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Recipient:
Julia Gillard, Tony Abbott, Australian Human Rights Commission, Wayne Swan, Penny Wong, Jenny Macklin, and Department of Immigration Greetings, I have just signed a petition to change laws to allow Kiwi's a fair pathway to citizenship in Australia. You can find the full text here: http://chn.ge/19EsEbT or by going to http://facebook.com/ozkiwi2001 We urge the Australian Government to grant long-term New Zealand Citizens permanent resident status. Stand down periods on these conditions are fine but the current waiting time of "forever" is entirely unreasonable. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship estimates that up to 60% of New Zealanders will never be eligible for official permanent resident visas. These people will forever be considered non-residents in Australia (at least on paper), which disadvantages them and leaves them vulnerable in a way that all other long-term australian residents aren't. As non-residents they are going to be excluded from the new NDIS (Disability) scheme while also having to pay the increased tax levy. This exclusion extends to Australian born children of New Zealand Citizens until they are 10 years old, preventing important early intervention therapy. Perhaps the worst situation confronts New Zealand citizens who came here as children and who know no other home. They are denied access to citizenship, and as non-citizens have also been denied access to student loans. Thus, many are unable to go to university and therefore unable to gain the skills that could put them on the path to citizenship. Please read the stories in the below pages left by Australians and New Zealanders alike supportive of changing the 2001 laws, they show that there is electoral support within the Australian community.
Letter:
Comments
Name Erina Anderson Location Adelaide, Australia Date 2013-05-16 Comment This affects the stability of our future and the future of my children and grandchildren. My older children have not been able to go on to higher education due to not being entitled to Youth allowance and costs. We also have Australian foster children who are with us permanently that this could affect should we ever be forced to return due to unforeseen circumstances. Besides all this we love living in Australia and it is now our home after living here for 6 years, working, own our own home, children have grown up here and we now have 3 grandchildren 2 of which are Kiwi/Aussie. kathryn andrew Emma Blackbourn Mathais Grey Amanda Bradley Australia Cannonvale, Australia Australia Ellerslie, New Zealand 2013-05-16 2013-05-16 2013-05-16 2013-05-16 ive lived in australia for 26 yrs Because I would like a secure future for my family. I am a New Zealand citizen who wants a citizenship. Being here for just a year, I am surprised by the significant consequences of current legislation, particularly the impact on the most vulnerable in society, women experiencing domestic abuse, children and people with disabilities. It has to change! Katrina Whiu Michelle Wilkins Acacia Ridge, Australia Australia 2013-05-16 2013-05-16 For my kids future tertiary education and human rights I would love nothing more than to be able to call australia my home but as a New Zelander we are not allowed to be part of this country yet we contribute to the enconomy everday. I used to work for the Government but due to the QLD government closing down Nursing Homes i have lost my job...yet that very same Government wont help me in any way wether it be via welfare payments, job seeking network, no help what so ever yet they took my job away and then just say...tough....sooooo unfair julie grafton brisbane, Australia 2013-05-16 All we want is to gain our permanent residency as a family and live in this country that we made our home. Nicola Calteaux Australia 2013-05-16 My eldest son was born in Australia with a rare genetic condition that along with not being able to get any help via carer allowance is now being denied any help with therapies that could greatly improve his way of life just because we are kiwis. We have been here for 6 years, pay our taxes, own property yet help for my son is unavailable. Kym Bayliss Manly West, Australia 2013-05-16 Australia is my home now, I want to be able to vote, to have my say in how things are run here. I want the security of knowing if something happened I am protected. I have and will always pay my taxes, but I want to feel more part of australia. Dianne Todd Australia 2013-05-16 Because I know I am going to be living in Australia for many years and serving the country, paying my taxes to Australia.Having Citizenship to me is making Australia my country as well as New Zealand and can rightfully call them home. janet_muir muir Melb, Australia 2013-05-16 My three daughters are young adults and due to our NZ expat status are not entitled to vote or receive the new DIS ..there is no safety net for them. Have lived here for 21 yrs apart from 2001. Have paid Australian tax and levies. Carolyn Te Maipi Beaudesert, Australia 2013-05-16 Because it needs to change, it is unfair & discriminating against kiwis living in Australia who are unable to gain permanent residency to gain citizenship katrina danielson Louise Dickens Auckland, New Zealand Narangba, Australia 2013-05-16 2013-05-16 have lived in australia with my family I don't mind paying my way but paying taxes that we can't access if needed
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I have lived in Oz for 7 years now I have worked the whole time. And paid taxes and I have no rights to benefits. No matter what I contribute. I've never wanted a hand out just a fair go.
Jaimee Mauri
Helensvale, Australia
2013-05-16
I was born in NZ but have been raised since a toddler in Australia and consider this my home, but because my country of birth is NZ it makes proving my residency here in AUS hard...its slack really...im sure im not the only one lol
Bronwyn Hibbs
2013-05-16
My family and I want to be treated fairly. We, as New Zealanders are tired of being tarnished with the "Kiwis are bludgers" which in most cases is simply untrue. My partner and I moved to Australia from NZ in 2011 with our then 15 month old and 2 month old. We did our research and had saved enough to support ourselves and our family until we were set up. We both work full time and contribute to the Australian economy by paying taxes, paying the Medicare levy, paying for private healthcare, paying for fill-time daycare, paying for dayto-day necessities. It is very one sided and we as Kiwis are being discriminated against and still expected to contribute for what; absolutely nothing!
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Children s University Education. Because I am a NZ citizen who is unable to apply for PR due to my occupation and my husband's occupation not being on the SOL. My husband is a Police Officer with the NSW Police and is unable to ever become a citizen despite working for the government, and risking his safety to ensure the wellbeing of the Australian public.
Janeece MacGillivray
2013-05-16
Arrived before the changes in 2001, however my friends and family are directly affected by this and it's not fair we are treated like this. We work hard and many of our children are born in Australia too. Refugees get treated better then us!
Wendy George
Traralgon, Australia
2013-05-16
Because I have been here 10yrs and have paid taxes and worked hard. I want the write to vote and make sure that my daughter has the help and more options needed when she is older.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
To secure my children's future and to develop there studying... We moved to Australia 6 years ago and our 2 oldest boys started and continue to be educated here. We have no plans to return to NZ anytime soon, if at all, so having the option of assistance for my boys if they choose tertiary education or an apprenticeship would help a lot.
Vickie Hall
2013-05-16
As we have lived here now for 6 plus years and our children live here too, we believe we should have the option to become citizens. We are all paying tax, including my 2 teenage children, my Partner and I have a home loan and have no intention on moving away.
Carole Nicholson
Ulverstone, Australia
2013-05-16
Because I have grandchildren who are born in Australia and because there parents are NZ they are entilited to nothing so they live and work here all there lives pay taxes and get nothing. I also have children who have grwon up here and are now working and paying taxes and they get nothing.
Rachael Croton
Australia
2013-05-16
I love Australia and consider it home. I feel that other kiwi's post 2001 should be able to call Australia home and not just be considered a permanent visitor that cannot vote and become a secure permanent citizen of Australia because of a skilled workers list that does not make sense for Kiwi citizens as they are freely able to come and work in all jobs!
Damien Stone
Australia
2013-05-16
I've been in Australia for 5 years, contributing, and I want my kids to grow up with rights.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I'm a registered nurse but age 47. I pay taxes and also have private medical insurance. I earn too much for any family assist. Have no entitlement here and now you want more out of me (NDSS) for something neither myself or family will have entitlement too. I truly don't believe I should have to give you more!!
Shane Wilkinson
Australia
2013-05-16
It is madness under the current system that New Zealanders like myself can enter the country as if it were another state under the ANZAC flag and yet get treated in some respects as if we are trying to destroy this country. I have been here 8 years and I consider myself Australian now and forever. Sure I can understand the rational behind these strict enforcements, but I consider that it is the limited few who have given a bad image for a endless genuine NZers who want a sea change. I love Australia and do not believe it is a country of madness thus I am not too worried that these absolutely insane regulations will not be enforced for eternity. I will not return to those small islands settled by our common ancestors, but should I ever be forced to return I know I shall remain Australian until the day I die and for eternity from the time I have spent here. God bless Australia.
Daniel Loza
2013-05-16
Even though I've lived here since May 2001, I can't become a permanent resident!!
Michelle Burns
Australia
2013-05-16
My husband and 2 children are Australian citizens and I would too like to become an Australian citizen. I have lived here for over 10 years now.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
WE are hard working and contribute to your society also Because I have now lived here nearly 12 years and was considering becoming a dual citizen. Also all 4 of my children have been born here.
Bronwyn Parke
2013-05-16
I'm signing this as I have lived here for 4years this time. I moved here with my daughter now 9 from NZ because I love Australia and want my daughter to have more opportunity..I have never asked for anything in the years of paying tax in Australia.There's no way I would "qualify"under your rules for citizenship or be able to afford it for that matter..so with the amount of kiwi children living here now..in years to come they won't get loans or government jobs unless somehow they become citizens??? But having lost my job due to a workplace injury..being the work places fault and having to get lawyers.. (and job hunting every day)I now am expected to survive on $300 per FORTNIGHT..I have been into centrelink to see about getting my super..he said "oh your from NZ yeh you cant get anything..goodluck" so i went into my Super office and they said i need to have been on a benefit for a continuos 27weeks to claim hardship...soo if ya getting the unemployment benefit each week for 27 weeks thats hardship but if your getting $300 per fornight that doesn't cut it..tell me how this makes sence please.oh all because of 2001 and being a kiwi.what happened to looking after each other NZ/OZ.....I am appreciative that I get this amount but seriously if I didn't have my parents help from over in NZ ( which so many people don't) id say I'd have had to have gone back to NZ rather than be on the streets in Australia...I'd hate to think how many NZ people are on the streets due to no help...it's quite disgusting that this can happen here...maybe I should have caught a boat over..
liesl timms
2013-05-16
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
I am living here working fulltime and pay taxes like anyone else that works Because have lived in australia now 10 years and worked and paid razes the whole time yet still cannot apply for citizenship and cannot access lots of services my taxes pay for.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment Although NZ will always be our true 'home', we love Australia and want to call it 'home' too. It is crazy to allow us to reside here indefinitely, working and paying taxes, living as 'Australians' but without the same support that NZ gives to Australians residing in NZ.
Daniel Flack
Australia
2013-05-16
Because I know more about Australian politics and legislation than most of the voting Australians!!!!
Juan Pablo
2013-05-16
I don't think it's particularly fair to have people paying taxes and not qualifying for the same rights as Australians living in Australia and paying the same taxes or Australians living in NZ.
Amy Adams
Ballajura, Australia
2013-05-16
I beleave NZ and Australia are like cousins. Kiwis need this to have better openings for their children's education
Mike Iafeta
Australia
2013-05-16
Because I thought ANZACS fought side by side for the benefit of BOTH countries!!!
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Living in Aus with a disability, yet shut out of NDIS..... I think kiwiz should be given the opportunity after 2yrs in Australia to become citizens!! 12 years is just rediculous!!
Lyn McMahon
2013-05-16
I have a grandchild in Australia, and a son who has been there for many years. I am appalled that there is this much discrimination against New Zealanders. We have supplied a lot of qualified workers to your workforce. I have never heard of Australian's being treated in this same way here in New Zealand.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Let's support people to live their life potential. I have 2 grandchildren born here and 1 grandchild who arrived here at 4 months. I would like them to have the opportunity to further their education and become doctors or lawyers or discover a cure for the common cold, and it is possible they will eventually need government assistence to acheive this.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Would like my children to be able to access student study loans When my husband and I moved here with our son in 2006 we immediately started working, paying taxes and I have volunteered my time with various events in Perth. We own a house, we pay our taxes, our son has to work part time in order to be able to pay his TAFE fees as we can't afford to support him and he doesn't qualify for any educational loans. The scary part is we have all the insurances except income protection, we simply cannot afford that on top of everything else. And if anything were to happen to wither of us, we would be bankrupt and homeless with no way of getting help. Please, we would dearly love to become citizens, there is no point moving to a new country unless you plan to become one of them, we love Perth, we love our friends, our jobs and the life we are building here. but we can't vote. We can't access the new NDIS scheme (which is a brilliant idea) and we can't even get short term help if something goes wrong. We plan the best we can, but we can't plan for everything. Our son, in order to move onto uni, is going to have to work full time for a year or two in order to be able to pay his fees. Or he'll have to go back to NZ to study, losing his friends and the life he has here.
miria Edwards
Australia
2013-05-16
I havent lived here that long..2002..All new laws came in 2001..My son was born here in 2002..we dont want to move back to NZ...but worries me about the future of my 10yr son...
charles pearson
2013-05-16
Date 2013-05-16
Comment one of my children has had to return to NZ as she was unable to claim a single parents pension even though she had lived here for 10 years...has ALL her siblings here ,has worked and completed schooling here...and now has become a teacher.....all she needed was a hand for about a year while she recovered from her relationship collapse.....now our family is split up and i feel this small amount of help could and would have helped us stay as one strong unit....very very annoying and sad to have to see them (her and my grandchildren)leave...still havent got over it.
Fiona Dadrah
2013-05-16
Because i used to liv on Australia and it was before they changed the law in 2001 as they are allowed to come to New Zealand and get benefits and other stuff so why cant New Zealands get the saem righgts
Catherine McPhie
Bendigo, Australia
2013-05-16
We have been here 7 years and if something happened where one or both of us couldn't work for some reason, we are not entitled to any help, despite paying taxes all this time.
Angela Martin
Australia
2013-05-16
Because I live here and all of this applies to me and my son who has lived here since he was 10 yrs. An aussie in every way except he will never be "aussie enough"
nicholas main
Australia
2013-05-16
i am a kiwi living in oz,my father had to leave oz when he got brain cancer as there was no financial help for him despite paying tax for 15 years here
Marty swale
Australia
2013-05-16
i have a australian partner and i want to become a citizen to live here permanently
Sandra Munn
Australia
2013-05-16
It is mainly about the cost.. I would have become a citizen by now but I heard it cost a lot of money.
Pam Day
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-16
I have Aus Citizenship (dual with NZ) because I was here pre 2001 and we had the 2 year rule. All of us have worked since arriving and we now have other family members who arrived post 2001 under the new rules. Not to mention the cost of the visas - outrageous.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
So my daughter inlaw can become a Aus citizen like my grand children Kiwis should pay a lesser tax on their wages as they have no access to services they pay for in tax system so gvt getting a big bite and it aint fair or honest
Tamson Beale
Australia
2013-05-16
My husband and I have lived here for 4 years now, have had a baby here and we have been through the public system to have one of our sons diagnosed with ASD. We are not entitled to any additional funding to help our young son receive early intervention or speech therapy. Our daughter is a resident of 'No country' as we have not yet been able to register her as a citizen of NZ due to funds. 3 months of unemployment with no significant income assistance was terrible. We pay tax, we help grow the economy.
Kathy Matthew
TUMBARUMBA, Australia
2013-05-16
Because we are Kiwis/Australians in Australia, giving to the economy and society in a positive manner, and our grandparent fought in the ANZAC war/s
Annette Pope
Ellenbrook, Australia
2013-05-16
Because i am sick and tired of "boat ppl getting citizenship for cheating, when my family arent welcome because we have two kids with cystic fibrosis!
Tania Savage
Australia
2013-05-16
Because we will be living in Australia for a long time, and it would be great to know we have options for the future.
Alistair Merrifield
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-16
I have been living in Australia for 10 years and paying taxes... but I get nothing for it. Yet Australians moving to NZ are eligible straight away!
Brad Lovejoy
Richmond, Australia
2013-05-16
I live in Australia for 4 years and believe I should have same rights as any other nationality living in Australia and be able to able for citizenship
Location Austria
Date 2013-05-16
Comment My children and I have been here for 11 years but have had no path to affordable citizenship. It will only take one disaster and we would be forced to move back to NZ against our will in order to survive.
jane baker
2013-05-16
My son has a NZ passport and is a lifeguard in Noosa having settled there. He and his future children who will be Ozzie born need this protection. He will be paying a lifetime of Australian tax so it is unfair.
MaryAnne Cawdron
Australia
2013-05-16
as an adult student we struggle to pay my uni fees as I better my education & that education will be put to work in Australia...if I can ever afford to finish my degree! ...and then there's the university education for my kids to think of as well.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
32 oliver drive redbank plains equity - if one is contributing through paying tax to the Australian government, one should be entitled to become a citizen
My children have access to university and we have rights like everyone else Because I am a New Zealander who arrived in Australia after 2001. I have my family moving over to live with me I am now living in Australia permanently and have done for a number of years. I work hard pay my bills and want to be an Australian.
my children can't go to university because whe're not rich to get a fair go I work hard and pay taxes like any Aussie , and I came here legally and get treat worst than the illegal immigrants , it's about time Aussie pollies work on the Trans Tasman agreement as I am sure kiwi's will come to the aid of the Aussie once again if need be .
Sonya Yates
Australia
2013-05-16
We have chosen to settle in Australia, my husband works and at the moment I am a stay at home mum. As a mother of 5, I hope that my children will have every opportunity to succeed in life after they finish secondary school. However, like many families, funding this will be difficult so any help we could get our hands on in terms of student allowances etc would be most beneficial and much appreciated. As tax payers etc it just seems fair!
Marama Smith
2013-05-16
I have lived in Australia since 1983,andI have now moved back to New Zealand after my husband passed away two years ago. My 8 children; 4 of whom were born there and my 19 grandchildren live, and work in Australia.
mariana boyce
Australia
2013-05-16
I have children who were born in Australia or brought to Australia as infants or children?
kelly hamer
2013-05-16
hoping to move to australia one day and would like the option for my children to have the option for study/work. I think 12 years is also way to long 3-5 would be much more acceptable
Arona Williamson
Thornlie, Australia
2013-05-16
We have been here 9 and a half years now and this is home so would love to be able to get permanent residence and then citizenship for us and our children!!
Angela Allan
Australia
2013-05-16
My husband and I have lived in Australia for over 3 years. We consider it our home and where our future is. Our 3 children attend primary school and they will complete their education, including tertiary, here. We hope to gain our Australian citizenship soon so our children have all the opportunities to stay in this wonderful country.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment i moved to australia in sept 2011 as a 18yr old on adventure. i will be 30 this year and now married to an aussie and we have FOUR australian citizen children. i would love to be an australian citizen to have security for my family.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Friends & family living & working in Australia with no rights for their tax dollars I live and work in Australia, I pay taxes too just like any other non-australia living here, why can I not apply for and have an opportunity to became an Australia Citizen and I dont believe NZ women should be separated from their Australian born children due to not being able to support themselves.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Have been working hard, paying taxes, think that should count?? A child born in Australia to NZ parents who are working here and paying taxes is more Aussie than illegal boat people
Dianne Booth
Australia
2013-05-16
Born and bred New Zealander, been here for 30 years..now an Australian citizen..I believe, that anyone from NZ who works/pays taxes/rates etc should be allowed the same rights after continuously living here for 5 years. It is total discrimination and an insult to the ANZAC tradition.
Kristen Blake
2013-05-16
I think it is unfair that the children have no hope of further education. Also, I am a NZer living in Australia.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Cobtributung i'm duel citizen in australia . i have family here since 2001 and are kiwi with out a hope of being australians .12 years of working and paying taxes and yet you can come by boat and become australian ask a true aussie: kiwi or boat people
Stephanie Prujean
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-16
Its important because I consider Australia as my home and it worries me that if I fall ill I will not be able to afford to live as I am not entitled to the disability payment, yet I pay taxes like everyone else. I work, pay taxes, my children go to school, I buy their uniforms and contribute to society in a healthy and positive way, plus I actually speak English! I have wanted to become a citizen, or at least a permanent resident, for years now with no luck. Maybe I should leave the country and come back on a boat, then I will get a roof over my head and citizenship!
Amy Swetman
2013-05-16
because I am a Married Mother of two kids aged 10 & 8. We were all born in New Zealand. we have been here for 4 years and have no intention of moving back to NZ, Australia is now our home. I am upset that when my kids leave High school they will be forced to return to New Zealand to further their education. My Husband and I will never qualify for residency as the law stands as we are farmers, we put in more hours of work then any Aussies we know yet we wont have the security of aid during a national disaster etc should we purchase our own farm. We are forced to continue working the same job without advancement and recognition of our commitment due to these factors. i believe a 6 year stand down period would be acceptable so long as our Children are automatically given a perminant residency at the same time we qualify.
Joedee Hall
Morayfield, Australia
2013-05-16
I am a full time Mum who can't get help for my family when my fianc's work under pays him.
tania ratima
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-16
I have lived in Australia for 25 yrs, 21 yrs in wa and 4yrs in qld, I work, I own 2 houses in wa, my daughter is Australian by birth and has an Australian passport, I LOVE AUSTRALIA!
Kiley Drake
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-16
For my son who is currently being denied therapies and treatments even though he was born here.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-16
Comment We pay taxes we are part of ANZAC yet we denied the same rights of Australians
Kathryn McEntegart
Gladesville, Australia
2013-05-16
Because I want to stay here, have paid large taxes and want my children to be able to study and learn and be treated like every one else. You can't have one rule (tax rule ie perm res for tax purposes) for one area and another for everything else!
