PM urged to talk tough to Aussies   4 Nov 2015

PM URGED TO TALK TOUGH TRUTH TO AUSSIES

Prime Minister John Key has been urged to “talk tough truth” to his Australian counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull about the plight of New Zealanders detained at Christmas Island pending deportation back to New Zealand. The call comes from Rangimarie Naida Glavish, president of the Maori Party, who asks Mr Key to forget about Rugby World Cup “bragging rights” and start reminding Mr Turnbull of some cold hard facts.

Following last week’s visit by Maori Party MP Marama Fox to Australia to meet with detainees families as well as presenting to the Australian government a cross-party letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Glavish feels she has a responsibility to reinforce the stance of the Maori Party.

“Turnbull needs to review the history of our two countries and the differences between our origins.

Post-aboriginal Australia was founded on and by the deportation of petty criminals from the United Kingdom; unfortunates who were transported to Australia against their will, who eventually subjugated the indigenous Aboriginal people to almost insignificance. Post-Maori New Zealand was founded on a treaty, under which the indigenous Maori people welcomed newcomers from the UK who came here of their own free will seeking a new and better life. Yes, there are issues but the Maori Party is a symbol of the importance of having an independent political voice at times like this,” said Ms Glavish.

“The summary deportation is Australia’s kneejerk reaction to crimes committed on its soil. For former Kiwis, this is exacerbated by being treated as second-class citizens notwithstanding their contributions to life in Australia as workers and taxpayers.”

“John Key needs to tell Malcolm Turnbull that this is not good enough. Unlike 18th century UK, we don’t deport any Australian residents who commit crimes in our country. We deal with them through our justice system, and then, when they’ve done their time or paid their fines, we let them get on with their lives among us. The true ANZAC spirit we hear so much about would be better served, if Australia treated all crims in their land, as we treat their crims in our land,” concluded Ms Glavish.

ENDS

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