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'Don't deport your problems': Jacinda Ardern takes swipe at Australia

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has urged Scott Morrison to rethink Australia's criminal deportation policy, delivering a slap down of the government, accusing it of causing unintended hardship.

Ms Ardern used a media conference in Sydney alongside her Australian counterpart to deliver a blunt message on the policy, which has seen more than 1600 people sent back to New Zealand.

In a testy moment during the presser on Friday afternoon, the New Zealand leader accused Australia of “deporting its problems”.

“Australia is well within its rights to deport individuals who break your laws. New Zealand does the same. But we have a simple request - send back Kiwis, genuine Kiwis,” she said.

“Do not deport your people and your problems.”

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a press conference that had a rather testy moment. Source: AAP
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in a press conference that had a rather testy moment. Source: AAP

Australia deporting their own problems, Ardern says

She said many of the deportees "on any common sense test" identified as being Australian.

"Just a few weeks ago I met a woman who moved to Australia, not much older than one year old," she said.

"She told me she had no connection to our country, but had three children in Australia.

"She was in a crisis centre, having returned to a country she did not feel was her own."

It is rare for leaders, particularly such close allies, to use such pointed language in press conferences like this but it’s not the first time the New Zealand prime minister has raised the issue with frustration, describing it as “absolutely corrosive” to relationship between the antipodean allies.

According to the ABC, more than 1600 New Zealanders have been deported by Australia in the last five years under changes made to the Migration Act in 2014, including those who have lived and worked in Australia for decades. Many are convicted criminals that have lived their entire adult life in Australia.

As Ms Adern unloaded with Mr Morrison standing right next to her, the Australian prime minister stuck to his characteristic smirk, looking somewhat uncomfortable.

The NZ leader also pleaded with the Morrison government to provide more rights to New Zealanders working in Australia, such as the ability to work as a public servant or access the national disability insurance scheme.

"Evidence shows that the vast majority are providing a net benefit to Australia. They earn more, they are more likely to be employed, and they pay more tax than their Aussie-born counterparts," she said.

"They are Australia's best migrants.

"But rather than them being given security to keep contributing and return, their rights are being eroded."

Morrison says Australia’s policy is clear

Scott Morrison seen squinting into the sun as Ardern delivers her criticism.
Scott Morrison stood by as theNew Zealand leader gave a scathing criticism of Australia deporting residents to New Zealand. Source: SBS

Mr Morrison said Australia's deportation policy was clear.

"We deport non-citizens who have committed crimes in Australia against our community," he said.

"This policy is applied not specific to one country, but to any country whose citizens are here."

The two leaders also discussed the coronavirus, greater cooperation on indigenous issues, trade and security.

- with AAP

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