Ian Mete
Australia
2013-05-16
My son is in year 12, has amazing talent in computers, considers Australia as his home; will spend his life working here, being taxed here and still considered non citizen. I tried to apply to ADF, but am not a AU citizen. I come from a long history of soldiers and nurses that shed blood for this country yet still we are considered non valid citizens. Q are Au citizens treated this badly in NZ? if not why not?
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Cause we are working in Australia and paying Australian tax!! I am a New Zealander, I have an Australian parent and would like my children to be able to further there education, and also look at buying property here for our children.
Ian Howlett
Australia
2013-05-16
This is important to me because I have friend who are married to a Kiwi and there spouse want to become Australian citizens,
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Hard working and tax paying kiwi in oz. Because I want to move to Australia in the very near future and I want to know that after paying my taxes I can be treated like Australian citizans, and the same for Australians coming to NZ.
Maryann Verkooyen
Australia
2013-05-16
is is important to me because we came here for a better way of living and Australia has so much to offer.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
I am a kiwi who is given no assistance for anything and believe this is wrong!! So my son is able to go to affordable university over here and because I have lived here for 12 years and been paying taxes all that time.
Lisa Cunningham
Australia
2013-05-16
Subclass visa 444 has me feeling like a subclass member of society. There must be a fairer way.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Because me and my children live in ozy Because half my family (2 of us) have citizenship, the other 2 do not. We work hard and pay our taxes, have houses over here and have given service in the Australian Defence Force. ANZACS have always stood by each other through thick and thin and should not treat each other as anything other than equals. Without this we can lose our homes, businesses and lives that we have built over here. Please change this.
Ormeau, Australia
2013-05-16
Because when families move over here for a better life and are prepared to work hard, pay taxes and obey Laws we should be considered and offered Permanent Residency if wanted.
Richard Orsulich
2013-05-16
Fair treatment, if I live in oz and pay all the taxes and Australians in New Zealand are able to take advantage of our system why cant it be the same for kiwis in oz, 1.5 billion in tax revenue from kiwis
Charlene Apiata
Australia
2013-05-16
I am a permanent resident but my fiance and one of my sons are "settlers". My other half has always worked and therefore always paid tax but he cannot access any of the assistance that his tax money pays for.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I am a hard working Kiwi who loves living here in Australia.. I came over in 2012 started a job as a contractor a week later am now full time. I feel its wrong that i pay taxes like everyone else but am not entitled to it because i am a Kiwi...
Mari Kaukura
Miranda, Australia
2013-05-16
I would like the option to become an Australian citizen made easier and affordable to kiwis as I along with many other kiwis have called Australia home for more than twenty years. I have abided by its laws and have paid its taxes and have appreciated making a living and building the dream of a happy life. Its disheartening to realise that my grandchildren born in Australia after 2001 road to citizenship will be a long expensive waste of time and effort.
Stuart Hayter
Australia
2013-05-16
I'd rather share my country with other's that share our values than other's that bring their our ideologies to our country and don't try and fit in with the majority
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
It's about being mutually fair Because we have settled here,worked hard and own our own home.It is totally unfair to discriminate in this way.Please change the law to a fair go.
Fiona Jenkins
Australia
2013-05-16
I am a Kiwi living in Australia who is fortunate to be supported by my Ozzie husband & not have to rely on working nor need to become a permanent resident to get by day to day. My children are grown & live in NZ so I do not have to worry about them gaining tertiary education or be 'lost kiwis'. If anything happens I can always go home I am one fo the lucky ones. I see all around me Kiwi families who do not have this luxury & who work hard & pay their taxes & all they ask for is a level playing field with other taxpaying citizens. Yes there should be a waiting period and no I do not believe anyone shpould be able to come to this beautiful country & expect to go straight on the bene but if they are working & thye become ill & unable to work , or lose their job due to redundancies then like every other taxpaying permanent resident or citizen they should be able to access welfare payments. Above all there is no reason whatsoever Kiwis cannot be entitled to access a scheme they are enforced to pay a levy towards.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Kiwis should have the same opportunities as anyone else Because the discrimination and unfair treatment of tax paying New Zealanders has to be reviewed by the Australian Government.
Alannah Steevens
2013-05-16
As a New Zealander who lived in Australia and paid tax and then being unable to get any help if necessary. I find this both discriminatory and completely rediculous. How on earth can they treat Kiwis differently when we add so much to Australias economy. gr
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
I want to move to Australia, it actually has an economy. Been here 8 years now, and will be here till stumps. Would be nice to really call it home
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
because im a nzer not intending on moving back to nz So all people living in Australia have the same opportunities ie furthering their education if they want to. I think it is especially important that children who possibly had no choice in moving to Australia with their parents are not discriminated against simply because they were born in NZ. I also think it is important that families have access to support if they have a special needs child.
Robert Gell
Australia
2013-05-16
Kiwis have been marginalised by current immigration legislation. They represent a significant factor as tax payers & should be allowed a fairer residency status.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment Lived here 11 years,own a home,paying for daughter to get uni degree,have ozzy grandchild,all my siblings are here,would not want to go back to nz,consider oz home,have invested all we have here but are not skilled enough and to OLD! To become citizens.
Martin Lord
Australia
2013-05-16
I work here and pay taxes. I own a home, pay rates, yet cannot vote in Council elections. I have no democratic rights and no say in State or Federal elections even though I love this country and intend to live out the rest of my life here. I have been a hard working, responsible, legally abiding citizen for 6 years and am being treated worse than non-english speaking boat people. What happened to the equal ANZAC alliance. Iam only asking for the same rights that every other nationality receives after living here and proving themselves to be acceptable Australians.
Marcia Harris
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-16
I will not comment as reading others discriminative remarks has made me incredibly angry and I am positive I will say something I shouldnt.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
have lived in australia and have family living in australia My husband & daughter both pay taxes in Australia. We are required to pay the same taxes and levies as Australians which funds government assistance/initiatives to Australians but not working New Zealanders. Australians living in NZ are afforded much more assistance than New Zealanders in Australia.
elizabeth buckthought
Corunnun, Australia
2013-05-16
We have lived here for 7 years. still treated like crap by Aussie bosses who know they can rip you off due to not having the same rights!!! We are owed thousands and near left bankrupt. Needs changing!!!
Wendi Jordan
Australia
2013-05-16
Two of my kids came over to aussie to live in late 2001 and early 2002. they have both worked since, and paid taxes, but cant access any benefits here, or get a Hecs loan, or become an Aussie Citizen...:)
Kathleen Harrison
Wynnum, Australia
2013-05-16
For equal rights for Kiwis. We pay the same tax, so we should be able to get permanent residency or citizenship.
julian ryan
2013-05-16
iv been payin tax here for years and had 2 kids here but we not eligible for hardly anything
Susan Taylor
2013-05-16
Because I am one of those kiwis who has been here for 10 years and work fulltime and pay taxes!!
Amanda Tonkin
Australia
2013-05-16
I have been here for coming up 7 years, no plans to go back to NZ due to children now grown up and settled here, plus we have good jobs. Have had to get out personal loans to ensure our children are able to receive training and schooling past Year 12 as are not eligible for Hecs. Worry about our future when in our elderly years even though have paid taxes for years.
Rhys Flemming
Australia
2013-05-16
I would love to be able to vote for the government that I pay taxes for and feel like Australia is really my home.
Mike Smith
Australia
2013-05-16
We have lived here in Australia for 6 years , both Full time working couple with a family . We would so love to get PR & then later down the track Citizenship .We love this country and this is where we want to spend the rest of our lives .One of our sons is very talented in sport and has represented QLD but in a couple of years time when he could represent Australia ... He is unable to as We dont have PR or Citizenship . We now have two lovely Grandkids that have been born in Australia . Please make us feel more secure by changing these laws .... Thanks
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I consider Australia my home now and especially since I have a daughter , would feel at ease knowing that I do have support from the Government especially since we are tax payers as well, can't see why us New Zealand's should treated differently. Aoverall, many Australian
Regan Pepene
2013-05-16
because im moving over in two weeks and i would like myself as well as other kiwi's that have moved there past present and future to all be treated equal
Aniela Chrzanowski
Australia
2013-05-16
To make a safe, pernament home for myself without feeling that I am living in limbo
Emma Donald
Australia
2013-05-16
We have been in Australia now for 11 years, with continuous employment and three Australian born children (of which the eldest will be eligible for citizenship in two years time when he reaches the age of 10). For me it's not about welfare, it's about being treated equally and fairly like everybody else.
Kyle Lockwood
Australia
2013-05-16
Because Kiwi's in Australia pay full tax, but to not have full access to Australian funds in times of crisis. Taxation without Representation. Also Australians in NZ can vote, New Zealanders in Australia cannot.
Sandra Batkin
Australia
2013-05-16
I have a grandchildren due in October and feel that it should have the same rights as other Aussies born here, plus my hubby and I both work here contributing to the economy .
just common decency towards our hard working NZ friends Aussies get VIP treatment in NZ and Kiwis deserve same in AUS I moved here when I was young (17) and didn't know any wiser. After 8 years of continuous work, a house, a family i concider Australia home. I have a 5 year old Australian born son who misses out on it all just because both my partner and I are NZ born! What is he ment to do? Where's the saftey net for him? What if something happened to us? My son is being punished for his nationality, he didn't choose to be born here! This is so wrong!!
Mariya TAYLOR
Australia
2013-05-16
We are unable to apply for PR as my husbands job is on the skilled labour list but loses points as he is was just over 45 yrs so therefore we could not apply as we are 5 points short. My job is not on the list.We both have worked since day 2 of being in Australia pay huge taxes yet we have no saftey net in terms of long term security, for us and our children who would have started school here and completed school here yet they will be no HECS, they wont be able to vote. There only hope is should they marry a Australian. I think the standown for citizenship should be 7-10yrs of continuous work, that shows that we are not just here on a whim this is where we would like to call home.
vanessa heal
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-16
Because I am planning on living in Australia permanently for as long as I can so I can be with my children and grandchildren
Kyme Hall
Australia
2013-05-16
I love Australia and have been here over nine years, I have 2 daughters married to and have children to their australian Husbands. My husband and I both work here as well!
Date 2013-05-16
Comment My husband and I have lived here since 2007 with the intentions of living here for the rest of our lives. We have worked continuously ( I work in the social services sector) and own our own home. We have raised our granddaughter who is now in year 12 for the last 3 years and she wants to make her future in Australia as well but she can't continue with tertiary study here and will have to go back to NZ to a potentially unstable situation. As well, very important, we both consider ourselves citizens but we are unable to vote. Our children and their families have moved here as well and they are suffering the same disadvantages. What happens to their children when they graduate high school? We love this country passionately and feel part of the community but we are disadvantaged by the unlikihood of citizenship. We are aged 58 & 60yrs.
Eva Reed
Australia
2013-05-16
Im a kiwi recently moved to australia from the UK. My British husband will be joining me, even though we have to reapply for his visa to stay here every five years for the rest of our lives! There is every chance we will have children in Australia, but thinking that these children would have no access to university assistance, disability assistance and, by the looks of things, being ineligible for disaster relief in emergencies is, quite frankly, frightening. I understand changing rules so that the welfare system is not taken advantage of, and I fully agree with that, but surely if kiwis have been here for 10 years and have always worked, have bought houses, cars etc... they should have some entitlement to the services they are taxed for.
Sarah Clements
Australia
2013-05-16
I have children that are born here and i would like them to have equal rights and be able to get funding to help with uni cost etc.....
Joslyn Hobbis
2013-05-16
I'm a New Zealander and would love to see a fairer system for hard working Kiwis living in Australia.
Anne Williams
Australia
2013-05-16
Because with NZ and AU having a trans tasman agreement it is only fair that kiwis in ozzie get the same as what ozzie's get in nz.
Stephen Jeffery
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-16
I have lived in Australia for 12 years. I am now married to an Australian Citizen and have 2 Australian children, and yet the government treats me like I arrived yesterday. I would like Australian Citizenship for 2 main reasons 1) so I can vote and feel like I have some say in what happens to my tax money & 2) so I can truly call Australia home with the rest of my family and feel like I am a full member of the society in which I live. Of course I could apply for PR alongside people from all over the world who do not currently have the right to live here, but I consider it a ridiculuos requirement when I have lived here permanently for 12 years. In addition I feel that after all the talk from the government since 2009 that they are going to provide a new pathway to PR for New Zealanders, and then they simply change their mind I will not apply for PR as a matter of principle. By DIAC's own admission 40% of New Zealanders living in Australia do not qualify for PR - yet the government is happy to continue to exploit us. Nothing illustrates this more vividly than the NDIS that we will be paying for but cannot access. The bottom line is we are a cash cow for the Australian Government. They collect all our tax and give little back, and while we cannot vote (in either country) we are easily ignored. I will continue to lobby for change in every way I can until this 'anomaly' is remedied.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I have lived in Australia with my husband since 2008 and we have both worked. I work in the aged care/disability workers area and love my job and what I do to support the people of Australia who need others assistance to live a good life. I had my first child last year in Australia and I would love to live here, work here and retire here but the odds are against us as currently I don't see how I can survive once I retire. I hope to become a permanent resident/citizen one day and become a true member of this wonderful country. I owe a lot to this country and dont expect handoutS EVER but a bit of security and respect would be nice. I hope this petition assists us Kiwis CURRENTLY living in Australia. We pay a lot of tax and I believe that if all of us kiwis had to leave together there would be a big whole in the Australian economy. Thank you for listening to my story. Kind Regards Amy Barnston
Darlaine Smith
Australia
2013-05-16
Because i or my children may one day need this help, and if they have been living in oz for 20 years then they should have a right to it.
Laurene Campbell
Australia
2013-05-16
My partner & I are NZ Citizens. We have been here for 8 years. Our son was born here in Australia. We have a mortgage & we both work . We pay our taxes, rates, water rates & support community funding. Yet we have no safety net if anything should happen to us as well as having the huge worry for what the future holds for our son & the lack of support he will encounter because his parents are not eligible to become permanent residents. We do the right thing & follow the rules but will always have that scary & unsettling reality that we can never get the support we need from the Australian government.
Carolyne Adshead
Australia
2013-05-16
If you pay the same taxes as Australians then you should be entitled to the same benefits.
Eve Kelly
Australia
2013-05-16
We are New Zealanders who have lived in Australia for 10 years. Both our children were born here, yet were citizens of 'nowhere' until we applied for NZ citizenship several weeks after their births. How bizarre that this can be. As a tax paying member of society here, I would like my family to be treated with the same rights to access safety nets as all others who live and work here too.
Lynda Hardwick
Australia
2013-05-16
I think we should have the same rights as Australian citzens immigrating to New Zealand.
vaine kirk
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-16
Came here 2004 to join my family to start a new life not aware of our rights regardless ive been working non stop for almost ten yrars heading into retirement
Ian Barnes
2013-05-16
I have Kiwi relatives who have lived in Aussie for many years. Second - its just plainly unfair. Give us a fair go like we do for Aussies who come here.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
I'm going to live here forever i came into the country legally and now treated like we are illegal immagrants just gives us the same rights as nz to to aus citizens...i pay taxes here so i should be able to get that back thru certain entitlements
Fair go bro! Kiwi living here, and planning to stay.... It would mean I don't have to return to NZ when I retire I want my family to have the same rights as Australians after living here and working here for many years
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I have lived here for 10 years and cannot become a citizen yet I pay taxes and have never used centrelink and I want to become an Australian Citizen
Gina Katipa
Australia
2013-05-16
I have 4 children whom are growing up in this country and attending both long family day care and state high school and I am wanting a education for after state high school but after reading the legislation that is in place at present I don't think this will be an option as it will be to costly for me. I agree that I would like this legislation to be looked at.
For my child, born here in Australia but still not a citizen. For his future. We have two children with Type 1 diabetes are aren't eligible for ANYTHING! People who work and pay taxes should be consided citizens I am kiwi and if I have a child here I want my child to be able to have the same benefits as everyone else.
Elle Eastwood
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-16
I have lived in sydney since July 2007 and I married an australian. I am studying for a bachelor of health science at a private australian institution and financing my husband and I are financing it all ourselves. The laws need to change. I shouldn't have to go through the same process as everybody else all the while being here without a visa.
Julie McKernan
Australia
2013-05-16
Have lived and worked here for 25years. My children have grown up as Aussie kids and we all call Australia home
Miranda Flemming
Australia
2013-05-16
Come on Australian & NZ governments - time to address these unfair laws keep people on 'temporary' visas indefinitely with no pathway to citizenship.
Janna Shepherd
2013-05-16
My mother and brother moved to australia from new zealand before the rules changed. They now have citizenshicp but I cant move over to be with them as I have 2 primary school aged children of which we cant access healthcare or financial services if needed in a disaster and my children will not be able to go to any university or further their education. While the rules stay the way they are - our family will forever be separated. I find the current rules discriminatory against New Zealanders who contribute just as equally to australias economy and society as Australians.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Because i want to spend my life in Australia Most of us come to Australia to seek a better future. We just ask for equal opportunities and fairness as we are tax payers and we are not entitled to a cent. We aren't asking for a hand out just fairness. Refugees are given more than those kiwis who pay their way.
Cari Ramsay
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-16
I lived in Australia for several years and had my son in Australia who is an Australian citizen. I left and went back to NZ for several years returned two years ago to find that I am no longer able to become a Australian citizen because Im too old. Im a professional, paying taxes and quite capable of contributing to Australia, but Im treated worse then a second class citizen. Australians are entitled to eveything Kiwis are entitled to once they have been living in NZ for two years. The current situation in Australia for Kiwiis is unfair.
Sarah Norman
2013-05-16
Our boys were born in australia, English father and kiwi mother and will be returning to Australia in the near future
because I have made Australia my new home it affects my family. My sons girlfriend has to work hard to support herself and children, she has NO HELP, no medicare, no family tax A/B not even legal aid she works pays her tax and gets nothing in return - NOT FAIR
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-16
Comment As a kiwi in Aus, I've always had a job and paid full taxes now including my own business on the side where I contribute GST also. I have son born here and another who when he was here was diagnosed with ASD but has been denied any help due to our status, so his schooling has continuously been a struggle. Give us hard working kiwis a fair go, you got rid of the kiwi bludgers in 2001 and as a kiwi here I don't want to see them either but discriminating against our whole country for what was a few rorting the system is just plain wrong.
Julie Anaru-Johnson
Perth, Australia
2013-05-16
As a full tax payer of Australia it is unreasonable that our residency denies access to the NDIS should we need it yet we are required to fund it. I support the petition for change to introduce a pathway for citizenship so I can vote for where my tax paying dollars are being spent. I have lived and worked here for 7 years.
Janina-Maree Ryder
Australia
2013-05-16
I've lived here 7 years now and I would like to think that the taxes I pay could help in the future if I needed it!!We pay equally so why should we be treated differently??!
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
For my and my families future. Hi been here since 2004 and worked my butt off heading into retirement age and not entitled to the pension maze well work till i drop dead one income started from nothing and end up with nothing how ever hope us lost kiwis will maintain eqal rights to our ozzys ozy ozy ozy oy oy oy
Lena Sheeran
2013-05-16
Tammarie Fisher
Springfield, Australia
2013-05-16
I have 5kids but 3 of them born here in Australia. Arrived in 2008 & in the last year we've been struggling living from food parcels every week can't keep up with every day expenses eg: Phone, Power. My husbands health limits him to the amount of work he can do & I am at home taking care of 3 children under 5 and 2 other children at school. I have over the past year been looking for part time work but have failed to get a job. Since we don't qualify for any other benefits, life has been a major struggle. I feel helpless and only wished I could fully provide my children everything they need since up till now all they've known is Australia is there home. This issue seriously needs to be addressed because some of us New Zealanders never expect this to happen eg: loss of income, health issues. Not until you actually experience it that you really find out the consequences or what your not entitled too.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
I'm a nz citizen living in oz Because Australians chase kiwis for work,for soldiers when they can't get enough of their own and then treat almost all other nations more fairly than us
John Puts
Australia
2013-05-16
Fair go aus.We fully support you in NZ.Giving and making all benefits avaliable to you that our citizens can access.We add to your economy.We are good and hard workers,you know this.We fight together.We are equals in every field.Dare I say it you've a little to catch up on the field.All jokes aside,we support you.Give us your support and lets make our bond stronger.I'm a working grandfather and father of children living and also working in Aus.My children and grandchildren and I speak for many other NZers in the same situation over here.Support us as we support you.
Gretchen Raethel
2013-05-16
If you have been paying taxes in a country for 10 years or more you should be entitled to become a citizen and all the rights this gives.. Your children who will have done their schooling in this country should be entitled to a higher education education. What other nationalities are discriminated against like this?
Date 2013-05-16
Comment I want to make Australia my home for me and my family. I love Australia, I have been here for 8 years and never been unemployed, I have paid taxes and donated generously to relief funds. My wife's grandfather is Australian, my father inlaw is a Australian citizen and we would love the opportunity to become Australian citizens.
