of the police.
"I've got nephews living over there. I say to them 'Guys, don't go out and get silly on Friday night and end up in police cells, because Uncle Kelvin doesn't want to head over there and try to get you out. I've had limited success with other people over the years,'" Mr Davis says.
He can't see why people serving sentences can't have their visa status determined while they are in prison, rather than detaining them when their sentence is complete or picking them up off the street.
Other issues such as New Zealanders not being able to serve in the Australian armed forces and being denied health and education opportunities also need to be addressed.
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