A group of lawyers, activists and deportees in Christchurch has just announced its intention to launch a class action in the Australian Federal Court to challenge the Coalition government's mass deportation of New Zealander residents, along with those of other nationalities.
Since then immigration minister Scott Morrison oversaw the tightening of migration laws in late 2014, the federal Coalition has cancelled the visas of at least 6,000 residents. The largest distinct cohort affected has been New Zealanders, with around 2,300 having been deported.
This program has seen the “fortress Australia” government internationally condemned over a deportation system that often sees long-term residents turfed out over the commission of minor offences, as well as a growing proportion over posing a mere risk to “health, safety or good order”.
