12 November 2015
Matthew Tukaki, Editor, EntreHub
A spokesperson for the Australian Defence Force has confirmed to entrehub.org that all New Zealanders who are subject to a special category visa are ineligible to serve in the Australian Defence Force including Defence Reserves.
The confirmation to entrehub.org came at the same time as we managed to confirm with 17 States and Federal Government Agencies that they are also excluded from holding executive roles. Defence replied with a section of its own policy which states “all NZ citizens applying for Australian citizenship must have proof of Australian PR. This proof may be in the form of a PR visa passport stamp or other documentary evidence from DIBP.
Ideally, when these candidates apply for entry into the ADF they should provide proof that they have applied for Australian citizenship. A SCV or a ‘Certificate of Status for New Zealand Citizens in Australia’ is not proof of PR for those NZ citizens who arrived in Australia on or after 27 Feb 01″
EntreHub spoke to one 18 year old kiwi from Western Sydney who contacted us saying “I came here when i was six years old with my mum and sister and all i wanted to do was join the army and when the time came i was told i couldn’t”
The two exlcusions add to a now growing list of everyday jobs and roles that New Zealanders are not eligible for in addition to our exclusive investigation into the plight if kiwis who are also excluded from the National Disability Insurance Scheme even though they pay taxes, two of Australia’s major banks exclude special category visa holders from applying to some credit cards and where kiwi medical workers may be carrying voided professional indemnity insurance because of their residency status.
Then there is the case of former Lance Corporal Ngati Kanohi Te Eke Haapu who has been detained without charge or conviction, his visa cancelled because of his association with a member of a motor cycle gang. While the Immigration Minister has the power to deport anyone with a 12 month sentence or longer the detention of the former decorated war hero raises questions as to whether or not there has been over reach and if the broader human rights issues are present where a blanket approach is being taken.
