Community Law Centres o Aotearoa (CLCA) welcomes the progress on rights for New Zealand citizens living in Australia, announced yesterday.

“Re-establishing pathways to citizenship while removing harsh and oppressive deportation laws will restore important human rights for those who leave our shores to live in Australia., “ says CLCA CEO Sue Moroney. “The election of a Labor Government in Australia has been the catalyst for this change and it signals a more inclusive approach to migrants in a nation built by migrants.”

CLCA has worked with trans-Tasman advocates, academics and human rights activists to highlight the plight of New Zealanders being detained and deported from Australia, with both Governments.

“It’s good to see both the New Zealand and Australian Governments commit to addressing the injustices brought about by changes to Australian laws that go back as far as 2001 – we look forward to seeing the detail of how this will be achieved.”

“This progress would not have been made without the persistent advocacy of people like Filipa Payne and Erina Morunga who took to the road in Australia during 2014 to protest the injustices and have been highlighting the issue ever since.

“The consistent approach from Jacinda Ardern’s Government in raising the issues with Australia has been vital in achieving this change.”

Reversing the changes made to Australian laws in 2001 regarding citizenship and then in 2014 regarding deportation, will give New Zealanders a more secure future in Australia where they make significant social and economic contributions.

“We urge our Government to continue current domestic discussions on improving support for those deported back to New Zealand while ensuring the unjust laws are reversed in Australia. The inhumane use of detention centres in Australia also needs addressing.”

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