Australia is deporting a convicted criminal to New Zealand who has never set foot here.
A decision from Justice Robert Bromwich released by the Federal Court of Australia dismissed an application from Alex Viane, who is 40, for a judicial review of his visa cancellation.
Mr Viane was born in American Samoa and moved to Australia as a 14-year-old when he was adopted by an uncle living there.
Thus he became a New Zealand citizen because his uncle held New Zealand citizenship.
During the 25 years he has been in Australia he has been convicted and imprisoned for a number of offences.
The Court has concluded Mr Viane represents an unacceptable risk of harm to the Australian community.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the decision was "appalling".Â
In a tweet, Mr Goff said the "man is [Australia's] responsibility not ours."
Appalling that Australia is deporting to NZ a man whose parents are Australian citizens and who has never been to NZ. This man is their responsibility not ours. pic.twitter.com/fR1XbLApRE
— Phil Goff (@phil_goff) January 13, 2018
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