‘Four down, potentially hundreds more to go’: Apex gang members deported
More Apex gang thugs could be deported under a Federal Government crackdown on violent criminals.
The four men kicked out of Australia, including two 19-year-olds, allegedly had connections to the violent Apex gang that has terrorised Melbourne communities.
“There are others that we are looking at the moment, and I think this should send a clear message to these people that if they cherish the life they lead here in Australia, they need to respect Australians,” Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said.
“They need to abide by the law.”
Two of the men, New Zealander Henry Robati and Sudanese Isacc Gatkouth, had allegedly terrorised a motorist with a shotgun.
Mr Dutton said it was now up to the Andrews Government to crackdown on the gang’s influence.
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“There is not a problem in Queensland or New South Wales with gang violence,” Mr Dutton said.
“This gang violence is present here in Victoria.”
Victorian police chief commissioner Graham Ashton said "good riddance" to the four deported men.
“If there is an opportunity to move these people offshore, we are in favour of that frankly,” he said.
“It’s four down and potentially hundreds more to go,” Shadow Attorney-General John Pesutto added.
While supportive of the deportation, Victorian police have stressed most crime is committed by Australian citizens, who can not be deported.
Greens MP Ellen Sandell has hit out over the men’s treatment and blamed a lack of programs to keep the men away from crime.
“I think it is really disgusting that Peter Dutton is gloating about deporting people rather than actually looking at why people turn to crime,” she said.