Jan Harrion
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-16
This is very important to me, because it affects my brother, sister in law and their children, they work here, pay there taxeshere, but cant become citizens, something needs to be done about it
Sheryl Douglas
Scarborough, Australia
2013-05-16
Because it is causing a lot of stress on my family as there are members who came out after 2001 who cannot get help when desperately needed, despite the fact that they pay their taxes. If it not going to be changed, at least let these people live tax free so they can get enough to fall back on when they are unable to work for whatever reason
Vanessa Hayes
2013-05-16
I'm moving to Oz soon, to work long hard hours, pay taxes, and spend my earnings in Australia. Why should we be denied so much, when it's not the same for aussies living in nz. Australia : where "yours is mine, but mine is MINE"
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
So my children will be protected in the country they call home Time for a fair go for Kiwis in OZ. I dont agree with instant access but yes after 5 years of living and working here is sufficient evidence of permanent residency
Linda Osborne
Gympie, Australia
2013-05-16
My family have been here for 8 years. We have a special needs child. He was educated at a special school and had all the privileges of Aussie kids at that school. During his final year we were told he would not qualify for post school funding. This meant there were no options for support for him as an adult. I discovered that I could apply for an extra 2 semesters at school, which gave me breathing space to apply for permanent residency. My employer sponsored me because I didnt meet the age requirements. Fortunately I am in a "desirable" occupation, I am a nurse working in aged care. This process took over 2 years and the expectations were enormous, but I was determined to succeed. We were declined, initially because our son has Down Syndrome. ie he didnt meet the "health requirements" I then had to gather as much information as I could to convince DIAC that they should reconsider. We were lucky and achieved permanent residency in Feb of this year. I then applied for a disability support pension for our son and guess what? He doesn't qualify until he has lived here for 10 years. I, however, can get a carer allowance of $115 per fortnight. I work fulltime and he goes to a couple of day respite centres in order for me to continue to work, one of which costs $122 per day. If this was an Aussie family moving to NZ they would qualify for all social security benefits after a period of 2 years. I forgot to mention that the whole process has cost us in excess of $5000, including the application, the Health checks $330 per person, chest xrays, blood tests etc all at extra cost to us. I think the Australian Government needs to find a fairer and more equitable way of treating its hard working kiwi cousins. I have had Australian employers tell me they will always employ a Kiwi applicant for a job, because of out work ethic.
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Thinking about moving over there and have family there already. As a NZ citizen with an Australian husband, 3 children one of which was born in NZ and came here when she was a year old, the other two born here, I work fulltime and pay taxes to support many Australians that don't work I would love for my children to have access to all areas of life in Australia.
France's Lowery
2013-05-16
Date 2013-05-16
Comment Been in Australia since 2005, married an Australian 2011 have worked all the years I've been here have 3 nieces born here, fostered 3 boys frm NZ educated here.
Sharon Heincen
Bundall, Australia
2013-05-16
I live here, love living here, have a home, pay taxes, however am not entitled to any benefit of those taxes and cant vote. I have an interest in the country I live in and want to show my allegiance by becoming a citizen
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
As a Kiwi i would like a fair go for all kiwis. If we are paying EXACTLY the same taxes as everyone else then we should be eligible for things like disaster relief, education etc. If not then how about removing the extra $$ we pay for these things!
Brian Wolfe
Australia
2013-05-16
I'm a Kiwi and feel the Australians are ridiculous. They get to come to NZ and get all the benefits and we cannot receive the same here in Australia. Not acceptable.
yvette hubbert
brisbane, Australia
2013-05-16
I am stuck in australia due to hauge convention laws, i have re-skilled but still not eligible to apply for residency. This is important to me as i would love as a single parent to send my 2 children to uni. Would love them to access student loans.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
we dont have any plans to move back to nz and i have an australian born child We tried to get PR, went through all the hoops, then went on the wait list. While on the wait list my husband turned a year older and we lost a point for age - now we do not qualify despite meeting the full criteria. We don't want welfare. We want to vote and a chance to feel a member of the country we have made our home, pay taxes in, volunteer our time and have bought a house in.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Because I love Australia and it is now our home I have been living, working and paying taxes in Australia for the last 5 years. I am of the belief that after a certain period of time NZers should have an easier path to Citizenship in Australia based on their contribution to society. It is important for me to know my children will be offered the same rights in their futures as other Australian children.
lesley gregor
Arundel, Australia
2013-05-16
I arrived May 2000, so just squeezed in, but many of my friends came later. Their children will suffer. No assistance if they want to attend uni. Also they contribute to the economy but receive not benifits, just not fair aussie.
Tracy Orr
Australia
2013-05-16
My family including myself my partner our 2 year old NZ born daughter & my eldest daughter, partner & my Australian born grandson. Signing the petition mainly to protect my children & grandchildren their education & futures.
Tammy Whitelaw
Australia
2013-05-16
Kiwi's are our brothers/sisters we will always stand together in Love and war. New Zealand residents workers come here and work hard for there money, in most case harder and more reliable then us Aussies. New Zealand might as well be another State of Australia.
Mary Bartlett-Johnston
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-16
The 2001 Reciprocal Agreement involves discriminatory practices and loss of basic Human Rights for all NZers.
Alice Cooney
Australia
2013-05-16
My daughter has lived in Australia since she was 4. i want her education to go further than high school. without having to pay huge amounts of Fees.. Bring back HECS.
Keren Rosewarne
2013-05-16
We have lived in Australia for 12 years, we have employed Australians, New Zealands and others we own 3 properties, we are paying the same taxes as everyone else but are not entitled to the same benefits if they were required.
Date 2013-05-16
Comment Because I love it here and have been here for 8 years and don't plan on leaving. Since coming here as a young adult I have grown in this lovely country held a full time job and progressed and married my now wife, we treat this place home and will soon start a family. Our life is here and we both contribute to this country. Just want a fair go as this is now home for us :)
Tom Brownie
Australia
2013-05-16
Because I was New Zealand born but lived in Melbourne for most of my life including junior, middle and senior school. But because I went back to NZ to go to University for more than 4 years I am no longer seen as an Australian Citizen.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
Im a Kiwi and lived here for 23 years My wife is Australian and I want to ensure that our family has equal rights and protections in Australia.
Ronda Tokona
2013-05-16
Well I think that there needs to be some synergy between the way Kiwis and Australians treat each other. Fairness on both sides needs to be done. Unlike other countries there is a history and a relationship that binds the two countries. At one time we looked after Australian convicts, we have fought side by side in wars. I feel there is more that should keep us together than apart. The current Oz govt rules seems to be divisive in nature. I do appreciate their need to deal with their economic problems but I feel it is sad that a port of call is to make it more difficult for Kiwis in Australia (or who want to go there) who do participate and invest in the country.
Sue Hills-Johnes
Australia
2013-05-16
equal opportunities, I work hard pay my taxes and contribute to society. Why should I not be entitled to residency and citizenship. Why should families who work hard suffer by not being able to access tertiary education and access financial assistance when their parents have worked and paid their taxes.
Australia Australia
2013-05-16 2013-05-16
for my kids future..equality!!! I support this as a mum of a special needs child that was undiagnosed before relocting with my Family (6 yrs ago), As well as having a Child born here in austraila, im proud to call her my aussie baby. We pay our taxes. we own our house, as well as have a small business. I would love for my children to have the same rights as there australia counterparts, having to prospectively sent my Children back to NZ to study at university or go into the Army or Airforce (as my oldest is keen to do) Is not something a mother wants. I love this country and im happy I now call it home
Karen Phillips
2013-05-16
My mother is an Australian citizen and I would like the option to change if I chose to reside there.
KRISTI Pavich
Australia
2013-05-16
We moved here 7 years ago with 3 children. They face the difficulty of paying uni fees upfront with our help. It is also important that as they settle here with family of their own that they have the option of PR.
2013-05-16 2013-05-17
friends cant become australian citizens they pay taxes... I am a kiwi living in Oz and a 4 year wait before I can apply for citizenship seems a bit extreme :(
Fiona mccoll
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-17
I am a NZ, who has lived in Australia since 2002 with my NZ husband. We have 2 properties, 2 children born here, work and pay taxes yet we have no means of achieving PR. I personally feel insulted and unwanted in a country I call home.
Rebekah Cowan
Australia
2013-05-17
Because I live and work here, and have done for the past 6 years and I now want to become a permanent resident and australian citizen
Date 2013-05-17
Comment Im a Kiwi who has lived here 5 years and will remain & contribute to Australia life for the rest of my life!
Gore, New Zealand Gold Coast, Australia Upper Hutt, New Zealand
Because it is a discriminatory policy. Because the discrimination is rampant ..... I'm a Kiwi which is self explanatory! The Aussies wouldn't want our government to do this to them so .....
Australia
2013-05-17
because i plan to live here permanatly, i own a buisness and employ australians when i could just employ a relitive my partner who is also a nzer has lived here since 1999 we pay alot of tax and im concerned for my daughter when she wants to go to uni but wont be eligable for a student loan we are good enough to take our taxes for years but we are not eligable for anything when we contribute alot and in some cases more then some australians we are committed to this country :)
Australia Australia
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
As I have lived here for most of my life and want citizenship. Because I am sick of being treated as a nobody, I live in Aussie I work I pay taxes so give us a fair go already. From what Ive seen its better to go to Malaysia and come over as a boat person you get treated with more repect than coming in from New Zealand. It is suppose to be ANZAC NOT NewZealand gives Aussies everything and Aussies treat NZ like crap.
Pauline Richardson
2013-05-17
My daughter, son-in-law and my grandchildren live there. one was born there..they are good honest hardworking, tax paying people. Australians get all NZ benifits from the day they arrive., student loans the works...no questions asked ...Surely this should be reciprocated.
Australia
2013-05-17
were good enough to take taxes from for years and years though arent we? i own a buisness and employ austrailians when i could just employ a cussie bro from home im concerned for my daughter when she reaches university as we will be contributing our hard earned taxes yet she ( or we will) have to fund her education or go home to nz where we might be able to get a student loan for her i totally agree to the fact we shouldnt get the dole for but we dont come here to sit on the dole we come here to work hard pay our taxes and enjoy the lifestyle
Grant Chick
Australia
2013-05-17
My children are being discriminated by not be able to get higher education loans.
Crystal Hill
Geebung, Australia
2013-05-17
I have lived here many times, 2 years when I was a child, almost 2 years when I was a teenager and now we have moved back to settle in. Even thou I have lived here for more then 2 years, payed tax etc in this country I'm still not eligible for citzenship unless I pay 3 or 4 grand to become a resident!!! Then apply through my husband who is a citizen to be granted a citizenship....Totally unfair!!!! Living here I'm helping the australian economy live in a country thats your next door neighbour!!! I think the laws suck regarding this matter. So many kiwis are helping australian economy by just living here! If you took all of us out you would be looking at a major decrease in good workers, less spending, help to carry the older generation of your baby boomers and less need for housing so a decrease in work. Seriously wake up and give us kiwis a break! Please!!!
Sue Wesney
Wodonga, Australia
2013-05-17
The boat people are given more rights that the kiwis and we legitimately come here to work hard and contribute to society.......what do boat people do?
Tracy Brooks
Australia
2013-05-17
So my friends and family that are hard working tax payers can finally get some rights over here for themselves and their children
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I have lived here since 1999 but I know they wont give me citizenship and also all the reasons given in this petition I agree with
te rameka
2013-05-17
..my family fought alongside and died alongside Australian troops..they basically gave their lives for each other..we share history, blood and sweat so why not as recognition of that relationship allow Kiwi a fair way to citizenship..
Natasha Mohr
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-17
I have 2 nz born children here and 2 aussie born children and i want them to have a chance at university when they are old enough. My daughter born in australia wants to join the army and cant as im not a citizen. She doesnt want to join the nz army as all her family and friends are in australia
Reeny Taylor
Australia
2013-05-17
We are Brothers in countries, we banded together in the war and we are equal, i am an Aussie and proud of it but i also know New Zealand is a Big Part in being an Australian and we have always stuck together
Simon Nunn
Australia
2013-05-17
I contribute huge amounts of tax and will never be able to get help from the govt. should the unexpected happen.
Jade Edwards
2013-05-17
Im a kiwi who has lived here for 7 years my son was born here in Brisbane last year. My son is not an Australian citizen because my partner and i are not Australian citizens. My son is a New Zealander by decent. More then anything i would love to be an Australian citizen but i am unable to as im not eligible. An Australian can move to New Zealand and after living there for two years are eligible to become a citizen. I believe if as New Zealanders we have moved to Australian and have worked and paid tax for a number of years we should then be eligible for citizenship.
Sharon Kirk
Australia
2013-05-17
As it stands at the moment my daughter (NZ born) is not allowed to attend University over here after being done with High School, unless we pay International fees. She has a really great brain and can go far, so would like it to be a bit fairer over here for us Kiwis..especially since Aussies in NZ are eligible for everything pretty much straight away. Why have ANZAC if Australia isnt keeping its side of the deal??
To allow my children to get a HELP. loan to study at Uni in Australia. To give New Zealanders a fair chance in Australia. We pay our taxes! i am with a kiwi and we get no help from the government. This is important to me because I have lived here all my life. I class myself as both a Kiwi & a Skippy. All my Family are herein Aussie. My Sisters were born here & they are Aussies. In our hearts & minds we are Aussie. Its paper work & beuracracy that denies us!
Kim Wilson
2013-05-17
I believe both countries can benefit from this being approved, i first arrived in Australia in 1978 and worked before returning to nz in 1986 only to return to australia in 1995 when i made Australia my home where all but one of my children were born and raised to be working members of society.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
I would like to be able to vote Personally I don't have a problem but new arrivals and not so new arrivals are being treated badly. They like you paying taxes but give nothing back. Like if you're not a permanent Resident you don't quilify to take on an apprenticeship or enter University.
Dan Hill
Australia
2013-05-17
Kiwis are an important part of Australia. We should be allowed to become citizens of our newly adopted country as we love it like any australian !
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I am signing as I have lived here 11.5yrs & my son & partner are Australian. It is very unfair we treat Australians in our country well but it's not reciprocal. I have worked my whole time here & if need be should be allowed the same rights as an Australian. I have no interest in living back in Nz. Come on Oz be fair to those hard working kiwi's!!
Tania Tua
Rockingham, Australia
2013-05-17
It saddens me to read this, Seems like we are not treat as equals. We have been put into a catagory that reflects us as a race with no hope or future. Many of our people live in poverty because of these laws. Our country doesn't act this way Towards Australians in NZ. We sure as hell are not just here for Tax benefits. Our Treaty of Waitangi Has benefits for every indigenous race is round the word ruled by the crown. This is here as a protection for all in times of strife. Our people are one and united Not only do we think of our selves We also think of others who follow Or have no voice. I believe our people on signing our Treaty of Waitangi had much wisdom Upon signing that document. Reasons being so our indigenous nation around the world new we are not all savages as they call us or animals. WE ARE PEOPLE. HE TANGATA HE TANGATA We are people We are people Common Gillard give us a fair go We got Aussies back always.
Australia
2013-05-17
My children and I are studying here whilst my husband works hard to finance it all. At the end of the day we have made our lives here since 2007, we want to be able to have a say politically. we want to buy a property and feel safe and secure knowing we can put our roots down and not be threatened with possible law changes.
Rachel Perry
Australia
2013-05-17
We have worked in Australia for 8 years and consider this our home, we have had children born here and want their future to have the same opportunities as other working families living in Australia
Tuakana Cowan
Australia
2013-05-17
My father and father in laws fought beside our fellow men in Australia. Instilled within family ties and connection with our father and fathers who died and provided us the freedom a to choice to fairer pathway to citizenship. Without prejudicism to all New Zealand born citizens.
Lorraine Kumeroa
Australia
2013-05-17
A lot of NZ'rs through no fault of their own become trapped with no support. Kiwis are denied so much and this needs to be addressed accordingly
Sarah Becker
Australia
2013-05-17
Australia is our home now and we have lived and worked and paid taxes for 5 years. I want me children to have the full benefits as all other citizens of Australia. My daughter will be starting Uni in 3 years time which she cannot get HECS for so we are busy saving for this now.
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I'd like to be an australian citizen and have lived here since 1997 but its really to hard! I've never gone back to New Zealand and have embraced the Aussie way of life but that doesn't count for much!
Lawrence Chick
Australia
2013-05-17
This is important to me because I am currently a University student in Australia undertaking a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree. It is not cheap. And being a New Zealand Citizen, I am not eligible for HECS HELP or HECS Loans. Therefore I have to work twice as hard as some students just to afford to attend University. Which doesnt leave much time for studying and puts me at a disadvantage. I have lived in Australia for 6 years now and I Plead with the Australian Government to give us a way to become Australian Citizens. As Anzacs we fought on the battle fields together, Side by Side, Back to back and our blood was spilled together, So why are we separating eachother and putting eachother at disadvantages? There must be a way, because we who come into the country legally are getting less than those coming illegally and in fact are getting rewarded for their illegal acts which just motivates more to do so. Please try, because i know there are many people like me here in this Beautiful country, struggling to accomplish our dreams and goals. Kindest Regards, Lawrence Chick
Mary Romanova
Australia
2013-05-17
I have as much Australian family as I do New Zealand family - as a family we have supported, been supported, fought and some died for both countries for well over 100+ years. To us both countries are as one (think NZ is still meant to be included in Australian constitution as part of this country). Imagine how it would feel if the states here did this to each other - it's not a good feeling suddenly being seen as an alien in a land you always felt was a strong and equal part of your heritage. Think the Brit's get a better deal than the Kiwi's.
Stacey Coleman
Australia
2013-05-17
Though i fall into the the category of permanent resident after arriving here before 2001, i feel the law has to be changed or a new one brought in for the fairness of a kiwi paying tax to the Australian government and yet being made to feel like a second rate human being with no rights
James Wilson
Australia
2013-05-17
This is important to me because i have a baby born here in australia and the future does not look bright for my little girl.
samantha tiller
Australia
2013-05-17
i think its fair. we pay full taxes and are fully involved in Australian way of life, yet we dont get treated like we are.
Australia Australia
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
I have lived here 34 years payed my taxes and worked hard As it stands I have worked here and paid taxes. I have never required assistance over here however I know that if it were to ever happen there would be nothing. This is not the case for Aussies living in NZ. How about making it fair My children have been to school here grown up and work here I have paid full fees at uni for one with no hex. No issues with that however she works and pays taxes and is initialled to anything
Tasha Wharehinga
2013-05-17
For better trade and immigration relationships with Australia and New Zealand and in respect of what our ancestors fought for together
Jennifer Rofe
Australia
2013-05-17
We have lived here for 5 years pay tax's etc & if anything happens we dont get any help at all
Date 2013-05-17
Comment Very important we now will contribute to disability tax as well yet our children over here do not qualify for assistance. My Great Grandmother and Grandmother were born here but still not entitled to become a citizen. If Australians are aided in NZ after 2years of living there (have an article written in NZ newspaper to support this), why is this not recipricated here? We have lived here for 6 years and paid our taxes, interest in loans etc and have contributed to the Australian economy I think it is only fair if we have proved a working history for solid two years we should be entitled to help from welfare system when needed.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
I have been here 9 years and would like to be a permanent resident I am a Kiwi married to an Australian who has lived here since 2005. In order to get citizenship I apparently have to apply for Permanent Residence and then apply for citizenship. This is a huge cost, even though I earn a good salary. I pay my taxes diligently and contribute to Australian society. yet I am denied the right to vote, to have a say in how my important tax dollars are spent and if I want to attain that right I have to pay substantially for it. If it is true that Australians in New Zealand are afforded better opportunities to fully join New Zealand society then Australia should open up at least the same rights to New Zealanders living in Australia. Fortunately I don't have any natural children who are impacted by this, but I have sympathy for those who do, particularly those who are trapped between two countries, with rights in one but no right to leave the other. Come on Australia, give Kiwis a fair go.
Michele Fortune
Randwick, Australia
2013-05-17
The system now is giving those kiwis love Australia, & who live and work hard here a bad name
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Karen Hall As a kiwi in oz who cant quite meet the high bechmark of the dept of immigrations 'skillselect' criteria but is gainfully employed and wants to stay for good (for the benefit of australia and me!), gaining citizenship would give us stability, security and peace of mind in our new home.
Maatakiri Te Ruki
2013-05-17
I have Australian Maori mokopuna (grandchildren) born here and I want to ensure that I can support my children's children.
Aarron Spinley
Australia
2013-05-17
Mutual respect should be just that, mutual. NZ looks after Australian residing in NZ, and it should be reciprocated. Natural justice. Doing what's right.
