Emma Aldersea | Legal

Emma Aldersea

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Businesses
• Lawyer & law firm
• Immigration lawyer
• Criminal lawyer
• Legal

24.01.2022 Pacific Connect & Support Inc. is one of the bright stars lighting up our community in SE Queensland. They do wonderful work and providing a range of services. Right now they are back to basics, making and delivering meals for those who need it Ive been fortunate enough to work alongside the wonderful women running this organisation, they bring HOPE and value to so many people everyday. Our community it richer for this organisation. Please donate if you can... Times are t...ough, money is tight and were all living with uncertainty.... but I do believe many of us still have something to share. Never underestimate what a difference you can make to a person or family right now, by having a little less for yourself and passing just a little on to someone else. It may be $5, $10, $25 or a small monthly donation. Or it may be goods, click on the link and see what they are after. Lets take care of each other, and get through this time together. Stay kind and courageous, lets look at what we have, and not what we dont have To Rae and the team at Pacific Connect & Support, thank you for all you do

24.01.2022 NZ Citizens - the latest media release from the Prime Minister about closing the Australian borders from 9pm tomorrow night. I anticipate a more detailed release from the Department of Home Affairs will be released.

22.01.2022 FIFO workers affected by the travel bans into Australia... Here is some info to share with your Kiwi mates, co-workers and family. For the New Zealand Citizens living and working between Australia and New Zealand, unsure if they can enter Australia. FIFO workers have contacted me from NZ today to see if they can enter Australia after borders close tonight, to return to work.... Most of you dont hold permanent visas or specific working visas. You arrive at the gate and granted a new Special Category Visa (TY444) each time you enter. This is a special visa only for NZC allowing you to remain indefinitely in Australia and work. You probably know this! If you are sitting in NZ now you dont have a visa. There is nothing official from the Department of Home Affairs (immigration) to deal with your situation. The official policy is to only allow entry to: Australian Citizens Permanent Visa holders (permanent residents) New Zealand Citizens usually resident in Aus Immediate family members of Australian Citizens and permanent residents (spouse, legal guardians and dependents) What we understand from the information we are being given in the migration sector is that adjustments to travel restrictions for temporary visa holders who have already established presence in Australia may be considered. This is likely to be on a case by case basis. The reality, we dont have any anything official so there is no certainty at this time. For those wanting to get back in... What you can do: Liaise with Employer/HR Deparment as you may need a supporting evidence for employer. Consider all your ties in Australia such property, investments, family, insurances and think about documents you have to support this if evidence is required. If you hold anAustralian drivers licence, HV or other licences for work and they are not with you, think about if you can access these in case you need evidence to show ties to Australia. I will keep following the government alerts and information, and keep this updated. Get in contact with me, we can have a chat about your individual circumstances and what you can do. Some of you may fall in to the category of usually resident in Australia. Either direct message me or select the free appointment time where it says book now. I will adjust the weekend appointment times to allow for the time difference in NZ. Finally, these are just suggestions that may help you get prepared while you are waiting for further information. The reality, there is little info out there for all of us. I expect we will know more over the coming days from further announcements, and FIFO workers attempting to enter Australia to return to work. (Migration Agent Registration Number: 1804931) #fifo #lanewaylegal

22.01.2022 A mate just launched his podcast focusing on success, sharing inspiring stories. No better time to do it! Awesome words in the second episode... A garage is a place where dreams are made... we can change our world from the garage. Shout out to staying positive and getting creative while indoors! ...

