21 October 2015
Labour will expose injustice on Christmas Island visit

Labour will have the opportunity to investigate the conditions of New Zealand detainees and push for fair and humane treatment with MP Kelvin Davis given permission to enter Christmas Island Detention Centre, Opposition Leader Andrew Little says.

“Kelvin Davis has played a vital role in bringing media attention to the injustices around the deportations.

“He is now talking with a group of deportees who want to mount a class action against their deportation orders.

“Australian lawyer Greg Barns – who specialises in deportation cases – today said it is absurd that the New Zealand Government is encouraging New Zealanders in detention centres to return home because it will make it much harder for them to pursue a successful appeal.

“That is because they will need access to their legal teams and be able to attend court in Australia. In Australia they will also have the support of their families.

“Greg Barns’ comments raise series questions around the advice the Prime Minister is giving these detainees.

“Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said he will speed up the appeal process, but it is far more important that proper consideration is given to individual circumstances at the time visas are revoked.

“Christmas Island detainees will meet with Kelvin Davis during his visit on Friday.

“John Key must stop giving misleading advice and ensure they have the support they need if they are eventually deported,” says Andrew Little.

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