In the lead up to the election, it is worth remembering how Kiwis in Queensland have had their rights attacked over recent years. In 2012, it became apparent that Queenslands denial of disability services to NZ citizens was having very negative consequences and was illegal under state anti-discrimination law. However, instead of bringing disability policy into line with anti-discrimination law, the Newman Government rammed amendments to anti-discrimination law through the Queensland Parliament in a bill establishing youth boot camps (apparently in the hope these changes would go unnoticed and avoid scrutiny). These disgraceful amendments had the effect of stripping SCV holders of any protection under state anti-discrimination law. They were enacted in the face of protests from Queenslands Anti-Discrimination Commissioner and the New Zealand Government. It is, however, also worth noting that the disability policies in question were introduced by the previous Labor Government. Until that point New Zealanders in Queensland had enjoyed identical rights in all state matters to all other permanent residents. Both the LNP and Labor have shoved Kiwis in Queensland under the bus over the past decade. It cannot really be said that one partys record is better than the otherss - they are both equally guilty in this matter. We will be interested to see whether either party will make any commitments to rectify this situation.
Posted on: Tue, 06 Jan 2015 23:30:01 +0000
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