22.01.2022 Info for Kiwis looking at early release to your superannuation in response to COVID-19: Ive had lots of questions about this in the past week and not had a chance to respond individually. My hope, this info from ATO website will assist (link below): First, a few points... ... Despite the earlier announcement, the law was actually only passed on 25 March. This why there are still many unanswered questions. Applications will be accepted for early release of superannuation from 20 April. Applications are made through MyGov account. The information available is that early release of super in response to Covoid-19 is for Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and New Zealand Citizens with an Australian super fund. You dont need to be on Centrelink or eligible for Centrelink to access this. The eligibility criteria is below. Definitely read the full link so you can be across the eligibility and any updates including the process once it is up and running... https://www.ato.gov.au//Withdr/Early-access-to-your-super/ Eligibility for early access to your super Eligible individuals will be able to apply to access up to: $10,000 of their super before 1 July 2020 a further $10,000 from 1 July 2020 until 24 September 2020. To be eligible to apply for early release, you must satisfy one or more of the following requirements: On or after 1 January 2020, either: you were made redundant or your working hours were reduced by 20% or more or if you are a sole trader, your business was suspended or there was a reduction in your turnover of 20% or more. and/or You are unemployed and/or You are eligible to receive a job seeker payment, youth allowance for jobseekers, parenting payment (which includes the single and partnered payments), special benefit or farm household allowance. You only need to satisfy one of these criteria, not all. Things the ATO want you to know: Withdrawing your superannuation may affect your: *income protection insurance *Life / Total Permanent Disability insurance cover. Insurance may not be available on accounts that: *are fully withdrawn *have a balance below $6,000. Consider whether you need to seek financial advice before finalising your application. Be careful of promoters who claim to offer early access to your super by transferring your super into a self-managed super fund. These schemes are illegal and heavy penalties apply if you get involved. Here is a link for more info.... https://www.ato.gov.au//Illegal-super-schemes---beware-of/

22.01.2022 New Zealand Citizens and Dual Citizenship If youre an NZ citizen with a direct pathway to citizenship, consider it for the sake of you and your familys... future. Some tell me they are a proud Kiwi and never want to give this part of them up. The reality - you dont have to. When you become an Australian Citizen you remain a New Zealand Citizen. You automatically become a dual citizen and can hold both passports. Youre still a Kiwi at heart & still a Kiwi on paper My view, a pledge to Australia and a citizenship certificate does not change who you are, and doesnt make you any less Kiwi. I think it shows you have made a decision to call Australia home and it allows you and your family the same rights, entitlements and protection that we have as Australian citizens. As a lawyer, I cant emphasise enough, the importance of protection. The hardest part of my job is visa cancellations and removal (deportation). No family expects them, preparing the case and waiting for the decision is emotionally crushing and can be so damaging. I watch grandparents, parents, siblings, clients, partners and young children trying to cope with an uncertain future about their loved one. They are heartbreaking... Be PROUD Be PRACTICAL ... if you have a citizenship PATHWAY, seriously consider following it for the sake of PROTECTING you and your familys future.

21.01.2022 New Zealand citizens living in Australia, this is an important one to look at and share with friends and family.... Some people dont realise they actually meet the criteria as a Protected SCV holder for the purposes of Centrelink. This wont be a lot of people but it will apply to some. ... Many of you have never applied for Centrelink. You may not know if you are a protected or non-protected SCV. An SCV is the 444 Visa. The rule is generally, if you moved to Australia before or after 26 Feb 2001. However there is more you need to know... Some of you lived in Australia during relevant period and returned to NZ. You moved to Australia years later. I have a screenshot below of the definition, straight down the Department is Social Services (Centrelink) Policy manual. This shows the relevant dates. If you were on holiday in Australia on a 444 visa on this single day 26 Feb 2001 (just this day) you meet the criteria. If you lived in Australian for a period of, or periods totalling 12 months, in the 2 years immediately before 26 February 2001 you meet the criteria. This two year period is 26 Feb 1999 to 26 Feb 2001. How to find out the dates you were in Australia... Open the link below and download the form to request your international travel movements in and out of Australia, its free. This is official documentation to show when you were in Australia and can be provided to Centrelink. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//Requesting-travel-records Laneway Legal

20.01.2022 Australian borders will be closed to non-citizens from 9pm tomorrow evening. Info for New Zealand Citizens travelling to Australia The information we have at the moment is that the new ban does not apply to Australians living in New Zealand, or New Zealand nationals in Australia. ... What we do know is that the initial bans to stop anyone travelling from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea, allowed immediate family members of an Australian resident to enter Australia. The media release on 15 March states that immediate family members is spouses, legal guardians and dependents ONLY). We are waiting for an updated media release from the government about tonights announcement to close the borders. Some have contacted me for advice about family arriving in the coming days. Im currently looking at the information coming directly from government. At this stage we dont know what impact this will have on family members travelling across. **here is a link to the most current government media release last updated on 15 March. It includes the bans of foreign nationals, from entering if they travelled from Iran, Italy, South Korea and China. An exception is Australian Citizens, PRs and New Zealand Citizens who reside in Australia. Note this should be updated again tonight or tomorrow, to reflect tonights announcement. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current/novel-coronavirus Ill update this as more information is released by government. ** Update Here is a release from the PM of Australia on 19/3. We just need to wait for media release from Department of Home Affairs which will be more detailed, like the one above. https://www.pm.gov.au/media/border-restrictions #LanewayLegal