Shirene Perry
Australia
2013-05-17
I would love to become an australian citizen. Having been here since 2005, a business owner, property owner and paying taxes I would like the privileges of becoming a citizen.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-17
Comment My reason for moving to Australia was the lifestyle opportunities. My reason for wanting to be an Australian citizen is that I wish to participate, no longer satisfied playing the role of spectator. I truly want to be here. Australia has beauty, an openness & kindness of people and generosity & cultural commitment of a powerful Governing body. Unfortunately there are a few comments that have made it to the top of the Most Popular list (put into perspective it is only a handful of likes so not going to popularise their comments by delving too headstrong into a rebuttal). Ten years is too long. New Zealanders that come to Australia are hard working people dedicated to "giving it a good go!" ...and no we are not counting the days until we can finally go on the benefit. NZer's are culturally aware and more so than any other nation in my opinion and it is our compassion and tolerance of all cultural identities is what makes us unique and a highly prized candidate for citizenship. Nzer's love to participate in the "Aussie" culture. We will never lose sight of our own cultural identities unless we repeat the errors of our past. Labels such as Nzer or Australian created by nationalistic idealogues only reinforce an unnatural policy. A policy that does not serve the group but minimises each of us unto a stereo-type aimed at defeating our individualism, as a person who has fallen in love with and wish to call Australia home.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Because I would love to live in Australia later on in life. because I want my children to grow up with these benefits expecially when there born here and they will take australia as their home
Consuella Lakau Cassidy Domoni Lynley Neale William Coe juliana fitzgerald
Australians have the privilege and NZers do not. Why? I don't see the big deal being against this. I have been living in Australia for 32 years, paying tax but, unable to vote. I am a Kiwi living in Australia i have been here for 9 years and within those 9 years i have worked for 8.ive hada a son here which is 7 years old and im married to a australian,they are both australian which i am still a new zealand citizen.i wish i could have more support here and opputinuties availble for me here in australia.i have payed taxes for 8 years and abide by the law within my stay this is my home forever now with my son and husband which i support been aussie.
Susan Campbell
Australia
2013-05-17
My family and I chose Australia as our new home almost 12 years ago. At what stage does our constant employment and contribution to society here prove our commitment to this country?
Kevin Chan
Australia
2013-05-17
This blatant discrimination must stop against us expat kiwis who have decided to adopt Australia as home after 2001 at all levels.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
It is ! Australians get it easier to access what we have as new immigrants here whereas we dont over there
Stephanie Goodman
Australia
2013-05-17
Everyone deserves the same rights in education and family support. There is no real reason as to why New Zealanders should not be recognised as permanent residents.
Louise Marston
Loganholme, Australia
2013-05-17
My children were born in NZ and have lived in Australia for over 20yrs
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I'm a New Zealand citizen who has lived here for almost 6 yrs, married to an Austalian Citizen with kids from NZ & Two born here (one departed) & yet I have hardly any rights in Au. If something happens to my husband I will be forced to find someway of moving back to NZ due to no financial assisstance. P.s. can't even get funiral insurence due to not considered a resident.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Sister lives in Australia. Just to get a fair deal, dont want New Zealanders to have a free ride, I like the thought of a long waiting period.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Because New Zealand and Australia are family. :) Because I and my wife pay taxes, contribute to society and pay levies for things we can't avail of. We are both considered as high income earners so get charged more than most
Donna Barlow
Australia
2013-05-17
I am one of the few kiwis who received Permanent Residency in 2001 before returning to NZ for 6 years then returned and present with a Kiwi born child but the father is Australian. Will this affect my son when he completes Year 12 and wants to go to Uni. Will i have to return to NZ instead!!! Kia Ora Donna Barlow
Vaughn Timmerman
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-17
I've been here since 1991, and now I'm not sure where I stand anymore. I've given over 20 years of service to this country with my taxes and skills, I have an Australian wife and daughter, and would like to think that it wasn't all in vain.
Susan Moore
2013-05-17
Our Son moved to Australia 10 months ago believing he would get a better life. He is hard working and enjoying being in Australia. He is paying taxes and spending his money there our family have visited him and spent our money in the Country while there. He should be entitled to all the things other tax payers are. You are privileged to have more tax payers and more natural resources etc making the Country attractive to some.
Te Kuiti, New Zealand Australia South Windsor, Australia Barnstaple, United Kingdom
My Husband is over there and we are moving there to I have kiwi friends. AUS and NZ have a long history of trade and friendship. Cos I'm frm NZ n the ozzies hav free entry not NZ so fair is fair My girlfriend's son is a Kiwi living and working permanently in Oz and paying tax so should have this protection.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
i have a new zealand wife and we will retire in new zraland Great family friends of ours have an adult son with Downs Syndrome. He is a wonderful guy, wanting to become a citizen, get a job, get a girlfriend and get on with life. He needs a hand to do that.
Lesley Veersma
Australia
2013-05-17
I am a Kiwi ..have lived in Aussie for 40 yrs and have paid taxes added to your population and never relied on the Aussie Government for a hand out nor my native country.the one thing I will never do is give up my birthright but I will along with my children ( Aussie Born x3 ) support the country in which I have chosen to reside but Miss Gillard if you wish to take this stance then please feel free to take my name of the electoral roll after all what is one vote to you
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Should not be ten be 10 years and more I have chosen to live in this beautiful country and would dearly love to become a citizen but have been told they dont want me as I am too old. Fifty is not old.
Date 2013-05-17
Tania Munroe
2013-05-17
This is important to me and mine because we live and work in Australia and the insecurity is knowing that there is no support if anything happens beyond our control. We put processes in place eg funeral, income protection and life insurance but sometimes those may not kick in immediately. It's scary times for us right now and makes us paranoid but realistically we had no choice. There are NO jobs back in New Zealand suitable for us. We are in survival mode.
I'm a New Zealander living in Aus. Equality for all =) weve been here 10 yrs and recently became unemployed but were able to access only 6 mths of newstart not fair we paid our taxes like everyone else
Because its fair. This is what Aussie's receive in NZ. Because I contribute to this countries economy like every one else. Justice for the many Kiwis who contribute here, but are denied assistance when they need it, I find it obscene that "refugees" can lob up with no obligation to contribute and have everything laid on
Sandra Rosa
Australia
2013-05-17
I am a foreign national married to a Kiwi, I have to renew my visa every five years and cannot get any benefits, including Medicare, even though I pay full tax. My daughter is Australian born, but is not illegible to become an Australian until she's 10 years old. She was born without being a citizen of any country and we had to apply for NZ citizenship by decent. The current situation is very insecure for all of my family and if something happened to my husband I would not have any "safety net" or government support of any form. I would be forced to leave the country even though we both have paid taxes for many years. We currently don't have any pathway to become Permanent Residents, other than waiting till my daughter is ten and literally going through a "Primary Care Giver" visa sponsorship, which would take some time. This seems grossly unfair, as if I was with an Australian and we went to New Zealand he would be able sponsor me almost immediately. The current system is grossly inequitable.
Nadine Hillock
Australia
2013-05-17
My husband is a cardiologist, I am a pharmacist, we have post-graduate degrees and are both working tax-payers. We volunteer at school and for charities, and feel we contribute back to society more than many Australians who were born here.But we are ineligible for permanent residency despite having lived in Australia for the last 8 years. We would like the security of permanent residency for our three children.
2013-05-17
My daughter and her family live in Australia. My son-in-law has citizenship, and my daughter and their children would like to also. At some time I may be joining them and I'd like to be able to at least have resident status.
quentin johnston
Devonport, Australia
2013-05-17
because I am living in Tasmania as a permanent resident, a couple of years ago me and my partner both got made redundant on the same day, and centre link didn't want to have any thing to do with me, because I didn't fit there criteria, no help at all I had to get a job immediately and couldn't afford to be choosey, its taken several job changes over the last couple of years to get into a decent situation. now my partner has a back injury and is struggling to find sutable work and once again because she is living with a kiwi everything is a big hassle, NZ government would look after my partner if this was happening in NZ
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I am appalled that despite contributing for over 7 years to Australia in the public and private health system, each change to immigration laws make it harder, and eventually impossible, to be eligible for permanent residency and citizenship. Come on Australia , live up to your claim of being the lucky country.
Murray Naylor
2013-05-17
Kiwis residing long term and actively contributing to the Australian economy need to be treat more equitably and fairly
Elizabeth Murphy
2013-05-17
We have lived in Australia for 23 of the last 37 years, and I hate the fact that I can't vote in support of the country I love.
Caroline Preston
New Zealand
2013-05-17
Create rules that are fair but remove the fear factor. Australia benefits from having healthy highly trained New Zealanders move over to support the Austrlian economy, please recognise this!
Mark Kearns
Australia
2013-05-17
I live and pay taxes in Australia, all my wage is spent in Australia but I'm not eligible for bugger all.
Australia Australia
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Living here in Australia with 4 children & wish to contribute to this society I myself am a kiwi that has come to this lucky country for a better life for myself and children. I never dreamed of comming here to sit around and claim a benefit. I am a committed member of the community and agree that no one should be allowed to gain residency without contributuing to the economy and workforce. Residency should be earnt not just given as a right. I support all the hard working kiwi families that now call Oz home. Work hard or go home!!
stephanie cowan
Australia
2013-05-17
As a past highschool student i wasnt able to recieve Hecs further my studies in university/ adult tertiary because i wasnt able to fund myself nor my parent. If they make it even harder for you to live a good life there and study for it why bother.. Im now in italy with my own business i guess i didnt need australia for anything.. but the rest of the new zealand student struggling there breaking there ass while other piss arse around .. dont think its right .. we help them they cant at least help us
Rozanne Durston
Australia
2013-05-17
Because I have been here 9 years and can't get Residency and if I go home for a visit and they close the Boarders I may not get back. I also have Grandchildren born here but to Kiwi Parents
andre naidoo
Australia
2013-05-17
Because I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia for 5years. Being a permanent resident would entitle myself & family to better benefits.
Christine Rimene
Australia
2013-05-17
Recognition as a New Zealander the contributions we make as a family , financially, our children attending school, playing sport, contributing to the economy.
Chelsea Perry
Strathpine, Australia
2013-05-17
I am a Zew Zealand Citizen who now calls Australia home and have done for the past 9 years. My first born (who was born in Australia and knows no other home but Australia) falls into a category of those who will not be granted any sort of funding for a higher education due to the fact that he is a New Zealand Citizen by Desent. We don't want money for nothing but we do want an equal opportunity as contributors and the future of the Australian economy
Ricky Naidoo
2013-05-17
This affects me. My wife and I are both professionals and have been working in Australia for the last 4 years, but do not intend applying for citizenship because we are 50 years of age, but will luv to become citizens and do pay taxes!
Tracey Foster
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-17
I have lived here for 6 years, my partner is a kiwi who has Australian Citizenship, I have never 1 day have I not worked and paid taxes, its costing me nearly $7000 to apply to become a resident, thats crazy when we own our own home here!
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I have lived here for 10 years, my child is born here, and I have paid taxes for 10 years, yet I can't get citizenship! Every day people are arriving illegally on boats and are welcomed into Australia will full financial support using my tax dollars! Eventually they will get citizenship - and I won't. Where is the justice in that?
Australia Australia
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
For my kids I work as a highly skilled midwife with 25 years experience in a high risk delivery unit, my experience gives Australian citizens expert care, my husband is a highly skilled professional bringing vast knowledge and excitement about upskilling Australians in the most unique way, my daughters are highly skilled and entrepreneurial and love both living in this country and contributing to this country. We are committed emigrants from New Zealand, we feel reciprocity is only fair and just- we would like to call ourselves proud Kiwi/Australians
david bardrick
Australia
2013-05-17
illegal immigrants (boat people) get it but not our closr neighbours from nz why?
samuel matangi
Australia
2013-05-17
we fought for both countrys as ANZC n kiwis should have a fair go for getting a easy way of citizenship
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
we should be able to have the same right as our aussie mates who move to NZ im a 27 yr old new zealander living in perth been here for about 8 years, i have 2 young girls, 2 years and 10 months so yep im in that boat, its realy realy hard on my lil family
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
for my children so when they leave school they can go onto further education. I am a Kiwi living in Oz. became an Australia citizen in 2003 just before these changers. They are unfair because Oz in now home for to many of as kiwis.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
Kiwis are welcome in Australia, we are the same Our son ' his wife & son plus a daughter arriving soon have chosen to live in Australia . They have built a successful business & provide jobs plus great service to their customers.
2013-05-17
Peter McArthur
Logan, Australia
2013-05-17
Because of family who wish to stay here,well qualified people that Australia will benefit from.
Leone Edwards
Australia
2013-05-17
I have made Australia my home, paid taxes, brought property but cannot vote or work in government organisations and would like to give back to the country that has provided me with a much better lifestyle.
Maryanne Peka
2013-05-17
We do it for the Aussies so why shouldn't you and if they're paying the same amount of taxes then let it be...fair is fair
Karen Cleary
2013-05-17
This is blatant discrimination and makes a mockery of all our so-called closer relationships with Australia. I have no intention of ever moving there, but I have many family & friends with children in Australia. We all know this rule was made because the white Australians are so afraid of Maori, PI & Asian Kiwis. If Australia won't change, then why are we extending rights to your citizens that you deny to ours?that
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-17
Cause this certainly affects me and my children 2 of which were born here. I've been here since jan 09 2002. And I totally tautoko this petition and everything it stands for.
Date 2013-05-17
Comment I have two adult daughters living in Australia with their children, One has been there since before 2001 and has two Australian born children. Her children will be fine because they have a father that managed to become an Australian citizen before the law changes. The other moved over 5 ago with her NZ born daughter. They are both committed to Australia and want to become permanent citizens but because of law change may well have to come back to NZ for the daughter to complete her tersary education. Each have commit their hearts and life to Australia and are good upstanding people. Australian adults and children in NZ are treated equally to their New Zealand cousins so the situation should be reciprocated in Australia. New Zealander in Australia help feed their economy so it makes sense that they should be treated equally when they are paying the same taxes as Australian citizens
Hana Nepia
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-17
My children have been born and raised in Australia. I want fair rights and opportunities for my children and their children. Australia is their home. Without these rights they will be a generation without citizenship. This is unfair and inhumane.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
For my children's future and education. Live, work and pay taxes in Australia, why should we not be entitled to the benefits our taxes pay for?
philip stanley
Caloundra, Australia
2013-05-17
I work in australia paying lots of taxes and am still a temp resident after years of living here
Rex Boederlow
Truganina, Australia
2013-05-17
for a fairer deal fot those kiwis ( New Zealanders ) who care to live and call Australia home and who also willingly contribute to the expanding economy through the hard work, skills and taxes we bring.......
Australia Australia
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
because i'm one of these lost kiwis new zealanders pay their taxes and contribute 100% to the australian economy. a fairer system should be afforded them.
2013-05-17 2013-05-17
For fair rights in australia as a kiwi I wanted to start a new life in Australia with my family just to give it a go, not realizing how difficult they make things for us kiwis. I just finished year 12 and now have to work full time to try save money for uni and citizenship, let alone the fact i don't even meet the requirements yet.And it's not a nice feeling being told to go home by the lady on the phone at the immigration department when you only wanted some help...
Adrian ryder
2013-05-17
WHY SHOULDNT KIWIS WHO HAVE LIVED IN AUSSIE FOR YEARS PAID TAXES ETC NOT GET THE SAME BENEFITS AS AUSTRALIANS?
Maggie Hillock
2013-05-17
Because my son, daughter in law and grandchildren now live and work and pay taxes in Australia and should be accorded the same rights as everyone else who lives, works and pay taxes in Australia.
Maurice Keane
2013-05-18
Because NZ does not have a biased welfare system against Australians, and with CER and the ANZAC spirit, it should be changed.
Rose Holland
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-18
Im a hard working kiwi resident that pays taxes and we deserve the same rights as Australians
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-18
Comment I believe that any citizen of any country under the monarchy of the Queen should be allowed to have citizenship faster than those who are not. It seems to me that we are treating our New Zealand friends unfairly and I think after 1 year of living here they should be allowed permanent residency and after 3 years should be allowed to have go for citizenship. The idea of ten years is ludicrous. Some of my best mates have been New Zealanders and I have seen the anguish that they have gone through to get citizenship. Please stop this and make it better for our New Zealand neighbours to get residency and citizenship.
David Thomas
Australia
2013-05-18
being an ex member of the Australian army Infantry corps and am prod to have served and be called an ANZAC
2013-05-18 2013-05-18
I like Kiwis For us it will mean staying closing to family. We have well contributed in Australia my wife and I both working and paying taxes, own a home here and would like to remain here permanently.
Kerry Howe
2013-05-18
So i no my family that have choosen Australia as their home will have the chance to strive.
barbara bishop
Oxenford, Australia
2013-05-18
I have quite a few new zealand friends and workmates and understand the problems they are having.
2013-05-18
I am a doctor working full time at a Queensland Hospital. My exwife (mother of my 17 year-old son , both residing inNZ) will die of ovarian cancer this year. My son wants to study engineering at University and I must return to NZ next year even though I am really enjoying working in Australia.
Trudi Crapp
Northbridge, Australia
2013-05-18
Haved lived and worked here for 10 years and I contribute as much to the Australian economy as the average Australian yet I am entitled to nothing in Australia or New Zealand.
Linda Harvey
Queensland, Australia
2013-05-18
The discrimination against our nearest neighbors is astounding considering the volume of people from other countries arriving here and being given far easier access to citizenship. This blatant discrimination against people who are very much like Australians in many ways is extremely distasteful. Not all New Zealanders come here to bludge, some are extremely hardworking and contribute enormously to the prosperity of Australia.
Sandra Yeatman
2013-05-18
I am an australian and am not impressed the we discriminate against our NZ neighbours. I married and had my family in NZ and although we moved back here I have family and friends in both countries this law needs to be changed.
Adrienne Eyles
2013-05-18
kim Horne
Australia
2013-05-18
Isn't it just fair that our countries offer citizenship because off the history we have.ANZAC's is worth more than one day a yearisn't it?
Kathryn Doherty
Australia
2013-05-18
Both my husband and I have been working in Australia since 2008 paying taxes the entire time and not wanting any help from the Australian Government. Our son is in the Australian Army Cadets and we are very happy living in Australia. All we want is the right to be Australian Citizens just as Australians have the right to be New Zealand Cititzens. Thank you.
Anna Murray
Australia
2013-05-18
I'm a Newzealander and have lived and worked in Australia for 8 years now. I will always be a Kiwi but Love this Country and very much consider it home and myself to be Australian!!! I pay Taxes and contribute in many ways to this country. I deserve the right to be a proud Australia
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-18
Comment I am a Kiwi. My mother, father, brother and sister live here. I married an Aussie and we have two Kiwi-born children together. I have been living and working in Australia for 5 years, paying the same tax as an Australian yet not having the same rights and responsibilities. My children can apply for citizenship by descent but I will continue to be treated as a second class citizen until the law changes.
Mary Bergman
2013-05-18
I want to make Australia home for my family and me. We are hard working professionals who have never been unemployed. I have had second thoughts about coming to a country that denies me civil rights, but takes my taxes. Given our long joint history, I think this ruling is very racist. I agree kiwis shouldn't come to Oz to budge, but I dont think that happens...
Kiwis contribute heaps to Oz, even Montheit's so the should have equal rights! Basic equal human rights bro I have been here with my two kids for 6 years. I have worked and pay the Australian tax as required. My children and my self don't have the thousands of dollars to become perminate residents or citizens although we don't want to go back to NZ to live
2013-05-18 2013-05-18
Let's treat the word equlity for what it's worth here The spirit of Australasian brotherhood is seriously jeopardized by the discriminatory nature of several Australian Government laws.
Jean Murphy
Australia
2013-05-18
I moved to Brisbane in 2005, to be closer to my two adult children, who have been here 17 yrs and 13 yrs. they are both Australian citizens, and my grandchildren were born here. I have worked since I arrived in Brisbane, and feel it should be easier for "Kiwis" to become Australian citizens. I have never had help from the Australian government, yet Australians can move to New Zealand and get help from WINZ, which is unfair. The rules and help should be the same on both sides of the Tasman. I work fulltime.
Kaylene Washbourne
2013-05-18
I was born in New Zealand but my father was an Australian. So why is it so hard for me to be an Australian citizen?
Beverley Bibby
Japan
2013-05-18
I have children and grandchildren in Australia and my mother's family resided and lived in Australia, Tasmania before they came to live eventually in NZ -they are buried in Tasmania and were citizens of Austraia.
Ana Church
Wentworthville, Australia
2013-05-18
My partner and I have lived in Australia for 7 years, our 2 beautiful daughters were born here, and although New Zealand will always be home we plan to live in Australia the rest of our lives. Our only dilemma living and raising our family here is that we will never have the same kinds of benefits that permanent residents and citizens of Australia have. Education is very important to us, and we know that sending our girls to good primary and high schools, and university is going to cost us far more than we could ever expect. Having a permanent residence or citizenship would change that dramatically, but because neither of us have the necessary skills required we will never be accepted for it.
They should be given a fair go. because australia needs to be fair I pay for a welfare system, I'm happy to do this. But I'm not happy about the fact that if I was ever to need that system the Commonwealth of Australia would tell me to go away. "No taxation without representation"
Date 2013-05-19
Comment I am on an unprotected visa, I need for my children to have the same rights as their peers and not be forced to marry an aussie when the time comes just to be able to gain their citizenship rights, we have been here for 9 years and need to feel we actually belong.
