Prisoner deportations defended

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has defended his government’s policy of deporting New Zealanders who have served more than a cumulative year in prison.

An Australian government policy, which has been in place for more than three years, means non-citizens of Australia can be deported if they have served more than a cumulative year in prison.

During her first official trip to Australia, Ardern stressed that her government was not happy with aspects of the policy, but acknowledged Australia was acting within its rights. “Ultimately it is in the Australian government’s hands to determine how they manage that element of the policy.”

Turnbull stridently defended the policy, saying it was morally right. “There is a right of appeal which a number of the deportees take up – we were both advised earlier today that just under 40 percent of those appeals are successful, so the process is in accordance with Australian law, and the process is a fair and just one.”

During a wide-ranging discussion, the two leaders agreed to investigate ways to boost the flow of business and exports, from small and medium-sized businesses, across the Tasman.