18.01.2022 This is the online article for those who missed the Earshot (radio) program. It is the brilliant work of Myjanne Jensen and the team at ABC, for sharing the voices of hardworking, everyday Kiwis living in Australia who are falling through the cracks. Im grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important story.

18.01.2022 Kava Bowl Media wanted to make sure there was high quality Pacific discussion about COVID-19. We are pushing out quickly the first edition of #PacificCritical w...ith Damon Salesa in conversation with our leading Pacific epidemiologist Colin Tukuitonga to make sure there is informed Pacific engagement to keep our communities safe and knowledgeable: for the full video go to https://youtu.be/GCVc6TM5Qr0 See more

16.01.2022 Kiwis... this may be a breakthrough. Ive had to quickly head interstate this afternoon to support my family. My flight is about to take off but it will be busi...ness as usual when I land. I will look for the official policy and eligibility regarding this assistance, and share more info as soon as I am across it. **update... look on this page and you will see I have set out criteria - Emma Aldersea Take care everyone.

16.01.2022 Info for NZ Citizens (families, workers and business owners) in Australia during times of COVID-19... ***On 30 March the government made an announcement about wage subsidy for 444 vis holders (Kiwis). As soon as I have the official eligibility, I will update. What we know: ... NZ Citizens contribute billions of $$$ in tax in Australia and the only country granted temporary visas to live indefinitely in Australia. Many families, businesses and workers will be affected by the regulations that have been put in place by the government to respond to COVID-19. Most NZ Citizens have never needed to fall back on government assistance and not aware of entitlements. Heres some info and links that may assist: In response to COVID-19, the government is providing a one-off payment of $750 to people receiving social security, Family Tax Benefit (FTB) and holders of some health care cards. Check out this link to see if you are eligible... https://www.dss.gov.au/abo/covid-19-information-and-support NZ Citizens who moved to Australia after 26 February 2001 and dont hold a permanent visa, cannot access most ongoing Centrelink payments like Newstart Allowance for those who find themselves unemployed. Theres an exception for those who have lived in Australia for over 10 years. You may be eligible for a one off payment of up to 26 continuous weeks. Here is a link with more info for specific for New Zealanders living in Australia... https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//new-zealand-ci/30721 https://guides.dss.gov.au/guide-social-security-law/9/1/2/40 (refer under subheading JSP, YA and SA - the guide used by Centrelink) For those with business in Australia, the ATO is offering assistance to affected business by deferring payment sue through BAS, remitting interest and penalties applied to tax liabilities on or after 23 January 2020 and other support. Here is a link to the ATO assistance... https://www.ato.gov.au//Support-measures-to-assist-those-/ For those in isolation, may be those who have returned from New Zealand and forced to isolate for 14 days, you may be eligible for a payment even if you dont ordinarily get a payment from Centrelink. The Australian residency rules apply which means you must be a permanent resident (protected SCV holder). Here is a link with to the government page... https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//people-who-dont-get- Finally, many of you have called Australia home for many years and experienced being blocked from disaster relief and other crisis support because you are not permanent residents. Look at your options, look at the link and see if you have a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship... https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//pathway-to-permanent-resi Laneway Legal