Jim Recard
Australia
2013-05-19
As an Australian I think it is ridiculous that we have a class of people unable to access support in a time of need. However, our major City's are overpopulated, our unemployment rising, our utility bills sky-rocketing...we need to limit all immigration. Give preferential treatments to our neighbours and have a yearly cap of say 30,000 out of the 150,000 people we take in. But to have unlimited numbers of any foreign nation is just ludicrous. P.S. You'll probably get more traction with Malcolm Turnbull if you spell his name correctly.
Joshua Malpas
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-19
Something that my wife and I really struggle with, is that I am a kiwi here on the so called "special" visa, and I have married a South African Woman who did not have residence... She can get a "spouse of a New Zealand Citizen" visa, but this needs to be renewed every 5 years, and means she can't get Medicare!!!! And we would love to start a family... But $$$$$! We could go back to nz and then get citizenship there etc, etc, but we have a house here, and a positive future, starting again in NZ! Not what we want!!!!
Judith Simeon
2013-05-19
To allow NZ ers in Australia the right to become a recognised citizen of the country they are working and paying taxes in and to allow their children to be able to become the people they deserve to be and recieve the right to full educational rights and benefits that enable them to be the useful responsible citizens in the country they have chosen to live in.
Chris Hill
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-19
Future education for our children, could limit their opportunity to tertiary education. Oz would rather they were a liability rather than help them to gain skills and add value.
2013-05-19 2013-05-19
For the future of my children. My NZ son is married to a South African on a visa in Oz. They have both lived there many years now and own a home there and have great jobs but because my daughter-in-law cant get medi-care they cannot afford to give me a grandchild which makes us all very sad.
Rondell Snowden
Australia
2013-05-19
I think that it is unfair for those Kiwi ex-pats that are not eligible, that come here to live and build a better life for themselves and their families, work so hard and pay taxes, yet are denied citizenship! And the taxes that we pay are helping fund those that have arrived in Australia ILLEGALLY - they have more rights than we do!! Where is equality in that, Gillard?!?! Time for a change!!!!!!
Because it's just fair and just Know many kiwi this will help My son and his family live and WORK in Aust NZers who arrived in Australia 26, 2001 are effectively second class noncitizens. The whole thing should be fixed up!
Nikki Thomas
Australia
2013-05-19
This is important to me because I brought my children to Australia so that they could have a better life after the earthquakes in Christchurch and my husband has have life saving surgery since arriving here.
mike Thomas
Ormeau, Australia
2013-05-20
This is important to be as I brought my children here for a fresh start and to further my job opportunities as a boat builder
Date 2013-05-20
Comment I have lived in Australia almost 11 years, I still cannot vote and I have paid taxes the whole time I've lived and worked here. I love my life in Australia and I have no intention of returning to New Zealand but I'm still treatedas a temporary resident
Joy Brown
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-20
My husband has worked since we got here & no we're not gonna ditch his salary just to jump on the benefit. (which a lot of Aussies seem to think that's why us kiwis are doin' this) The benefit wouldn't be enough for our family. We're paying taxes that aren't even gonna benefit us or our kids when they want to move on to gain higher education. They tell us to apply for PR...& then apply for Aus Citz. All that costs a lot of money....all to have no real chance of citizenship being granted.
Victor Tata
Morningside, Australia
2013-05-20
I'm signing because a lot of our people come here to create a better life for their families! Australia has a lot more opportunities for our children, better education for them! But we won't if we are only visa holders. A lot of kiwis put in a lot of effort into Australia, we have stepped out of our comfort zone to be here. Please don't make it any harder then it has to be. Where has the ANZAC spirit gone? Are we only valuable when it comes to fighting...?
Kendra Churchward
2013-05-20
My son was born in Australia to an Australian father, and due to the lack of government support for kiwi parents like myself I had to move back to New Zealand splitting my son and his father apart where I feel it far more beneficial to have them live close to each other.
Marie Pene
Australia
2013-05-20
Because I'm looking for parity - I pay the same taxes, work just as hard, and positively contribute just as much as other citizens, yet my children and I are not allowed the same education benefits or NDIS cover.
Renee Conole
Australia
2013-05-20
We moved to Australia intending it to be a permanent move and would like when we have been here long enough to be able to vote and make our voice heard in elections also just as some security for ourselves if the laws change and we find ourselves having to move back to NZ or have difficulties with work.
Grant Tayles
Australia
2013-05-20
Have young kids that won't be able to access student loans or anything like that when they come of age
Kylie Hill
Australia
2013-05-20
I am a NZ who came here after 2001 and I have two children, one born here the other was 5 months old when we came over.
2013-05-20 2013-05-20
Looking to move to Aussie in the near future im a NZ citizen and i think this will or even try and help us as two different nationalities and neighbouring countries come together as one and start being treated equally the same. I had also lived in Australia most of my childhood years and i loved it. this will also give me an opportunity to bring my family to Australia and i think all children, teenagers and their parents should be able to get the same assistance as anyone that is a citizen of Australia especially if us parents are working hard and paying taxes as well. our children are our future and they need to better there education where they can and at the moment our NZ children cant get any assistance at all in Australia
Philip Thomas
2013-05-20
My daughter was Australian born and my son and his family now live in Australia
Manawa Ohia
2013-05-20
I have been living here in Australia for 5 years with my family of 8. We would love to be able to become Australian citizens
wendy campbell
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-20
my family and have come to call australia our home and would love to beable to be apart of it as all other australian citizens are
Date 2013-05-20
Comment I have grandchildren born and living in australia who will contribute to the Australian economy and pay taxes but get none of the benefits of doing so. i also have a daughter over in Australia who works hard and also contributes to the Australian economy via taxes and she will also be ineligible for any benefits from the government. Total discrimination of hard working New Zealanders who are contributing to Aussie economy.....sort it out Australia!!
2013-05-20 2013-05-20
Kids future Unskilled kiwi family living in Brisbane with no chance of becoming citizens under current law
Fiona Smith
Australia
2013-05-20
This country is where I have chosen to spend the rest of my life and as a tax payer and a home owner I would like a right to vote on who governs and what happens to my rates. I can't do that unless I am a citizen which I wholeheartedly want to be.
Eleanor Carney
Australia
2013-05-20
So many Kiwi's live and sustain our community so I believe that they should have the same right to citizenship as other immigrants
Australia Australia
2013-05-20 2013-05-20
Because I have three married children & six grandchildren living in Australia For the well being of the family and to be able to live bring up my family with less concerns for our future.
For my children's education and future living in Australia University access Family & National Relationships. Positive Community Growth.
rose murray Karen Burney Dan Wetzelberger suzanne gerrard Alice Dawson
be fair, NZ doesn't treat Australians this way if they decide to live there. To make citizenship easier for my family and I to obtain My friends and family in Australia deserve a fair shot at citizenship. Equality My grandfather was Australian, and my uncles all fought to keep Australia and New Zealand a free country as we were brought up beleiving that Australia and New Zealand where enduring mates and partners, since colonisation New Zealand and Australia have been together, New Zealand was governed by Australia from Sydney they where always part of our history and always will be. I have lived here permenently for the last 10 years and so have all my children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters and their children, we understand and support the autralian way and lifestyle.
Valeria Davidov
2013-05-20
I have lived in Australia for 8 years. I paid taxes and I am bringing my expertise as well as I bought a house and would like to become one of them but presently it is forbidden
Lee-Ann Rapana
2013-05-20
Because I have lived in Australia for twenty years. My mothers father was Australian and I am proud of Australian culture and heritage. 17 years ago I had a daughter here who is a Australia citizen. I want to be a Australian citizen and love my life in Australia. We pay taxes here have done so for years and my sons are professional sportsman here also. I believe we are a assets to this beautiful country.
Samantha Eaton
2013-05-20
I've lived and worked in Australia for over 5 years, I want to be able to study and give more back to society but can't afford it. My mother is Australian and yet that doesn't make it easier to become a citizen. Most kiwis don't want to become citizens to go on the dole- they'd just stay in NZ for that, they want a better life and to make something of themselves.
Date 2013-05-21
Comment Me and my husband and children have lived here for 26 years and our two youngest ones are Australians and all our grandchildren love Aussie
Helen Verhagen
Australia
2013-05-21 we need to allow children born in Australia to NZ Citizens to be allowed to be Australian citizens especially when their parents are long term residents of Australia. NZ Citizens who have established themselves as permanent residents should be able to access and have Australian citizenship
Rosie Peseta
Australia
2013-05-21
Its important to me, my family and the future of my children to get them into Tertiary education.
Fayth Tuaoi
Australia
2013-05-21
My husband and I intend on becoming Australian Citizens. We migrated here in 2005, and would appreciate it if the legislation for New Zealander's to become citizens here in this great country were a bit easier - it's very costly and then there is a stand-down period on top of the many years we have already been here. It is very important for us to become citizens as our children will be born here in the near future and we want them to feel like they already belong here 'legally'. Thank you :)
Michelle Pollard
2013-05-21
This is important to me as I have made the tough decision after living in Aus for 8 years to take up university study in Aus. I work 2 jobs to be able to live and pay for uni and it is difficult. I would like other kiwis to have the opportunity to access at least one of HECS or AuStudy if attending university and then staying on to work in Australia.
Daisy Taufoou
2013-05-21
Would like my children and others who are born in Australia to have a fair go and be eligible for grants etc that would give them a good start in their own careers.
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
This is an injustice I feel as though new zealand is almost part of our country anyway..and if those that do it the rite way and want to become Australian should be allowed to stay here..
Kelvin Sparks
Australia
2013-05-21
I own two companies here and employ staff, pay taxes...I am 55 and am not allowed citizinship
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
Access to a chat about Oz Kiwi Because I didnt about this till way after I arrived. I arrived in 2006 and have been working here ever since and feel so vulnerable if anything should happen like sickness, injury etc. I think it very unfair that we get treated like this.
Glen Stevenson
Australia
2013-05-21
because if they let us live here for the rest of our lives we should be entitled to citizenship after a period of time. plus if u have children what rights do they have??
Emele Leilua
2013-05-21
Because Im a Kiwi in Oz with NZ born kids and want them to get the Education they want without having to go back to NZ : ( FAIR GO MAAATE!
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
Because its the right thing to do. Linda is a bloody hard working, very educated, educated herself by the way, with her own money, and has a huge amount of professionalism and skill, of which she has already proven, to give to Australia, her children also live in Australia, of which they have given 100% in their careers and should not be condemned for trying to give their all to Australia. Give them a break!
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-21
Comment My daughter who has been officially recognised as a gifted and talented student and studies at a prestigious IB school, would like the option to remain in Australia with her family and to study at a university of her choice that provides her with courses that she wants to study. If she is forced to go home, she may well be on her own and faced with less options. She may well become one of Australia's leading experts in aeronautics or engineering or whatever she pursues and will more likely stay here to work and give back to the Australian community than if she was forced to return to NZ. As her parent, I contribute by working for Australian companies, I pay my taxes. Australians who live in NZ for 2 years are entitled to social welfare! Surely our children should be able to take a loan to potentially provide brain power to Australia. Come on Australian and NZ government, sort it out. Do you want non-working young adults and increasing poverty in Australia or students working towards greater goals for all!
Pamela Donald
Carina, Australia
2013-05-21
I'm a kiwi living in Australia, I've been here 6 years, paid taxes, contributed to society and am not entitled to the benefits that my tax money goes towards. I totally understand why I'm not entitled to certain things as soon as I step off the plane but at least give us hard working kiwis something after 5-10 years??
Australia Australia
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
I would like to vote for a better future for my children. My partner is Kiwi, and we are dis-advantaged as a gay couple and that it is difficult to get citizenship with our relationship also not recognised.
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
I fail to see whats so wrong with it. As a tax paying member of my community, we moved here to make a better life in Australia. I just want to know if things do go wrong, we have the same rights as other 'permanent residents' even though we don't meet the pr or citizenship requirements. At least have reciprocal rights as Australians do in NZ
New Zealand ANZAC...that's why! It guts me not being able to vote in the Federal Elections when I am contributing to Australian society in EVERY other way!!!
Lorne Sialeipata
Cringila, Australia
2013-05-21
Been here 13yrs and bought a House and my Son was born here but was not allowed an Australian Passport...WTH
Huia Russell
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-21
My children want to stay and live in Australia and be go got citizenship I know I can apply or even be permanent resident as I am over 50 but I have come to love this country like I do NZ. Australians in New Zealand get the same rights and access to help or benefits if it is needed so we should be treated the same.
2013-05-21 2013-05-21
Because I call Australia Home I march on ANZAC day... We will remember them and honor them and their sons and daughters, and welcome them...
Joella Dahlberg
2013-05-22
We have family in Australia and their children are approaching the ages of tertiary level. We may also wish to migrate to Australia one day, and it would be good to know that our children will have the same opportunities as Australian children in NZ.
Malcolm Goddard
Australia
2013-05-22
Date 2013-05-22
Comment I have lived here with my husband and 7 children for 10 years. 4 of my children now work. We have contributed to Australia's economy quite significantly and would like to have a voice when it comes to decision making within our community and Australia. Our children would like to attend university, they have all done most if their schooling here, but due to the enormous outlay and no assistance, they have been unable to. My youngest child was born with Biliary Atresia, liver failure, and due to not being a permanent resident I have been unable to get a health care card for him. And now we are told our tax is going up to cater for disabilities. We have a child with a disability, we will pay higher taxes, but we will not get assistance!! Where is the equality?
Victoria Lawrence
Australia
2013-05-22
Moved permanently to Australia 2003, have worked full time and pay taxes so expect to be looked after as a citizen
shem okane
2013-05-22
more options as a NZer in aussy, making the gap for transition over for work / better lifestyle easyer
brad cottam
2013-05-22
ANZAC spirit.
Mervyn Davis
Lara, Australia
2013-05-22
to know that when I retire that I can get the same benefits (Seniors) as everyone else. after living here for 10 years already and paying tax's
Kerry L
2013-05-22
Annette Bell
2013-05-22
Because I am moving to Australia and feel that as we in NZ give Australians the same rights as kiwis, so should the Australians to Kiwis!
Tim Savage
Australia
2013-05-22
I have lived and worked in Australia for almost 10 years the majority of my working (and tax paying) life. While I'm expected to pay tax I am not able to get the benefits that I'm paying for. NZ and Australia together have a proud history of standing together.
sharona kopara
Australia
2013-05-22
I agree with this petition is why i am signing it today and inviting others. I am a New Zealand citizen and i think we are treated poorly here in oz, despite paying taxes renting private houses and i tell you now its not cheap on top of your bills. In New Zealand, ozzies are treated with more respect just like anyone else, we are neighbours but i don't see the fairness within nz people's rights when living here, and its so sad if say our jobs were loss through the companies doing we ould hve no choice but to go home, but theres nothing back home for me and my family, which is why we made the move.
lynn Le Gros
Australia
2013-05-22
I moved here with my husband in April 2005 to be in a warmer climate from Christchurch.Luckily we did. The house we sold to move here is to be knocked down due to earthquake damage. We love the life style, the people and living in this beautiful country and have always worked and paid our taxes and don't expect a free ride.We would like to become citizens after living here for 8 years now. This is not possible for us which makes us feel vulnerable at times. Australia is home to us. We have 2 married daughters and 5 grand children living close by. My sister and brother in law, My husbands brother, wife and children also. Most of our family live in Australia now. We are both in our late 50's and being near family in our later years is very important to us and them. Please allow us a fair pathway to citizenship. Thank you
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-22
Comment We need to have a fair and non Discriminatory Law for all New Zealand Citizens living working paying tax's to the Australian Govt age should not be a barrier to getting Aus residency or Citizenship. We should have a welfare and health saftey net accorded to all those New Zealander's that pay tax's living in Australia. As things stand for New Zealanders anyone over the age of 45 will never access Aus Residency or Citizenship this is Discrimination. Any New Zealander who is disabled or has ill health is discriminated against in the health and Welfare area's. as a Kiwi we have experianced being close to being homeless when my husband took sick with a mild heart attack as it happened off the job there was no work cover and we had to survive on savings and holiday pay for 8 weeks.. we had no insurance cover as most insurance company's only Insure Australian Residents/Citizens we cannot access these Insurance policies. We as New Zealander's deserve the same rights as every other hard working law abiding tax paying person living here in Australia. Yes we get a medicard free Drs and access to Public Hospital treatment but thats where it stops for most New Zealanders. There needs to be change to this Feb 2001 Law for New Zealander's such as ourselves caught up in this Feb 2001 Law discriminating against us. We chose to come here to Australia to better our lives and contribute to this beautiful Country we now call home. Go Home Kiwi is NOT the Answer.
Ralph Lennan
Mooloolaba, Australia
2013-05-22
I live in Australia, support Australia in most sports, pay taxes, run my own business employing Australians and wish to become an Australian allowing me the same rights as my "fellow" countrymen, including the right to vote.
Radhika Tevita
Australia
2013-05-22
Kiwis are the highest employed of all migrant groups. Being discriminated against by scrupulous migrants to NZ who have used the system to gain back door entry to Australia while born and raised Kiwis lose their previously held benefits. I was brought here by an Australian company because I am skilled at my job, pay taxes in a top bracket & my Australian born child will have to wait till she is 10 before she can get a passport. I speak english & contribute alot more to this economy than a lot of people in my neighbourhood that's for sure.
Megan Aspin
2013-05-22
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-22
Comment
My wife and I had planned, researched our move to Australia in 2000 and were convinced that our 4 children would benefit from the employment and education opportunities here in Australia. My family and I began to plan our move to Australia in 2001 unaware of political changes being made on our behalf, this vital information would have given us reason to reconsider our plans. During this period we had sold our family home in Northland, which left us debt free, and had minimal return, I relocated my family to Auckland 2002 for higher paying jobs and to further my oldest child's education, our target date for moving to Australia was 2007. During the period of 2002 - 2007 we had done extensive research on Australian employment requirements, accomodation, and our kids education/ schooling. The city we chose to move to was Melbourne as it had exactly what we were looking for. Nov 2007- we were homeless, jobless and on our way to an exciting and new beginning, everything and everyone we loved were left behind, my wife and 4 children with all our worldly possessions in 6 suitcases, unfortunately no family were in Melbourne to greet us as our families immigrated to the warmer climates, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney. But we had saved and paid to live at a resort in country Victoria, Ballarat, about a 2 hour train ride from Melbourne CBD. Because I hadn't secured a job, land agents were apprehensive at the prospect of offering us accomodation in Melbourne, we had no choice but to offer a higher rate than advertised for house rental and pay 2 months in advance for security, which left us with just enough for school uniforms and fees, after all everything was paid and signed and school enrolments, we were down to our last $20.00 of savings and had maxed out our credit card, and were determined to this without family and government assistance. Praise God, I had secured a job and my daughters partner secured casual employment, we then initiated Phase 2 of our plan to start saving for our kids homes. March 2013 - All our children are currently employed full-time/ part-time our youngest at high school, our oldest 2 and their partners have purchased their first home here in Melbourne and have plans to have second home within 5 years, to do this we are all living together and contributing toward mortgage collectively, we envision our children to be financially independent within 10 years, and me and my teenage sweetheart (my wife) are eagerly awaiting for our grandchildren, life is good. Currently I have a work related back injury, 3 herniated discs in my spine which to the nature of my job, restricts me from continual lifting, stacking and bending, it scares me because after 12 months on work cover, which covers physio treatment and subsides my pay, I am required to fulfill my employed hours but on restricted duties, I'll have to apply for assistance from Centrelink, which now I am not eligible because of changes made on my behalf to immigration rules that came into effect 2001. I am 47 years old and arrived in Australia aged 41, in three years I will be unable to apply for permanent residency because of my age and am unskilled, has my time/ luck run out in my new country, what more do we have to contribute to our new country to give us security and peace of mind, do I have to leave my family and go back and try to start again in NZ, with a debilitating life sentence. I am not asking for a handout but to please put a human face, a human story, to our predicament.
Callum Maaka
Australia
2013-05-22
Comment Very important to me and to every Kiwis children future My two Children live in Australia. They pay huge taxes and have made a valuable professional contribution to the work force where Australian's were not trained. They are really pay high taxes so the unemployed etc in Australia get benefits. Give them a fair deal ,just as the Australians here get.
katherine lynch
brisbane, Australia
2013-05-22
Hi there, I have been working in Australia for over 5 years now when I reached the 4 year mark I finally thought I could become a citizen and have the right to vote! But once I looked into it I realized I had to pay thousands to be a resident and then thousands more to be a citizen! I was actually dumbfounded and knowing I support at least three Australians a week on the tax I pay alone and that if I suddenly lost my job I would have to move home because I had no support here was hard to comprehend. The government should do some sort of means test like they do with everything else im taxed for and let kiwis who have been here a long time & paid over a certain amount of tax to be treated like any Australian and not like a lower class citizen. cheers
2013-05-22 2013-05-22
To gain the same privilege and benefits that Australians have. Because its just NOT fair what Australia is doing to NZers. Kiwis work, pay taxes so they should be treated fairly
BLAIR CROSSAN
Australia
2013-05-22
I would like to become a permanent resident and citizen as I have been paying taxes since arriving in the country!
