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February 18, 2022
501 gang culture unwelcome import
Peter Verschaffelt
Posted On February 18, 2022
Download AudioForeign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta is concerned a Bill now before the Australian parliament could result in more deportees from Australia.
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening the Character Test) Bill 2021 will give Australia’s immigration minister even greater powers to cancel the visa of anyone they consider a risk to Australian society.
The Australian Labor Party has agreed to let the Bill through the House, but the Morrison Government may run out of time to get it through the Senate before the election.
Ms Mahuta says Australia’s policy has had a major impact on this side of the Tasman, as gang members deported here as 501s don’t have the same engagement with Māori values and tikanga as home-grown gangs like Black Power and the Mongrel Mob.
“There is a lot of effort they put into resocialising and contributing back to their whānau community. They have a tikanga in and of themselves. Imported gangs that have come from Australia are very much hard-line, very different culture and psyche,” she says.
The New Zealand Government will continue to voice its opposition to the policy and push for a clearer pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders who make their lives in Australia.
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