14.01.2022 To my Aussie family and friends, and the NZ citizens who call Australia home... So many people are doing it tough right now. The reality is were all feeling the impact of coronavirus. The way we get through this is to take care of each other any way we can. In response to Coronvirus the government said this earlier:... New Zealanders should consider returning to New Zealand if they are unable to support themselves through these provisions, work or family support. https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au//Coronavirus-and-Tempo This is specifically for those who arrived after 26 Feb 2001. Its our mates who may have lived and worked here for up to 20 years, who have lost jobs and businesses, and have limited access to government supports. Aussie translation (yep I am a rugby loving Aussie): If they go back, rugby league and union without the Kiwis and Pacific Islanders in Australia, wont be worth watching when we get to the other side of COVID-19. I work with NZ Citizens. I know that going back to NZ is a decision many wont want to contemplate, especially for their kids. Their kids were born in Australia and at primary and secondary school here, kids who have only ever known Australia as home. These kids are Aussie citizens and like us, they call themselves Aussies. Their parents are people who have lived here for many years and are our mates. They are neighbours with homes, mortgages and established businesses in Australia. They are strong leaders in our sporting, education, church and other communities. Theyve been here for many years and have friends and generations of family living in Australia. In testing times its so easy to look at what we dont have, and overlook how much we actually have. Its easy to worry and go into survival mode, not realising it may be at the expense of others (we all saw the toilet paper pandemic play out). Fear can lead us to take and keep more for ourselves, and give less to others. We forget that the gift of time, a meal, a bed and even a roll of toilet paper, can give so much hope and value to a person in need. So, to my family and friends, lets take care of each other. Lets keep our community strong, irrespective of the passport we hold. Keep sharing HOPE and support amazing people

11.01.2022 Travel bans start tonight.... info for NZ Citizens living in Australia, and citizens of the Pacific nations trying to return home, and needing to transit through Australia.... From tonight, 25 March 2020 at 12:00hrs AEDST the government has banned Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents leaving Australia. The ban is in place until futhur notice.... The ban doesnt specifically mention NZ Citizens living in Australia holding a Special Category Visa (SCV). My view, it is the intention of government that any NZC holding a Special Category Visa in Australia who is a resident (lives) in Australia, is likely to be treated like an Australian Citizen or PR. My view is based on the underlying intention - government does not want people living in Australia, to travel overseas at this time. My view, this is demonstrated by the government allowing people to leave Australia who are ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia (see exemptions below). Here is a link to the official media alert about the ban and you should checking this for updates. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current/novel-coronavirus Exemptions (from the media alert): The travel restriction does not apply to: people ordinarily resident in a country other than Australia airline and maritime crew and associated safety workers people engaged in the day to day conduct of outbound and inbound freight people whose travel is associated with essential work at offshore facilities and people travelling on official government business, including members of the Australian Defence Force. Travellers who believe they meet a travel restriction exemption can apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF. Rules for transiting Australia to other Pacific nations: Citizens of the following countries can transit through Australia to return home. The countries are: * Cook Islands * Nauru * Samoa * Fiji * New Caledonia * Solomon Islands * French Polynesia * New Zealand * Timor Leste * Kiribati * Niue * Tonga * Marshall Islands * Palau * Tuvalu * Micronesia * Papua New Guinea * Vanuatu Take care everyone

08.01.2022 New Zealand Citizens and entry to Australia after the borders close to non-citizens tonight.... There is a link below to the official Dept Home Affairs (immigration) alert page, following the PMs announcement last night to close the borders to non-citizens. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current-/novel-coronavirus... This alert is being continually updated by the government and I encourage the Kiwis wanting info, to save this link and and check for updates. We know the media isnt always accurate about things. Its best to get your info from those responsible for enforcing the bans. Here are some key points relevant to NZCs, I encourage all to read the alert to inform yourself for your own situation... From 9pm AEDT 20 March 2020, only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. All travellers to Australia are required to self-isolate for 14 days, either at home or in a hotel. If travellers do not comply with their 14 day self-isolation requirements, they may face a range of penalties that exist in each State or Territory. Travel restrictions are subject to change. You should check the link regularly. Exemptions to these travel restrictions: An Australian Citizen A permanent resident of Australia A New Zealand resident usually resident in Australia *This is those who normally hold a protected or non-protected SCV TY444 while in Australia. An immediate family member of an Australian Citizen and permanent resident * This means spouse, legal guardian and dependents. **I recommend travelling with supporting evidence to prove marriage or defacto relationship or guardianship or dependency if this applies to you. This can be presented at the gate if required. This is relevant if a NZC is travelling with immediate family who is not usually a resident in Australia. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current-/novel-coronavirus #Lanewaylegal

08.01.2022 This is an updated info (April) info for NZ citizens (families, workers and business owners) in Australia during times of COVID-19... The acting immigration minister has delivered some tough messaging to temporary visa holders, including New Zealand citizens who have lived here for many years. Essentially saying the priority at this time is Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents, and those who cant support themselves during this time should consider returning to New Ze...Continue reading