2013-05-22 2013-05-22
I pay taxes so feel I have a right to vote I consider Australia my home, I pay taxes and I believe we Kiwis contribute to society and we deserve to be recognized. We want a fair go
2013-05-22 2013-05-22
Because i want to come over to Australia to live with my brothers. I pay taxes just like any Australian citizen, i consider myself Australian but cannot actually be one, my children are born in Australia and still cannot be citizens!
Sallly Birch
Mooloolaba, Australia
2013-05-22
Want to become an Australian Citizen so I can embrace the Australian way of life completely - and not feeling like an outsider.
Patrick Gildea
Adelaide, Australia
2013-05-22
I feel like I can't fully relax and call Australia my home with our a pathway to PR and Citizenship. I always worry about overseas travel encase they change the Laws when I go on Holiday and I get locked out or end up with even less rights in Australia.
Jen Toy
St Helier, Jersey
2013-05-23
My cousin and her family are New Zealanders living in Australia, contributing to the country in many ways, they should be allowed full residency just like any other person would be.
2013-05-23 2013-05-23
I'm am a long term resident in australia I'm paying Australian Taxes and should be able to enjoy the priviledge of being and Australian citizen
Inequality is unacceptable under any description. It just is So my daughter who has spent her whole schooling life ins Australia and knows Australia as her home can have the option to study here and obtain HECS. That is my only reason, I would also like the opportunity to vote on things that ultimately affect my family.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-23
Comment My father is Australian Citizen, my mother will be applying for partner visa soon... I can't get Australian Citizenship by Descent because my father didn't apply his Australian Citizenship before I was born. I can't apply for Remaining Relative Visa because of my two brothers still lives in NZ. I have been living in Australia for 6 years+. My job isn't listed for PR. We Kiwis need a pathway of becoming Permanent Resident Visa and Australian Citizenship. Australian born Grandma. Australia is my home and I am 1/4 Australian unofficially thru descent of my father and
Philippa Frew
Australia
2013-05-23
Because I plan on living here forever, my child was born here, I pay tax and everything else
ana wilsomn
Australia
2013-05-23
I am nz born and so is my son but he will grow up in Australia and i want him allowed all the educational options (student loans if need be) available.
2013-05-23 2013-05-23
I am a nzder living in Oz after 2001 i want the same rights and benefits that Australian's receive back in new zealand
2013-05-23 2013-05-23
In the interest of fairness. We may have our disagreements but lets be honest if the Kiwi's can make an attempt to support the Aussies the it should be vice versa
Jane Williams
Australia
2013-05-23
My husband and two children moved to Australia 6 years ago, I want my children who are now teenagers to be able to vote and have access to HEX Debt. My husband is a high earner and pays significant tax, I would just like to have the same rights in Australia as we did in New Zealand.
Audra Duncan
Kingston, Australia
2013-05-23
Because its not fair that we get charged for everything like an australian does(tax etc) but get charged x3+ 4 higher learning etc!
Tracey Murphy
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-23
I am a Kiwi living in Australia and enjoy it here and I have no ties back in NZ if anything happened to me I would be disadvantaged.
Alice George
Australia
2013-05-23
We have been in Sydney since November 1988 and from there our family has grown. one 19 year old and 3 mokopuna .6,8 &9 years old.Much a concern
We stand together? I have family in Australia and I wish them to be treated with equity and fairness. If you contribute you should have the right to choose to be a citizen. Thjey allow refugees to become Aussies
Felicia Twomey
Australia
2013-05-23
I believe I am, like most other New Zealanders an integral part of the economic status in Australia. My husband and I work hard, pay our taxes, buy mainly Australian products for exception of comforts from home, yet we are unable to access many things that other immigrants can. We arrived here on a plane and used the front door, but are put to the back as far as accessing certain services.
Georgia Williams
Australia
2013-05-23
Being able to become an Australian Citizen will be a great help to me with my future education fees and aid me to build a good foundation for my future at university.
Janice Sinclair
Australia
2013-05-23
It is important for my family, they work here and have done for nearly 9 years, paid taxes, have their own business, put their employees through courses and yet they have no fall back if either of them go into financial crisis. They have no intention of returning to NZ and love this beautiful country.
Tui Puru
2013-05-23
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-23
Comment This is a racially discriminatory law esp in light of the NDIS which we are required to pay into but ineligible ti claim. This is in itself should be against the law.
Miriama Moon
2013-05-23
Kiwi living in Oz just wanting a fair go and a chance to give my children a better life and more opportunities.
Tracey Petrie
Australia
2013-05-23
This is my home now - I'm bringing up my kiwi son here - we should be able to have same rights as Aussies do in NZ.
Kirsten MacDonald
2013-05-23
Hard working tax paying Kiwis are not looking for handouts, just a safety net for our children should accident or injury prevent us from continuing to work. As a tertiary educator, I support student loans (not handouts) for children whose parents are Kiwis and are long term contributors to Aussie taxes. NZ treats Australia's children like their own. Please consider the same in return.
Jodie Burke
Australia
2013-05-23
My husband of 9 years is a non-protected scv holder who moved here in 2001. We have 2 Australian children. The kids and I would all like their Dad to become an aussie too. Seems ridiculous that there is no recognition of the 12 years he has contributed to society here, and is treated exactly the same as a temporary resident who arrived yesterday. Seems so unfair that he will soon be paying for the NDIS which he cannot access if needed. Come on Aussie government - you have been talking about changing this arrangement since 2009. Time for talking is over - time to fix this now!
To give New Zealander's a fair chance in Australia! So I can join the Australian navy. I live here and call this home now also i want my kids to fully benefit also. This will effect our iwi arrivals, which in the long run effects all of us under nation, one people.
I have lived in Australia for nearly 10 years and I want citizenship for my 3 kids. To have rights like Australians a a fair go I don't plan on moving back to nz. Australia is my home! Because I came to Australia with a pathway to citizenship and this has been ripped from under me. Love Australia but I find this law most unAustralian as do all Australians I speak to about it.
Amy Kerrison
Parkwood, Australia
2013-05-23
My family and I have lived in Australia for 9years paid taxes own property and we want our children to be able to go to Uni get student loans, get mortgages and be able to join the army if they choose, and be able to claim benefits when we need a helping hand when times are tough, and being able to become an Australian citizen is the only way to do that!! What ever happened to the ANZACS!!!!!
Micheala Gould
Perth, WA
2013-05-23
It is really unfair that kiwis working and paying taxes in Australia cannot access the Carers Allowance and it needs to be changed.
Kate Heke
Kalgoorlie, Australia
2013-05-23
Because although my son was born in NZ we are in the same boat. We pay enough taxes to be able to get support for our children with disabilities. We are not asking to live off the government we are asking for help for our children. Our future. Who will also pay taxes here in Australia.
Date 2013-05-23
Comment My family came over here in 2006. I've been employed since then until Oct 2012 after spending 4 and a half years as a prison officer. I left my job, left there headed to WA to make money working in the mines!!!! Phewft. Came back to Vic Feb 2013. I didn't want any money from the government, just some of my super to tide me over till I found full time work. I wrote to commonwealth ombudsman, local mp, complaints department australian superfund etc pleading my case. I have no income, no job, Telstra on my back & every agency I have tried to seek help from says the same thing . . . We are govt funded and we can't help you. Every which I have turned I have had brick walls all because I am a NEW ZEALANDER. Tuesday night just past, I wanted to take my own life because I couldn't see a way out of this misery!! Salvos have helped with food, kilmany won't help with housing but can help my daughter and I get home to NZ. Quantum Support same thing. I'm over hearing "we are sorry and unfortunately we are unable to help". I have now been referred to the Community Mental Health Services to help me stay strong and get through this. I'm a KIWI and proud of it. S.White
HF
Australia
2013-05-23
We have since had 3 children here.We only moved here because my wife feared for her safety and of our 2 NZ born children (2 & 5) at the time as threats had been made to her by former partner who has a long violent criminal history.Because of this, moving back to NZ is not an option for us. I worked here and had my own business for a number of yrs but seriously injured my back about 2 yrs ago and am now on permanent medication and unable to work.My wife has not been successful with many interviews and they all now ask to see a passport or proof of citizenship.employment agency will not actively look for work for us as we are not citizens. My father completed national defence services here (AU) and served in veitnam along with all my uncles (AU citizens).My wife and I cannot apply for citizenship because we came here to live 6yrs ago.We have struggled hard to make ends meet over the past 2 yrs and have had many friends help us over this time with food and money.
Paki Waretini
Australia
2013-05-23
I am suffering from illness also and have been through a similar situation. I ecieve a pension, but cannot survive on this.
Gavin Martin
2013-05-24
I have family including grandchildren who live in Australia. My Grandson will grow up, live and no doubt have a family but will not be eligible for benefits even though he and his parents have contributed to the economy ,
Dianne Salmon
2013-05-24
if New Zealander pay taxes in Australia, they shoud be eligible for everything, that is offered to other imigrants, as New Zealand does for Austalians , when they live in New Zealand ONE RULE FOR EVERYONE
Toni Waiomio
2013-05-24
It's ok for both countries to join together in terms or war etc, yet not ok for us "neighbours" to live in each others countries. STUPID if you ask me!!
Tina Taane
2013-05-24
My fellow countrymen who have chosen to go to Australia should be given the same opportunities as those who choose to come to New Zealand. FAIRNESS all round.
Amanda Barlow
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-24
I have two children born in Australia - who consider Australia to be their home. We have worked here and have been law abiding citizens for 11 years! My children want to attend University here and contribute to 'their home'.
emma fenwick
Australia
2013-05-24
Date 2013-05-24
Comment My oldest child has just starting high school. He has lived in Australia for 9 years out of his 13 years. I am really one starting to worry about how we will pay for university fees if he wants to do further study. I worked in a bank doing loans and I was always processing loans for Kiwis parents trying to help their kids further their education. An education for your children shouldn't come at the cost of 15% interest.
Leon Gimblett
Preston, Australia
2013-05-24
Because this issue affects me as well. I pay the same taxes and I want the same rights. If I arrived as a boat person and didn't contribute to this country I would have these rights. Where's the justice? How about making some of the Australians that have never known anything but centrelink and housing commission lifestyles know what it's like to be us. Tax payers. Wake up Gillard
2013-05-24 2013-05-24
I am a Kiwi living in Australia Completely agree with Stanice Taylor, why are Poms not afforded the same rights as Kiwis? We founded the nation and fought side by side with you in wars? It is discriminatory. I think Kiwis have got the best deal going.
Karen Peihopa
2013-05-24
I have children and moko over there and another child with medical issues wanting to go there.
Sue Clark
Eagleby, Australia
2013-05-24
I also moved to Australia in 2003 and have three children born in Australia so cannot become an Australian. It sucks!
Julie Lintott
2013-05-24
It should be fair and work both ways, the NZ govt doesn't use such barbaric conditions when Aussies choose to live in NZ, an eye for a eye I say.
2013-05-24 2013-05-24
I am a New Zealander caught in this trap As a kiwi who is preparing to move to Australia i want legitimate opportuntiy to settle.
Cole Pierce
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-24
To Brendan Hilder: Your comments have been removed from this petition because this petition is explicitly for people who think that the Australian Government should change laws to provide kiwi's a fair pathway to citizenship. If you have a different view (which you do), you are more than welcome to contact MP's and express that view. Don't expect to come here and be allowed to distract from the real issues facing real people.
Helen Diment
2013-05-24
I was an Australian living in NZ, and I was treated as a full resident. Why can't this extend both ways?
Simone Faure
Australia
2013-05-24
Married to an Australian with two Australian (born here) children it worries me that at some point in the future I may no longer have the right to reside here with them. I would like to be able to give myself some guarantees
Jeanne-Marie Marsden
Australia
2013-05-24
The policies need to be changed .to reflect fair and equal status to all New Zealanders now living in Australia, that we are not treated as second rate citizens.
2013-05-24 2013-05-24
Kiwi living in aust. For last 27 yrs As a Kiwi living in Australia and contributing to society and paying the same taxes as any other worker, I should be entitled to the same rights.
kiwi living and working in australia for my mokopuna's all born in Australia, what does the future hold for them. The Kiwi's offer it to Australians in NZ, Aussies in NZ have all the benefits of NZ citizens without being Citizens...In the ANZAC Spirit the same should be affforded to Kiwi's in OZ :)
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-24
Comment well as I'm working here I want to work and enjoy Australia but now I can't get any help if I need it and am inelegible for citizenship because of my age and also If I ever wanted a pension I can't even claim the NZ pension here if I wanted to retire here it sucks you bust your butt and be a good citizen yet are penalised it sucks
Marty Braithwaite
2013-05-24
Geoffrey O'Hearn
2013-05-24
the barriers between nz and aus have to come down, we get a lot from nz and they rely a lot on us, being like minded people and with the anzacs and all times are changing and laws need to change too + i'm married to a kiwi
Duane Brown
QUEENSLAND, Australia
2013-05-24
I have been here in Aus since I was brought over as a child in 1967, I have done all my schooling here,worked all my life , payed taxes, and when I was to ill to work a few years ago, I was treated like a leper when I went to centrelink for assistance , having to prove to them I was allowed to be here,Because in 1967 you didn;t need a passport, and even though my dad is Aussie, I was still treated like I should go home. This has been my home for 45 years, longer than most working at centrelink, and to make it all worse my case worker was a Kiwi! Far go to all Kiwi's!
Clare McTamney
Australia
2013-05-24
I just want to see a fair deal.... How long does one need to live in a country before they are considered worthy?
Hera Gilbert-Awatere
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-24
My son was born here in 1994 he will be 19 this year but because I don't have a piece of paper with a citizenship stamp on it he is not entitled to anything he is a NZ citizen by decent. We lived in Sydney then went back home then came back to Brisbane 6 years ago if not for our family surely for my son
Mavaega Tohilima
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-24
My Children will also only know Australia as home. They will do all there schooling here and it will be sad that they cant get government funding for university
Sabine Kivits
Vianen, Netherlands
2013-05-24
No child should be denied the care they need because they are officially New Zealand Citizens!
Stephen McDonald
Australia
2013-05-24
I am from NZ and my wife is from Brazil. We have a daughter who has spent the majority of her life in Australia and deserves the same rights as other children who live here
Australia Australia
2013-05-24 2013-05-24
6028 We love this country, we would fight for it, stand beside our Australian brothers and sisters, unlike any other Nationality now classed as Australians. We respect the constitution and rights of Australians.
Samantha Harvey
Australia
2013-05-24
I'm Kiwi born, have been living in Australia for 5 years and am about to marry an Australian man. When we have children, I would like to think that they will receive the same treatment/rights/consideration as any other Australian born child and that they should not be disadvantaged because of the tougher rules for Kiwi's and my heritage. I work hard and pay my taxes like any other resident/citizen and just believe that the rules should receive serious consideration across the board.
pricilla numanga
Australia
2013-05-24
because we have been here almost ten years and my grand daughter was born here
Sandra Work
Australia
2013-05-24
I love living in Australia and want to make it my permanent home my children are growing up here but will be disadvantaged in the future for training and support if they need it although we pay into the tax system and also pay the levies to fund the NDIS
Date 2013-05-24
Sarah Adams
2013-05-24
because I've seen first hand of the poor support kiwis get in Aussie from government departments and the hoops we need to jump just to start work there. Unlike here where Aussies get free or almost free healthcare, We need to help and support our disabled in Australia as a huge part of Australia's tax paying workforce is NZ made.
Brendan Warner
Australia
2013-05-24
Nobody should live with this fear. Australia needs to grant full rights to anyone arriving to live permanently in this country from day one. If this means scrapping the TTA then so be it, and take a set number of NZ'ers per year but never put them in a situation where they could be completely helpless.
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
Family living in australia Because we have just brought a house over there and think we should be treated the same as Australians. Thought up until a few years ago we were.
Emma Churchill
2013-05-25
I'm an Australian by birth but have lived most of my life in NZ and have gotten citizenship here in NZ. I think the fair laws should go both ways.
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
Freedom to become a citizen Our family has contributed greatly to the Australian economy and therefore see why we can't have the same rights as everyone else
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
Equality between NZ/Australia. Because I to wish to remain living here in Australia, I work hard pay my taxes and all my family including my 4 australian born grandkids live in Australia
Sarah Eyles
Australia
2013-05-25
After living here for 4 years, owning a home and business and paying taxes, I think it is fair and reasonable to become an Australian resident. My husband was recruited from NZ to work in Australia for the QPS, my son was born here 3 years ago, but still, we are treated like than 2nd class citizens and NOT eligible to apply for residency. CRAZY, we are NOT bludgers as talked about in the press. We pay our way and want a fair go.
Daron Brinsdon
Brighton, Australia
2013-05-25
After working here and paying taxes for 12 years my daughter will be looking to start university studies after spending her entire school career in Australia and I will want here to have the same opportunities as aussie kids.
John Williams
Australia
2013-05-25
I moved my family 6 years ago with the same trans-tasman company believing that I was doing this to provide my family a better life. Unfortunately, this is not the case. My wife and I cannot vote, we dont qualify for any Govt support should we need, all while paying significant taxes that fund this support. My children are missing out on the same ability to participate in the society that they live in! C'mon Australia, you are embarrassing yourselves! Offer the Kiwis in Australia the same as Aussies in New Zealand.
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
I agree with this petition We pay the same taxes like everyone else and have contributed to the nation. This is discrimination and to a fellow Anzac is pathetic. This reaks of John keys trying to stop kiwis migrating to oz for better job opportunities and an easier life.
Date 2013-05-25
Comment I arrived in december 2000, just before the new laws kicked in with the new conditions that new kiwis wanting to live in Australia had to obey. Even so, the govt still won't allow me to consider a student loan to be able to take up further studies to better myself & my life, yet will openly help themselves to my hard earned pay by taxing such amounts.. When will there be fairness amongst kiwis and Aussies living in each others countries?? Fair dinkum.
amanda christie
Maroochydore, Australia
2013-05-25
because my daughter deserves the same rights as her peers. she has already lived here over half her life. The choice to reside here was ours not her's.
Nita Fairburn
Australia
2013-05-25
My sons and grand children are Australian Citizens. I work and contribute to society through taxes and volunteering organisations.
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
Australian government to change the laws for NZ citizenship Because I'm living in Australia. If I become very ill or lost my job, I have no rights to stand on.
Anna Parkinson
2013-05-25
If its ok for kiwis to work and contribute to the economy then they should be entitled to be eligible for citizenship automatic or otherwise.
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
My son and daughterinlaw are having my aussie grandchild I hate feeling like a second-class member of Aussie society, even though I contribute heavily
2013-05-25 2013-05-25
Because everyone should be treated equally I live here ,am a tax payer and I support Australia. Im not here as a refugee or a blugder
Stephen Rangihuna
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-25
Other nationalities are able to attain citizenship and New Zealanders are the most loyal friends Australia have!
Jenny Coats
Australia
2013-05-25
When we live here long term and contribute to the economy it goes hand in hand that we should be able to become citizens at some stage down the track rather than never.
Jarrod Tapson
Australia
2013-05-25
I have completed my schooling here in Australia but can go no further with my education unless i pay for it, i cant even get an apprenticeship of i am Kiwi, dont get me wrong i am proud to b a kiwi i just want a fair go in Australia
Kim Marino
Taigum, Australia
2013-05-25
I am a New Zealander who have two babies that were born here in Australia. I am a tax payer and would like to become a permanant resident but the legal crap that stops me from doing so. I also have personal reasons why i am signing but too personal to make public.
Kendra Clark
Australia
2013-05-26
I have lived in Australia for lose to 6 years now. I want to go to Uni, however it's going to be difficult to pay for myself. My sister wants to be in the RAAF but that is impossible until she gets a citizenship. She wants to fight to defend Australia, but she gets repaid by having difficulties to get into there...CHANGE THIS!
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
to have same rights as Ozzies have here. I have a Kiwi friend who lives in Australia with his family for many year. He contributes with paying taxes and intents to live in Australia forever, so I think it is just that he got the citizenship since it will be a benefit to the State as well as for him and his family.
I have paid taxes here in Australia since 2005 Have been living and paying tax in Australia for 4 years now I am a Kiwi I living and work in Australia, and like every other Tax payer I would like the same rights.
Date 2013-05-26
Comment As a kiwi living in Australia, I wish for the same citizenship rights. If I am good enough to pay taxes and levies, why am I not considered good enough for citizenship?
Stacey Harper
Kallangur, Australia
2013-05-26
Single mum (no family in Australia) that cannot return to NZ because of custodial reasons. But cannot get financial support to stay in Australia. The only way I will be able to survive is to move back to NZ but leave my children behind. I cannot afford child care and work demands that I work nights and weekends.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
I live and work in Australia and have done so for over two years As I arrived in October 2002, just after these changes, I have been paying all my tax in Australia ever since. I don't have the right to vote in Australia, yet I do in NZ and I've not lived there for over 10 years.
Martin Eagle
2013-05-26
Lynne Mcnay
Windale, Australia
2013-05-26
My husband is an NZ citizen which myself and child are dependant on, if he loses his job, myself and my daughter being Australian citizens will fall into hardship!! Please change the laws and allow my NZ husband to become a rightful Australian citizen!!!
