24 February 2016 MEDIA STATEMENT

Dutton improves detainees’ rights after protest

After months of lobbying by Labour MPs, the Australian Government has guaranteed New Zealand-born detainees who agree to be sent to NZ are not signing away their rights to return or have to pay transport costs, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

“This week I received a reply from Immigration Minister Peter Dutton to my concerns about detainees foregoing rights to appeal if they are returned to New Zealand.

“The form “Request for Removal from Australia” contradicted promises from the Australian Government that those being deported to New Zealand would not have their appeals affected.

“This week I have received confirmation that the form will be changed to ensure those appeal rights are available whether or not the person is in Australia or New Zealand.

“Mr Dutton also confirmed the costs of those agreeing to be sent to New Zealand will be covered by Australian authorities.

“While this is one step in ensuring the rights of those Australia wants to expel, Labour believes many detainees who are being sent involuntarily or voluntarily to New Zealand are, to all intents and purposes, Australian. Their families, jobs and networks are there having lived most of their lives across the Tasman. Their rehabilitation and their future would be better served by them remaining in Australia.

“We will continue to make known to Australian authorities that both countries would benefit from those who have lived their lives across the Tasman remaining there,” Andrew Little says.

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