New Zealand PM Chris Luxon Raises Concerns Over Australia's Potential Deportation Policy Changes

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Luxon has expressed significant concerns regarding Australia's potential plans to restart the deportation of criminals to New Zealand. Luxon's apprehensions were communicated directly to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, highlighting the contentious nature of this policy shift.

The current debate centers around the possible rewriting of Australia's 'direction 99' rules, which have so far prevented some New Zealand citizens convicted of crimes in Australia from being deported. Luxon has voiced his regret over the potential changes, fearing that they could lead to an increase in the number of New Zealanders being sent back.

The potential changes to Australia's deportation policy have significant implications for the relationship between Australia and New Zealand, and also the lives of those affected by the deportations. If implemented, the policy could lead to an increase in deportations, potentially straining resources and exacerbating social issues in New Zealand.

During discussions with Albanese, Luxon emphasized the potential negative impact on New Zealand. He stated, "We don't think that people who actually have very little attachment to this country and strong connections to Australia should be deported here." This sentiment reflects the broader concerns within New Zealand about the repercussions of such deportations.

The issue of deportations has been a longstanding point of contention between the two countries. In 2022, Albanese and then-New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a more 'common sense' approach to deportations, leading to the creation of 'ministerial direction 99.' This directive considered an individual's connections to Australia when deciding on deportations, but has faced criticism for allowing some foreign nationals to retain their visas despite serious criminal convictions.

Australian Opposition leader Peter Dutton has accused Albanese of having a 'close and sycophantic' relationship with Ardern, which he claims influenced the creation of the directive. Albanese has rejected these accusations, asserting that Australia's policies are determined by its own interests.

The potential restart of deportations has significant implications for New Zealand, where deportees have been linked to a rise in gang activity and crime. Luxon's government has pledged to reduce such criminal activities, and the prospect of increased deportations poses a challenge to these efforts.

Statistics show that in the 12 months preceding November, an average of 18 people per month were deported to New Zealand, a significant decrease from the 44 per month seen in mid-2018. This drop was largely attributed to the 'direction 99' rules, which may now be under threat.

Ultimately, the potential changes to Australia's deportation policy have sparked serious concerns in New Zealand, with Prime Minister Chris Luxon voicing strong opposition. The outcome of this policy debate will have significant implications for the relationship between the two countries and the lives of those affected by the deportations.

Key Takeaways

• New Zealand PM Chris Luxon opposes Australia's potential restart of deporting criminals to NZ.
• Australia's "direction 99" rules may be rewritten, allowing more deportations.
• Luxon fears increased deportations will strain NZ resources and exacerbate social issues.
• Deportations have been a longstanding point of contention between Australia and NZ.
• The policy change could lead to a rise in gang activity and crime in NZ.