07.01.2022 KIWIS.... heres the eligibility info about JobKeeper payment that was announced earlier today. Looks like this one may be a breakthrough for some Kiwis (unfortunately not all) who were working 1 March 2020.... This is not yet law. Parliament has not yet passed this so be sure to stay updated as things are changing daily. Its likely the law will be passed next week when parliament is next sitting. What you need to know for now:...Continue reading

06.01.2022 NZ Citizens and social security in Australia For the NZ citizens, heres some things you should know to help plan the best life for you and your family in... Australia... If you arrived after the migration laws changed on 26 Feb 2001, youre probably a non-protected Special Category Visa (SCV) holder, unless youve applied and been granted a permanent visa. What this means in most cases: Youre not eligible for most ongoing Centrelink payments. To be eligible you must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident (PR) or ENZC. Its known as the residency requirements. Payments such as carer payment and sole parent payment which others can access for children are assessed against the parent receiving the benefit. This means, even if your child is born to one Australian parent (your child is Australian), as a non-protected SCV holder you wont meet the residency requirements for the sole parent or carer payment to support you and your child or family, while you are unable to work. You may be eligible to apply for a one off benefit of Sickness Allowance, Youth Allowance or Newstart payment for a single period of up to 6 months, if you have lived here continuously for 10 years. If you go out of the country while youre on the payment, you stop holding an Australian visa and your payments will stop. Given it is a one off payment of up to six months, you cant just restart the payment after you are granted a new visa at the border and re-enter. The period ends when you visa ends. There are some exceptions under an international agreement between Australia and NZ. You may be able to access Aged Care Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Pension (partner only and not your child or other family members). Here is a link: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//fi/int014-1907en.pdf You and your young kids are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). You need to be a citizen or permanent resident. If your kids are born here, theyll become Australian Citizens at age 10. This is a long time for a child to wait for early intervention supports. This isnt part of Centrelink, but an important thing to know about. What can you do... Try to plan a pathway early, to get you and your family closer to PR. Sadly people find themselves in situations they never imagine, and after years of living here and paying tax, they learn you are not eligible for supports. Getting PR is not a fast process. Think back, did you come to Australia for any period of time before 1 September 1994? You may be eligible to apply for a Return Residents Visa (RRV)which is reinstating permanent residence. Morunga Migration has a lot of info about this. They have been successfully lodging RRV applications for Kiwis for a long time now. Get across what you may or may not be entitled to as a non-protected SCV holder. Below is a link setting it all out. https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au//new-zealand-ci/30721

05.01.2022 Important info for NZ citizens who are abroad, and trying to get home to Australia during high level border restrictions.... Only NZC usually resident in Australia can be granted a visa. Link to the government policy below. Some airlines are not allowing NZCs board the plane without evidence that that you live in Australia. Some people have missed flights waiting for evidence. ... The reason for this, airlines are actually responsible for ensuring people travel with a valid visa. This is tricky for NZC because you cant apply for a visa, and issued one at the Aussie border. If they allow you to board and Australian authorities say you are not eligible to enter, the airline is responsible for returning you to the country of origin. A Kiwi travelling through Bali today said that he had to show his drivers licence and Medicare card. Those that couldnt show the drivers licence and Medicare, had to be cleared by the Embassy. If you are travelling home to Aus on a Kiwi papport and dont have your licence and Medicare card on you, have copies of any documentation you can access, preferably government issued, to show you live in Australia. If others have come through other airports around the world and asked to show documentation to prove you live in Aus, would be great to drop a comment below to assist others. In particular, the ID you were asked to show. Wishing everyone a safe and smooth trip home. https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au//current-/novel-coronavirus