Mandy Salesa
Perth, Australia
2013-05-26
If we pay tax we should receive the same treatment as any other member of society. If we commit crimes are we exempt under the Australian justice system too...no way!! So fairs fair!
Rachel Singh
Beaudesert, Australia
2013-05-26
NZ gives Aussies a chance to voting and benefits why not Aussies do the same be nice back. Asylum seekers get a better pay from the government than we do and they are living illegally...if we live illegally we get kicked out...if not kicked out we are getting pushed out as government is withholding taxes and taxes have gone up for kiwis only...is it fair...I have made my new home in Aussie I love it but the government is not being fair to us .. I thought we were neighbors ...love thy neighbor. Not NZ be nice to Aussies and Aussies try to kick us out...is it fair no, if one is nice to u, u be nice back, fair is fair , goes two ways not one.
Darrel Warren
Seymour, Australia
2013-05-26
We have lived here now for 10years, really enjoy living in Country Victoria. Both our daughters want to join the Defence Force (1 through ADFA and 1 via the Navy) but are denied even the chance of applying (not even knowing if could through the process) because we are "kiwis" on a SCV. With the defence force wanting females, and recent "skype" incidences, it doesn't stop them wanting to defend "their country". Aussies living in NZL are considered permanent after 5yrs, but we are not, CER doesn't work it seems to be one way, if NZL was to do what is done here I bet the media storm would be horrific.
Australia Australia
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
Australians in New Zealand are looked after, why not the other way around? MY MOKOS WERE BORN HERE
Toowoomba, Australia
2013-05-26
My son is a Australian citizen.. I am a kiwi.. a single parent with little help from the government.. I've been living in Australia since 2007.. it would be nice to have the security and possible financial support to raise my son
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-26
Comment Coz as Anzacs we both our countries need to have each others backs? We make sure Aussies are taken care of in NZ. Same should be for NZ citizens here. YEour nation has so many differant races with all theyr diffrant dramas that come with them? The Muslims being one of them? Kiwi' are just the same mentality as Aussies. Lets unite and keep our end of the world safe together? Mr Hone Heke
Pip Williams
2013-05-26
My son lives in Australia at present. I would prefer that he settles in NZ but if he settles with a girl from Oz I think he should be eligible for benefits that his girl is eligible for, while in Oz.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
because they pay there taxes and get nothing in return People who pay tax employ every single member of the government and its agencies. Govt needs to learn how to respect its employers.
Elliot Hudson
2013-05-26
I am a Kiwi living, working and paying tax in Australia. I want to be a proactive part of society, have the securities and opportunities provided to other nations without restrictions of my NZ passport
Meg Cornthwaite
2013-05-26
I've been living and working here for nine years. My partner is Australian and our two children born and citizens here, but what would happen to them if we lost their dad or myself became disabled??
Helen Dickson
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-26
I have only lived here for 2 years but I pay taxes like all working people do, so I believe that as I am contributing to this country then I should have the same rights as Australian citizens. I believe there should be a waiting period for citizenship, but a realistic amount of time not forever.
Debra Duncan
Nollamara, Australia
2013-05-26
After living in Australia for 6 years we have been turned down for the disability carers allowance for which we are eligible - except we are kiwis. I believe we should be entitled to the same benefits that NZ affords Australian citizens residing in NZ
Kerry D
Nollamara, Australia
2013-05-26
I have grand children in Perth and intend to retire here to spend time with them. I work full time, pay full taxes and get no benefits at all. I have a wife with a visual disability and she is unable to work and needs assistance etc. no support or carers allowances available as we are Kiwis. Will more than likely have to move back to NZ if there's no change in the law.
Martin Fey
2013-05-26
This is just cold hearted and causes much distress to families that are contributing to the Australian economy and society
renada daley
Australia
2013-05-26
I am a hard worker and pay my taxes and i feel i have a right to have my say in what happens to that money.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
Would make me feel like i belonged if i could become a citizen I am a kiwi who arrived here in July 2000. I am now a dual citizen but I am bitterly disappointed that the Australian Government is treating kiwis with such disdain. This is almost racism in that New Zealanders are being disallowed things that other foreign nationals are entitled too.
I wish to become an aussi citizen We deserve a chance,we pay our taxes Myself and my family all work and pay taxes. We don't bludge off the Government or intend to do so!!
Daniel Rogers
Morayfield, Australia
2013-05-26
I feel we should be treated equally like any other new resident looking at becoming Australian citizens.
Date 2013-05-26
Comment Because I have lived in Australia, worked in Australia and paid my taxes in Australia for almost 8 years now, but am not entitled to anything. Illegal immigrants are entitled to more that New Zealanders that come here legally are, and that is completely unfair!
India
2013-05-26
For a Better Living for the people of New Zealand who're now in Australia
2013-05-26
We have lived & worked here for 10 years still cant get help if & when u need it ie pensions for sickness or anything else
Warren Bayliss
2013-05-26
I believe that everyone has an equal right to attain residency in whichever country that they have decided to adopt as their place to reside!!! I think that they should at least allow NZ born citizens to be eligible for Australian citizenship after the same amount of time that it would take for any other resident to achieve!
Jennifer Rees
Australia
2013-05-26
My daughter is born here but by law she is a kiwi and it makes no sense as she will never have any thing to do with new zealand.
Julie Jackson-Gough
2013-05-26
Inequality is racist. Give reciprocal rights, or cut the taxes of the New Zealanders living in Australia.
Phillipa Cunningham
2013-05-26 These people will forever be considered non-residents in Australia (at least on paper), which disadvantages them and leaves them vulnerable in a way that all other long-term australian residents aren't. As non-residents they are going to be excluded from the new NDIS (Disability) scheme while also having to pay the increased tax levy. This exclusion extends to Australian born children of New Zealand Citizens until they are 10 years old, preventing important early intervention therapy.
David Newman
2013-05-26
A fair deal for Kiwis in Australia. Kiwis tend to do well in Australia and certainly contribute at least as well as the average Aussie. Yes there are a few rat-bags and layabouts but fewer as a proportion than Australians in general.
Auckland, New Zealand Australia Auckland, New Zealand Tauranga, New Zealand
Because I grew up in Australia and have lots of family there! protect my wife & children I have family living permanently in Australia My son moved to Aus in april 2001, had to go back with Mum after divorce, returned with Mum in 2003 and now is a fully qualified builder working and living with Aussies as a contractor. He is entitled to assistance if something goes wrong just like any other Aussie.
Nakita Rogers
Perth, Australia
2013-05-26
I work just as hard as every other person here, I think that it is only right that we are entitled everything the same as every other "Australian" especially when I have to pay the exact same amount of tax etc. I love this country and I'm lucky that we are allowed the oppourtunity to enter and stay so easily. But treat us fairly as we treat you when you choose to move to our home land.
Marama Giles
Australia
2013-05-26
We are NZ citizens who moved to Australia when our children were only 3 yrs old and 8mths old. Australia is our home, the children have lived here longer than they lived in NZ. We want to ensure our children have access to the same entitlements as Australian born children.
Lydia Brown
Australia
2013-05-26
why should it be so hard for NZers to get permanent residency. I'm a good citizen of Australia. I do what i should but am treated less than any other immigrant. WHY?? Equality. I want Equality.
Date 2013-05-26
Comment Because my family love Australia and want to become citizens to then yearly feel like we belong here
Tim Grenfell
Australia
2013-05-26
Australia is my home and if I am legally able to reside here forever and work, pay taxes, start a business and contribute to Australian society I should be able to integrate fully. All that is required is some fair path to Citizenship, with whatever fair conditions deemed acceptable to weed out undesirable applicants.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
I am a Kiwi residing in Australia. I have whanau in Aotearoa who want to leave here to be residents in Australia. I feel that should they be living there permanently, they should not be labeled as temporary and if living there they should not be deprived of the title resident or have to pay the increased tax levy when they will be excluded from certain rights. I understand that every country has to do the best thing for them, but i don't see the fairness of the New Zealanders relocating to Au.
Nephi Timu
Pannawoncia, Australia
2013-05-26
Important for the fact if we can go to war together as Anzac's then we can help each other out with this.
Ruth Fowler
2013-05-26
my mother was born in Katoomba, we have a connection; above all, all white people migrated from places like England, Ireland, Scotland, etc, we fought together in the wars, the list goes on, our countries have connected more so than most, within this globe. Our guys fought together, doesn't that mean something? if it means nothing to Aussie, then all those lives lost, were for what! I am sad things have gone this way with our sister country, sad.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
as we are ANZACS it shouldn,t be a problem If a kiwi is paying tax in Australia then they should be entitled to the same as everyone else residing in that country, especially is NZ is going to continue looking after Australians in our country.
Roydon Parkin
Australia
2013-05-26
it goes both way, i have worked hard to make aussie strong like a lot of kiwi's have.
nz as permament resident paying taxes fairness Its important to me because I served in both Countries Armys (6 yrs ARA&14yrsNZDF)
Angela Monaghan
Australia
2013-05-26
I have been in Australia since May 2001. I have an Australian Child and I want to secure my future in this country so i will always be able to be here and support my beautiful daughter.
2013-05-26 2013-05-26
just want a fair go and the chances and options others get Because its unfair on us kiwis. Aussies get to go over to nz and get benifits help with housing and jobs. And war to us kiwis get over here? Nothing. Also my2 children were born here and another one on the way. Australia is our home as much as it is urs.! Give us a fair go!!.
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
We were ANZAC'S This is very to our family as we have 3 kids to raised. One of them have disability that happened here in Australia. I hope that the Australian government will be very considerate on this. Thanks you.
Malia Nickel
Australia
2013-05-27
I have many family members from New Zealand as well as my Husband who have been affected by this.
Mamera Mauwong
2013-05-27
Comment Am a NZ citizen who has been residing in Australia since 2002. I am a "qualifying New Zealand Citizen" other word a money source with very low overheads
Lachlan Cunningham
Australia
2013-05-27
I believe, as a proud and independent nation, Australia has the right to select who it allows into the country. I dont believe however, it is then right to discriminate against a small group of those they have allowed in. The vast majority of New Zealanders who come to Australia are not bludgers or criminals, which can be easily dealt with, but are teachers, doctors, tradesmen, miners, engineers, sportsmen and women. They come to live, work, pay tax and genuinely contribute to society, just like many current Australians predecessors did. There are more than enough mechanisms to stop undesirables coming to the country; discrimination should not be one of them. A fair and egalitarian society is surely the best outcome for everyone.
kristen knight
Australia
2013-05-27
new zealand people shud b given what ever they want when they come here all the boat people get what they want it shud only be equal
Esther Macneil
2013-05-27
Change that law, there should be a mutal respect between both countries. Only in Australia that says alot. THANKS.
Naomi Taitoko
Australia
2013-05-27
My husband if Maori and many of his family moved to Australia after these ridiculous laws were put in place. They are hardworking people who are always in eomployment but if they are made redundant and their children were born in Australia they should be eligible for assistance for their children.
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
Future of my NZ born children that live with us in QLD. I moved her in 2003 and from what I've heard I am going to be seriously disadvantaged in the next 30 years when I reach retiring age..
Kerren DouthDouthat
Australia
2013-05-27
My husband is Australian and our kids are kiwis he was treated fairly in NZ why can't Australia be fair.
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
I'm a kiwi in AU and i struggle every day. My husband and I live and work in Australia and have done for the last five years, We pay taxs like every other australian yet we are never allowed to call ourselves australians. Our son will become a citizen automatically in 7 years. There should be a certain amount of years living permenantly in Australia and then we should be able to apply.
Steve Clarke
2013-05-27
Because I pay alot of tax and I want a say in my kids future as much as I want them to have a say and be allowed to study and further their education.
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
To support family in oz Piece of mind. Natural disasters etc. We are suppose to be looked after, yet the only nation not eligible.
Renae Jamieson
Australia
2013-05-27
I love Australia, I want to be a part of the community that I contribute to every day, my children sing the Australian National Anthem as it's their own, a fair path to residency and then citizenship would enable me to further contribute to the community and enhance my childrens education as future adults of Australia.
Debbie Crisp
Australia
2013-05-27
We deserve the same rights especially if we work hard for what we have. Our children deserve entitlement for loans to further education.
We work hard, and deserve to be treated the same as anyone else I want to study to become a music director but can't afford it. My son in law and his family are Maori and I need them to stay in Australia
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-27
Comment I want to retire here with my Australian man, and be eligible for the pension when I retire (in another 8-10 years), as I've been working here for 8 years and contribute to society here and assimilate with society, unlike a lot of other races who the Government pays benefits for, who do not even speak the language! Let along assimilate into Australian society. My daughter also lives in a defacto relationship with an Australian, and has been here for 9 years, and also deserves to be able to become a citizen here.
jude bottlik
NSW, Australia
2013-05-27
because myself, my hubby and my son have been here for over 10 years we do everything right by the government, taxes, abide by the law, etc, etc, bought a house but not good enough to b citizens or permanent residents??????
Dan McCort
2013-05-27
Because I have friends and family who work their butts off in Australia and who have lived there longer than they've lived in NZ, and yet they still can't become a citizen and aren't entitled to the benefits they pay for in their taxes! Absolutely ridiculous!
Kelly Hartley
Australia
2013-05-27
We didn't move here to bludge- we came here to make a better life for our family. It frustrates me that we can work our butts off and contribute to the country we now call home, yet if we want to give our kids a higher education or run into trouble (disability, broken marriage etc) then we are left to fend for ourselves. Yet people can move to Australia from anywhere else in the world and can get citizenship and all that goes with it. We are not after a free ridejust a fair go!
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
it is home to us The Aust Govt needs our vote. Then show us you care.
Joanie Fitzgibbon
Australia
2013-05-27
I have a friend who has been here for years, paid taxes and contributed to the community yet is not able to get anything back ... it is unfair ... what happened to the ANZAC spirit?
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
Security for me and my family and a fair go To have equal rights just as any other emigrant
Because we should have the right to be permanant residents. As an immigrant myself how can we allow this to continue i live in australia i pay my taxes and if i need help i think i should be able to get it i thought thats what some of the taxes are for
Taliu Alapaki
2013-05-27
We pay taxes our kids are growing up here, it's funny when they do well in the sporting arena and get asked to rep AUS all of a sudden they get fast tracked to becoming a citizen. Go figure. Only when it suits.
Lee Howard-Mizsey
Australia
2013-05-27
I have been married to an Australian citizen for the past 21 years and we have Australian children and grandchildren but I am unable to be supported in Australia if anything happened to my husband, even though I have worked most of time we have been married. Other immigrates get better financial help then the so called brother in arms country. Isn't it amazing that we fight together and cry together but we can't have the same assistant together. If I came from another country illegally I would get more help, you have it so wrong Australia... Cut your nose off to spite your face Australia, even my country NZ took better care of my husband when we become unemployed for 10 weeks, shame on you!
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-27
Comment My daughter and I have made Australia home. I would like to think that both of us have a lot to offer Australia. My little girl moved here before her second birthday and I am concerned that she has made Australia home and when it comes time to go to university she will be unable to afford to go in her new "homeland". While I don't expect any hand outs from our new country, it would like to be treated fairly given that I'm currently paying taxes here and my daughter will also pay taxes here when she grows up.
Sophie Pile
2013-05-27
Becos of my kids who may decide 2 they want to call Oz there home?? Hope not but its a possibility as with many other lost kiwis!!
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
You pay tax's for years, you should be entitled to something should you. I have friends who I know have worked hard and contributed to Australia and deserve everything that I have had as a born Australian
Sarah Auld
Beckenham, Australia
2013-05-27
I am now a displaced person. Can't truly call Australia home even though my children are here, my grandchildren will be born here, and my mortgage is here.
Trudy Eley
Australia
2013-05-27
We want to retire here, have legal permanent residency and want to apply for citizenship in Nov 2013
Rachel Smith
Bairnsdale, Australia
2013-05-27
Hard working, tax paying Kiwi who has called Australia home for 16 years. Does my permanent residency now make me a target? What hoops is the government going to make everyone jump through next?! Shame on you! :P
Jenni Leavai
Australia
2013-05-27
I am a NZ citizen who has lived & worked here in Australia for 8 years & in that time the Australian Govt has collected taxes from myself & my husband including the Medicare levy & the Queensland OSR has collected three lots of stamp duty (not to mention cars) & flood levy from us & Insurance companies increase our premiums annually even though we choose to live in a flood-free, cyclone-free part of the State. Fair-go Australia, please update your draconian rules & regulations, we are here to work hard, not bludge & we prove it every year we continue to pay taxes. Thank you for listening, now please act.
Treating your ANZAC brothers like second class citizens What Australians have in NZ is what New Zealanders should have in Australia! Indefinite status surely in other countries means Permanent Residence status. Come on Australia, PR should be given to Kiwis after a fair stand down period. Give us a fiar go.
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
It should as we really are one country and have each others backs I believe that we as new zealanders get treated unfairly more what happen to making us a country of oz?
Margaret Hobbs
Thornlands, Australia
2013-05-27
Although we are really grateful to be here and work and raise our children here it has become important to us to have the opportunity to vote and participate fully in the society where we live. Wanting to feel a sense of permanency and get a good Aussie "Fair go!"
Tina Watson
Pimpama, Australia
2013-05-27
Sandra Vincent
Australia
2013-05-27
As law abiding, tax paying residents, I believe we should be given the same rights and benefits that we would be entitled too in NZ, like any Australians would also be entitled too, living in NZ.
Date 2013-05-27
Comment For my grandchildren ,some born here but mainly for the ones who were born in NZ but have gone through the education system to get access to higher education without incurring thr fees as an international student
Allen Spice
Australia
2013-05-27
i will be trying to become a permanent resident soon it will be good if this was sorted before then
Cheryl Penny
Heathwood, Australia
2013-05-27
Hard working kiwi paying full Ozzie taxes + mortgage (not taking a rental away from an Australian family) with no benefits for me or my children's education.
Lisa Marshall
2013-05-27
If we are living in australia and paying taxes why aint we given a fair go like the rest of the countries!
Mayna Shand
2013-05-27
My husband and I have made Australia our home for the past 12 years. We have brought our home here and had our daughter here. We plan to settle here permanently and have already investigated the citizenship obstacles for NZers. The legislation is over 10 years old, its time for a fair chance and reciprocate what NZ offer Australians whom choose to reside there. All the best!
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
I love Australia and would like to be with my children who live here. Fairness & equality for our Kiwi family and friends.
rendall numanga
Australia
2013-05-27
They allow every other nation in the world passage except for New Zealanders yet New Zealand allows Australians a fair pathway into our country.We don't expect handouts
john jeffery
Australia
2013-05-27
Because I should have the same rights as everyone else that lives here and pays their taxes
Brenda Jeffery
Australia
2013-05-27
I have to pay levies and taxes exactly the same as Australians - but I am not allowed to use the "club" I am paying membership for
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
My children Because my Australian born great grandchildren by an aboriginal father are not recognised by the current laws.
Justin Borell
Australia
2013-05-27
Because my son is born here, and in the event I fall ill and cant work, I will have to return to NZ and will not be able to see him again. I have gone through the courts to get shared care, I pay full child support and taxes, yet I cant apply for residency.
Elizabeth Dwyer
Australia
2013-05-27
We are a NZ family been living here in Aus for 8 years. children been through private school system now at Uni and they would like to acquire Aus Citizenship as they feel this is their country. I also would like them to have everyday rights that we all should be entitled to eg voting. We have even recently enquired with immigration lawyers but as of last July we are now no longer eligible for any type of work sponsored visa. These rules seem to pass/change constantly with no knowledge by NZers living here in Aus. Al extremely unfair as there is not even any avenue to plead individual cases as of last July!
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
It's about fairness and equality considering we are tax payers too Have family members here and wanting to migrate that have been denied permanent residency/citizenship
Quentin Cope
2013-05-27
Cos I'm sick of one set of rules for one country and another set for the other...maybe nz needs to get tougher on its immigration laws...oz government r arrogant pricks who don't give a toss
Date 2013-05-27
Comment Creates better ties for families that have had family members move over there to be able to go and work on family businesses and for young adults to explore and work without the hang ups
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
I am living here now and should entitle to health care etc. Discrimination and racism is an ugly trait and needs to be stamped out! A fair go for a fair go!
Australia Australia
2013-05-27 2013-05-27
just love it here I want to see New Zealanders who apply for Australian Citizenship be accepted. They provide large amounts towards tax, so therefore should benefit on education, bank loans contributing more to the community. Please support Kiwis thank you.
Janne Fisher
Australia
2013-05-28
My Partner,adult children and myself have been in Australia since 2003 and have worked the whole time paying our taxes. We need this to change as I feel we have earned the right to be able to be on a level playing field.
Rebecca Walter
2013-05-28
i was living in australia and have family living there and intend to live there permanently
Margaret Nanai
Kingston, Australia
2013-05-28
I have been living here now nine years, cost wise can not afford it, n I have mt parents, myself and my sons to doo this for. i pay taxes like everyone else. I consider Australia as my permanent home.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
For my family and mostly my children Because our kids are born and raised here, and we want to be entitled. if its okay for you to tax us, then why is it not okay for us to be eligible to what every other citizen is eligable to?
