Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

World Video | Defence | Foreign Affairs | Natural Events | Trade | NZ in World News | NZ National News Video | NZ Regional News | Search

 

Oz Kiwi takes concerns to Federal Parliament

Oz Kiwi takes concerns to Federal Parliament

The not for profit group Oz Kiwi, advocating for New Zealanders living in Australia, will go to Canberra on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th November to meet with Federal politicians and connect with two visiting New Zealand politicians. Labour leader Andrew Little and Shadow Defence Minister Phil Goff will also hold a series of meetings in Canberra with politicians across the political spectrum.

The meetings will call for the Turnbull Government to accord the same rights to Kiwis living in Australia as other permanent residents.

Kiwis arriving in Australia enter on a Special Category Visa (SCV) which entitles them to work and live in Australia indefinitely and purchase property here, but the SCV does not provide an avenue for citizenship or access to many government services, even though they pay the same taxes as everyone else.

Some of the services New Zealanders are excluded from include access to the National Disability Insurance Scheme [for which they must pay a levy for as part of their taxes], student loans, unemployment benefit, disability benefits, and some insurances. New Zealanders are even barred from applying for jobs in the Australian Defence Force.

Australians who move to New Zealand are treated more fairly. They’re able to vote after one year, after two years receive benefits in times of hardship and sickness, then after five years can apply for citizenship.

Oz Kiwi Chair Tim Gassin said, “We're committed to working with politicians from both nations to find a reasonable solution. It is only through working together that we can expect to see a return to equitable treatment of trans-Tasman migrants.”

“Where is the New Zealand in ANZAC? Equality and fairness is all we are asking for, please give Kiwis a fair go”.

New Zealand Labour leader Andrew Little and Shadow Defence Minister Phil Goff will hold a press conference at Canberra’s Parliament House, between 3 pm to 4 pm on Wednesday 25th November.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.