John Key maintains discussions with new Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbill, regarding deportation laws, is “top priority”.

I think what’s truly upsetting New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, is the overt injustice surrounding these new Australian laws: any New Zealander living in Australia who has amassed more than twelve months in prison, or is convicted of sex crimes against children, stands to be deported.

For a number of Australian residents who have lived in Australia practically their entire lives yet were born in New Zealand, this does seem somewhat of a draconian tactic.

The Rebels motorcycle gang is based in Australia. Typical of motorcycle gangs they are renowned for their lawless approach to life. One of the more notorious of these Rebels, AJ Graham, was born in New Zealand. Under this new Australian law, after spending the majority of his life in Australia – of which a significant portion was spent in Australian prisons – he would be deported to New Zealand.

Many of these potential deportees come with similar stories – born in New Zealand, having fashioned a life in Australia, having borne children in Australia, having committed a crime in Australia; thus being sent back to New Zealand.

It simply doesn’t add up that, although the only relationship some of Australia’s long-standing residents have with New Zealand is that they were born here, when they go on to commit felonious deeds in Australia, they are then sent back to New Zealand.

Sounds about as fair as the media referring to an emaciated runway model as “a skeleton”, when to refer to her plus-sized counterpart as “chubby” would undoubtedly result in a lynching – both offensive labels yet you can be damn sure only one would ever be taken to heart.

Mind you, I have no sympathy for these prospective deportees: they committed a crime against the society amid which they wish to lead a harmonious life; therefore, ultimately, it’s your own bloody fault.

Article by Tim Walker

Edited by Kay We-Crim

Photography by Dee Poor Ted