03.01.2022 NZ citizens travelling in and out of Australia with criminal convictions, heres some info before buying your ticket and boarding a flight... Most NZ citizen...s are on Special Category Visa (SCV). Each time you travel in to Australia, youre reissued a new visa at the gate. This is the visa also known as TY444. To be eligible for this visa you must not be a Behaviour concern non citizen. The Department of Home Affairs website, and link says: You could be assessed as a Behaviour-concern non-citizen in some circumstances, including where if you have been: * convicted of a crime that has resulted in a sentence of death or imprisonment for at least one year, or * convicted of two or more crimes that have resulted in sentences of imprisonment that add up to at least one year in some circumstances, or previously removed from Australia, or * previously removed or deported from another country The incoming passenger card is your visa application and you will be asked if you have any criminal convictions. This question helps inform Australian Border Force if you meet the criteria for the Special Category Visa. They have the power to grant or refuse the visa at the gate. A person who is assessed as a Behaviour concern non-citizen cannot be granted a Special Category Visa at the gate. The current government policy says that criminal convictions outside of Australia that meet the definition of behaviour concern non-citizen, will generally result in a person being refused entry at the gate. If you dont usually live in Australia and have convictions from NZ (or another country), do check if it falls within the definition of behaviour concern non citizen. Dont board a flight to visit family in Australia without knowing this. You might be refused entry. The current policy says for criminal convictions inside Australian that meet the definition of behaviour concern non citizen, are generally not taken into account. However, the application form disclosing the convictions will likely trigger an alert to the National Character Consideration Cancellation Centre for further consideration. You may be issued a notice of intention to consider cancelling your visa. Have a read about the visa before boarding a flight and get advice from a lawyer/registered migration agent. If youve previously been deported or removed, its important to read up before buying and boarding a flight to Australia. Why its worth knowing... It could save a lot of cost, angst and heartache if youre informed before you travel. A visa refusal at the gate for an NZ citizen visiting Australia can result you essentially being detained, taken into immigration detention centre for a period of time, before being flown back to country of origin. If you know you will meet the definition of behaviour concern non-citizen, it doesnt mean you cant travel, you will need to apply for another type of visa before you fly to Australia. If youre a NZ citizen living in Australia with convictions in Australia, and re-entry may trigger an alert to consider cancelling your visa on character grounds, there are things you can do to get prepared to best protect your future in Australia. Its case by case and you need to speak with a lawyer/registered migration agent for advice about your circumstances. One more thing... If you provide incorrect information on the incoming passenger card (like not declaring convictions), it could lead to visa refusals or cancellations in the future. The Department takes incorrect answers very seriously. Its important to get it right from the start. Please note: This is information only and not legal advice. These matters are case by case. I recommend you get in touch with a lawyer/registered migration agent in Australia for advice before you travel. You can find me at Laneway Legal. https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au//special-category-visa-sub

03.01.2022 NZ citizens living in Australia, do you know if youre an Eligible New Zealand Citizen and what this means? Heres the definition from the government website a...nd some things to know: Youre not a permanent resident, even if youve lived here your entire life. Its not uncommon to be told youre a permanent resident by Centrelink or Medicare, but what it means is you are a protected SCV holder (and Eligible New Zealand Citizen) and have different social security entitlements than other NZ citizens. Under the migration laws youre a temporary visa holder and permitted to remain in Australia indefinitely. You hold a TY444 visa and each time you travel back in to Australia, you are granted a new temporary visa. If youre charged or convicted of a criminal offence, you face the same risks as other non-citizens like visa cancellations and visa refusals when you re-enter Australia. Youre eligible to apply directly for Australian Citizenship. There are limited pathways for NZ citizens to become Australian Citizens, some have to jump through hoops and others have no pathway and have to remain on the TY444 visa. As an Eligible New Zealand Citizen you can apply directly for citizenship. Applying for Australian Citizenship is not always easy and some people are put off by cost, complexity or other reasons. Why I want people to know this... Many of my clients have been raised in Australia and have called it home their entire life. Sometimes people get in trouble with the law, they face visa cancellation and removal (deportation) on character grounds. This is devastating for my clients, families and communities. Whats heartbreaking is telling a mother or father of a client who is facing a visa cancellation that their family are not permanent residents and theyve been eligible to apply for citizenship for the past 15, 20, 30 years. The laws are so complex for NZ citizens in Australia, its taken me a lot of time getting my head around them. Its no surprise people dont know. Ive literally had a mentor sit me down for hours and hours teaching me the complexities so I can be a better lawyer for the community. The key is to know the visa you are on and what it means, so you make informed decisions for yourself and family.

02.01.2022 Great message of HOPE for young people - your past doesnt determine your future... Suaia has a powerful and inspiring story to share. Check out the times below for his FB Live on Wednesday night.