Politics

Andrew Little confronts Peter Dutton over deportations

07:22 am on 1 August 2019

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Justice Minister Andrew Little says New Zealand is stuck with Australia's contentious deportation laws - but the government will continue to raise its objections anyway.

Mr Little tackled the thorny subject again during a meeting with the Australian Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton, in London overnight.

Australia already cancels visas for New Zealand citizens who fail a good character test - even if they've lived most of their lives in Australia.

They now want the power to cancel the visa of anyone who commits an offence that attracts a two-year jail sentence, even if that sentence is not imposed.

Andrew Little says he has raised his concerns about the policies with Mr Dutton again, and with no sign of movement, tension remains high between the two countries.