Jo Douthett
2013-05-28
I'm a new Zealander in Australia and about to have a baby with my Australian partner. This outrages me!
susan arnold
Australia
2013-05-28
i have two children one has finished school and wanted to get into nursing, and cant get any help. as a family we came here to have a new life
Linda Nicholas
Australia
2013-05-28
I am one of the lucky ones who came to Australia before 2001, but I do think that if it's good enough for NZ to allow Australians the same advantages as NZers were granted before 2001, then the policy should work both ways, as part of the Anzac spirit.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Because Australia is now home and I have kids to think about as well, This is definately for all the right reasons. And I am all for education for numbers I have family members in both situations pre 2001 & post 2001and I can guarantee that neither really know the real deal.
dionne toleafoa
Australia
2013-05-28
Its not so much for myself but for my childrens future, especially the ones that r not born in Australia, we pay our taxes.. but having no security in case of illness or some other unforseen case that could occur, is wrong. I cant help but feel upset to think that if my son or daughter decided they wanted to become a doctor or lawyer they would need to spend maybe 3x more than a Australia Citizen would pay for tuition because they would be classed as a International student. There is so many reasons why this wrong but Im sure most of have listed at least 1. Come on Australia give us brothers an sisters across the ditch a fair go....
Judith Maunder
Australia
2013-05-28
We as kiwis deserve to be treated the same as everyone else. My girls have done there entire schooling life over here and yet now that they are ready for university they cant even get a student loan. We have been paying in tax per year , the same amount as what a lot of people earn in a year.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-28
Comment I moved my young family here for a better life and more opportunities. If we can not live in a country with equal rights, where we can have the same rights as the working Australian citizen whose family is eligible to benefits safety nets etc, then I feel I am contradicting all the reasons I moved here!!!
Uiese Sufia
Australia
2013-05-28
It is important for my kids school when they reach to the university as well as the election we can't vote
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Equal rights I feel if our children have a chance of becoming successful in Australia. Lets make it happen for the new generation.
Selina Smith
2013-05-28
Want New Zealand people to be treated the same as any other immigrant that comes into Australia.
Tere Tourangi
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-28
I pay taxes like everyone else, and still I'm not entitled to any of the benefits....(who does that??? oh yeah Australian Govt!!!
Christine Granger
Australia
2013-05-28
Should have the same benefits afforded to Australians in New Zealand. All our family live & work in Oz
Raewyn Meier
Australia
2013-05-28
We arrived after 2001, I think my husband was out of work for the first 3 days we were over here. He pays extremely high taxes, and we can't even get a healthcare card that would make our sons lifesaving medicine a little bit cheaper.
Dale Simi
2013-05-28
I havefriends and family living there and it is not fair that it is not equal rights for kiwis living in Australia.
Claude Chaillet
Australia
2013-05-28
my younger daughter and her 3 children,my wife and myself have come to oz post 26feb2001. We really feel like 2nd class citizens
Jade Moxon
Australia
2013-05-28
im 18 years old i finished and passed year 12 and im learning really fast that the Australian government doesnt give a damn about us kiwi kids
Jessica Copplestone
2013-05-28
My Mother works a Registered Nurse in rural australia whilst my sister and her husband are bringing up their first child in rural australia, I want them to be entitled to the assistance they need should they come across hard times.
Mali Papirany
Bargara, Australia
2013-05-28
I don't want to see Kiwi's with disabilities neglected any longer! They need care and they need funding to get it!
Garth Olliver
Parkwood, Australia
2013-05-28
Future of my children, who are now" Australians" but not Australian citizens holding them back
Shirley Robertson
Perth, Australia
2013-05-28
Have been living in Oz for 13yrs now, "What are you doing Ozzies, we fought together in ANZAC, we fight the fires and floods together, we are you closest friends - "yes across the ditch".
Angelique Porter
Australia
2013-05-28
I would love to become a Citizen of Australia...I didn't paddle over on a boat but I would have if I knew it helped :)
Kristina Matagitau
Australia
2013-05-28
2 years ago I graduated from high school and got into the course I wanted to study (Bachelor in Business: Accounting). However, I was unable to take on the course at university as I was not entitled to HECS. The only income my family recieves is family assistance from Centrelink (which doesnt cover all of us but my 2 young siblings in primary school) I would like to see my young siblings pursue their dreams and career by having the opportunity to go university in future.
kirsty sullivan
Australia
2013-05-28
because I have 2 children born here in Aus who I would like to have the option of perm citizenship if they choose in the future
Date 2013-05-28
Comment Because myself and my family have been living here for 13 years, working hard and paying taxes. We deserve fair treatment after paying over $10,000.00 for our families citizenship application and being denied while a friend who came here as a refugee, only 1 year in the country, unemployed and he was granted citizenship on a silver platter. Do what is right!!
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
I'm wanting become a citzen to join Australia military Because we call Australia home. We work hard and pay taxes. I think that a stand own period is fair, but if we can prove to be of good character with a working history in Australia we should be eligible for citizenship.
QLD, Australia
2013-05-28
I need citizenship for our 19mth old Jay-Sha Tarapata-Hall who was born here, but what I have gathered to date we can via descendent of her parents.......my personal choice for our daughter is via her greats who fought & served in the Australian Army, her greats great-grand-daddy "ALEXANDER BELL" nanny Taima Bell from Taumarunui married Henry Hall from England whom her daddy Tane Hall & her big brother master 8yrs Hunter Hall-Tarapata descend thereof. Our pride in our creator above all else in our ancestors whom fought, died, worked & served, cared for & loved us dearly lest we forget......gone from us in the present, but forever in our hearts, on our minds a lifeline whom we all descent, the future, future generations, the inoncent our babies. (Tihei mauri ora= The breath of life). mjt
Stephanie Cullen
Thornlands, Australia
2013-05-28
Kiwis who have made aussie home and have kids who have now spent more of their lives here than NZ and we want to be aussie citizens
Janina Ryder
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-28
We pay equal taxes so why shouldn't we be entitled to the same benefits as others paying taxes in Australia?? If not lower the tax rate for nzer's!!!
Curtis Williamd
Mackay, Australia
2013-05-28
I am about to have a australian born baby and both Mother and I are New Zealand citizens. I have lived here for 20 years and know more about Australian history than all my Australian friends.
Ryan Woodman
Australia
2013-05-28
Moved here in 2006, I cant get a loan to study and the grounds for citizenship are too strict for NZ citizens, yet other countrys come here and claim everything
Camille Alabaster
2013-05-28
Fair's fair Ozzies - wouldn't you rather have us than some of your other options? Half of my family are in Oz - all citizens now - but I would like to think that the Anzac spirit makes us more than neighbours - we're blood brothers!
RAchel kitto
2013-05-28
This is important for me as I have a lot of friends that I consider family living in oz please ease up the law
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-28
Comment My Fiancee and her two children (16 and 12) are Kiwis who have lived in Australia just on 10 years. I am Australian and it disgusts me how Kiwis get treated here, worse than the illegal boat people!! Kiwis work here, and put their money earnt back into the economy as well as their taxes, they send their children to schools here, enroll them in sports and other activities, they have to pay the NDIS levi yet can't claim it, they have to pay taxes yet no matter how long they have been here they can't have a say on our government. When they find themselves alone here with no support person when their partner leaves them with kids, they can't get any help from Australia even though their kids have grown up here, even though they have lived here for years and years and have put into the economy, they can't get help from NZ anymore as they don't live there and havn't done for years!! Stop treating the Kiwis and my Fiance and her kids like lower class citizens and give them an easier,quicker more affordable way to get PR and Citizenship!!! There are children growing up here in "my" Country that can't joing the Australian Defence Force as they are a Kiwi!! They can't get Youth Allowance or HECS loans to further their study!! What is going to happen to these kids!!! Wake up!! At least i can move to NZ with my Fiancee and get citizenship after TWO years!! Where is the ANZAC spirit!! Instead of the boat spirit!!
Mark Coles
2013-05-28
We served in the war together we should be brothers not enemies or not allowing a sharing of each other countries. Its not North and South Korea Julia!!
rob moxon
Adelaide, Australia
2013-05-28
i have been in Australia for nearly 7 years and every day i worry about how my wife and two girls would survive if sumthing should happen to me!!!we are not bludgers. we are planing to stay here for the rest of our lifes but my to girls wont receive any help with schooling
Myself and my daughters live in Australia, they all have Australian children friends need help to. I am a kiwi in OZ (since 2004), married to an Australian and about to give birth to twins. Very confused about our entitlements or lack there of.
Jane Stojanovic
2013-05-28
i have children and grandchildren and great grandchildren in Australia who love australia and work for a living - They just want to be treated fairly. My stepfather was an australian who lived here for thirty years and was treated as a kiwi including all his medical care, superannuation etc - TIT for TAT
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
both my son and daughter live in australia and these law changes i find unfair This is important to me as I have lived in Australia for 5 years, am a taxpayer and ratepayer and want the right to vote.
tom clarke
Rosehill, Australia
2013-05-28
Because New Zealanders living in Australia pay taxes too, it is only fair that we are granted the same education rights as Australians.
Bernadette Riley
Australia
2013-05-28
I have already had one child leave AUstralia to go back and study in .NZ because he could not geta Hecs loan here and I don't want my other two to have to go back as well. My husband is in the Queensland Police risking his life everyday and doesn't qualify for citizenship .
Amanda Escobar
Australia
2013-05-28
I have a lot of Kiwi friends and I think they deserve to be treated fairly when they have been here for years and they work here and pay taxes that they cannot even get access too government payments??? It's garbage!!!
Daphne Waikawa
Australia
2013-05-28
Kiwis also work here pay their taxes volunteer in the community, donate to the economy at the moment why shouldn't they be treated like how the Australians are treated in New Zealand
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-28
Comment My children are at; or coming up to tertiary level and they do not have access to this - thereby making them second class citizens. We own a house, we work and pay taxes - thereby contributing to the GDP of this country.
We have lived here for 10 years and are about to seek residency I would love to become an Australian Citizen,,I love the country. Equality for New Zealanders!!!!!! My sister lives in Gold Coast she works hard and the kids have been there since one was 3 yet they aren't entitled to any help with education once they finish school even though they consider themselves Australians
emma pomare
Coomera, Australia
2013-05-28
My son was born here.I will not be giing back to NewZealand.I would love to put my sons education first and let him have same the rights as Australians.
Kartanya Martinez
2013-05-28
I am married to a Kiwi and given we are joined together as brothers and sisters under ANZAC I detest the Australian Governments treatment and residency & immigration tripe that is currently in place. ABOLISH IT NOW!! AND ALLOW FREEDOM OF KIWIS AND AUSSIES BACK AND FORTH AS DUAL CITIZENS OF BOTH MAINLANDS.. Hang your heads in shame how dare you make our NZ Brothers and Sisters go through immigration processes
anna bibby
Australia
2013-05-28
i live in australia and work hard and pay taxes, I believe that I should have the same rights! Also if I my kids are born here they should have access to everything the same as every other australian born child.
Australia Australia
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Just want a fair chance like an Australian would get in NZ! This is important to me because why can't the New Zealand people become residents in Australia & be allowed to get their citizenship. You hand it out to other in comers (British couple) who then denounced it & went back home. In my eyes the New Zealand people have just as much right to be in Australia as anybody else. This is my Pledge.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
bigger and brighter future for myelf and my family! I live, work, pay tax, own a home and am raising a family in Australia. I'm a contributing member if society as is my wife also. I would love the right to become an Australian citizen. Please Australian parliament make up your mind either don't let kiwis in it allow a fair path to become citizens.
Madison Nicholas
2013-05-28
Because part of my family live there in Australia and have called it home, so i believe they should have a right to continue their life their whatever it may be, Work, citizenship, school...etc.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
This is important to me as I am a New Zealander living in Australia. I have very close friends that are Kiwis and they are the most lovely people I have met. They are hard workers and volunteer alot of their time to society and deserve a fair go in Oz. They cant even access super funds if they were to hit a financial wall at some point in the future and this is their own hard earned money that our country takes from them but wont give any back in times of need. They are being forced to pay the NDIS tax but not eligible to use the funding if they have children that need assistance. I thought Australia treated all people equally but i was wrong.
Margaret Olive
2013-05-28
My daughter and her husband moved to Australia and they contribute but aren't allowed to really call Australia home. The legislations penalizes our so called fellow Anzacs. Come on Aussie lawmakers, be fair, each of you are probably descendants of non indigenous Aussies, who were treated a lot fairer than what you're dishing out to NZers. Shame on you!
Date 2013-05-28
Comment I am a kiwi living in Australia, my son was born here to kiwi parents. Australia is our home.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
australia is mine and my familys home and has been for 9 years I intend to keep living in Australia, I've been here 10years, my daughter is Australian. I'm worried about my future here, I want to be able to vote etc as well.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Because it affects friends of mine. My daughter and husband have lived here for over 8 years now, my eldest grandson has been here since he was 3 and my 2 youngest were born here. I made the move here nearly 2 years ago so I can be with them, as they have made the choice to live here permanently and I have too. I have family that have been here for over 30 years and are australian citizens. Im not planning on living back in New Zealand, I have made my life plans for here
Steve Bailey
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-28
Been here 11+ years and would be nice to know we could stay here permanently. We may have to head back closer to retirement.
Monique Wylie
Australia
2013-05-28
Because I am a New Zealander living in Australia (since Feb 2002) and would like to become an Australian Citizen and be treated like a human being.
It means more oppurtunity for my family and i here in Austrailia Because it affects my family. Many NZers are working and paying their taxes to boost the economy, but to also allow fellow Kiwis living there, Australians and non-Australians to enjoy social benefits. Australians have a great deal if they decide to move here, let the trans-Tasman mutual recognition Act be extended to include a fair deal....
Karen Jowsey
2013-05-28
Have family and friend in Australia, I may want to make Australia home one day and I have four children of my own and would not like them to live in a situation where they are unfairly disadvantaged.
Margaret Marshall
Australia
2013-05-28
All my grandchildren live in Australia. All are under the age of 5. Only one will get all the educational opportunities by birth right, one will be get the advantages once she turns ten but the oldest one who is about to start school will be so disadvantaged because she was born in NZ.
Lesley Taw
Australia
2013-05-28
I feel we should have the same priviledge as Aussies do in NZ. As a taxpayer, homeowner and upright member of community of Australia, I feel we should be able to vote and belong as we intended to make this our home.
alana taylor
Maryborough, Australia
2013-05-28
i am a new zealand citizen living in australia.i moved to australia to be with my partner,we had a child together and now we are seperated.im finding life so difficult as i am not entitled to single parent pension or any social security.i work but it is not enough.times are very hard and so stressful,and we have a court order in place stating i cant leave so australia is now my home.please some thing needs to be done about this it is not fair to me and especially my son.
selau semeatu
Eagleby, Australia
2013-05-28
Because it ONLY fair to give Kiwis the same opportunity the NZ government give the aussies to get their citizenship quite easily!
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
its good to have a fair deal Because I had to pay for My daughters uni engineering course and board until she became an Australian citizen one year into the four year course after spending all but one year of her entire education in Australia . We are brothers in arms so these laws need to change.
Jocelyn Lay
Australia
2013-05-28
Date 2013-05-28
Comment because i believe that Australia should make it easier for us kiwis to become australian citizens. It has affected my job and my child's education as i don't fit the profile... it doesn't matter that i have been working here for 6 years and pay taxes. Something has to be done. Thank you
Hana Whioke
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-28
Because its unfair for those Kiwi's like me who have been calling Australia home for the last 10 years and we have no right, only the right to keep paying taxes and tax levies to a government that doesn't recognise me other than for tax purposes :( We pay our way, we're involved in our community, we don't want to be anywhere but here in Australia, but we don't even meet the criteria to be come a permanent citizen. Wake up Australian Government us Kiwi's have been putting millions if not billions of dollars back into Australia to help with, medical, educational and economical growth and spenditures that us Kiwis after the 2001 law change have no right too.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Because Australia is my home now. Because we are going to grow up here and all our children will be too. We want them to feel a part of australia and not left out because they dont qualify.. thats just mean!!!
Jessica Zonneveld
Australia
2013-05-28
I would like to see a pathway to inclusion - as a Kiwi who is learning the Australian anthem, educating Australian children as a teacher, it is saddening that I am making steady contributions to society whilst being held back from a pathway that would allow me to become a citizen as we share many commonalities as countries and integrate seamlessly. I am happy to contribute in taxes etc but saddened that those safety nets such as the NDIS will not apply to me (in unforeseen circumstances) unless I can follow a pathway to citizenship.
Tema Semeatu
Eagleby, Australia
2013-05-28
I work full time and pay tax. I've contributed to Australia in a positive way and want to have a fair say.
Hilda Thompson
Australia
2013-05-28
I have lived in Australia for 10 years and with hard work, it has allowed us a better lifestyle. I am concerned that Australians see us as a threat - as far as taking jobs from them. We work hard - appreciate it and pay our taxes. Many Australians see us as bludgers - NOT SO!!!!! We do our hours and pay our taxes. I would not want dole to be a condition granted at all, but I would want my son (who only knows this country as his home) - to be given a fair go in his future. I thank you for allowing me avenue to express my concerns - and I certainly do hope that this issue will be attentioned in haste.
Stella Gardner
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-28
Because my friend is a Kiwi currently working and living in Australia, she deserves a shot at the opportunity of gaining a Permanent Residency or Aussie Citizenship. I want to see her get this chance.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
I think it's fair,we pay tax jus like every1 else I am kiwi living in aus.
2013-05-28
I am what we call a lost kiwi, arrived in Australia in 2008. My mother lives with me with a disability and I am her primary carer. But I am not eligible for carers payment because I am not a permanent resident nor is she. The criteria to meet ie the 8 categorys to apply for permanent residency I do not fit into! I would like to see change to make it be more realistic!
Julie Renton-Clift
Australia
2013-05-28
Date 2013-05-28
Comment I am Kiwi living in Aussie and my fiancee is from pakistan... I cant sponsor my wife for permanent residency and if she wants to study here she has to pay international student fee!!!
Mo Delamere
Australia
2013-05-28
I have moved to Oz to be closer to my daughter. I am here for the long haul. I would like to be a contributing member of society and benefit both myself and my daughter in any way possible.
Heather Brandon
2013-05-28
I live here , have children here but the system does not offer me back up when I am unable to work for health reasons and cant get our super on grounds of hardship as we don't qualify for the centrelink benefits necessary to qualify for payment!
Melbourne, Australia
2013-05-28
New Zealanders are very hard workers. Proven and known for their hard work I think if anyone else gets the right to be a citizen I don't see why New Zealanders can't be.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
my grandson,family and friends I have paid taxes, have worked for more than 5 years here in Australia, I have a good history back ground while living here in Australia have never been upheld against the law of Australia. I feel these are some of the reasons New Zealanders should be looked at and accepted as Australian Citizens.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
Unfair to NZers. Children are Australians by birth right My daughter was 6 months when I came here and we will never be going back so I want the best for her
To be treated fairly in both countries we live in Australia and would like to become citizens We pay our taxes - yet we can not vote - Australians have full rights in NZ - yet we have limited. It makes it so hard for our children to attend University or training here with no Government support. For New Zealanders that are true born and breed in NZ- we should not be treated as second class citizens in Australia.
Rana Hiha
Australia
2013-05-28
Both Governments of Australia and New Zealand can easily sort this mess out and allow mutual benefits and opportunities to their citizens who wish to move between the two countries freely. We who come through the "Front Door" from NZ appear to get nothing compared to those who come through the "Back Door" by boat. This is not fair to NZ citizens who want to do the right thing. If you take "NZ" out of "ANZAC" then Australia is heading down a path to becoming a "Republic" and this leads to corruption and terrorism. NZ has stood shoulder to shoulder with Australia in any conflict.
2013-05-28 2013-05-28
This is disgusting, money grubbing behaviour from the Australian government. My kiwi sister has had a baby and is a single Mother, after 7 years of paying tax she is not entitled to the single parent pension because she is a New Zealander. How is she supposed to support her child?
Lynette shirtcliffe
2013-05-28
My family have lived in Australia for 8 years there children started school there and they will never have the same opportunities that there friends have ..also the parents when applying for jobs are penalised.
Rachel Taupau
2013-05-28
My sister and her family have moved over!! My niece and nephew deserve a fair chance
Ricky Vaauli
2013-05-28
We have lived in worked in Australia for 5 years and plan to be here for years to come. Our son was born in Australia and I would like him & our family to be able to receive the sme benefits as a PR/citizen.
Date 2013-05-28
Comment Lived in Australia for almost 10 years, work full time, pay my taxes, received an OP 6 in high school. However I still am not a citizen and this could not afford university.
Pippa May
Manly, Australia
2013-05-28
I have seen the havoc it wreaks on families who are treated as illegal aliens and refugees, although they are ontributing to the Australian economy and society often with more gusto and skills than their Australian counterparts.
Gaile Dempsey
2013-05-28
have two sons in Australia who went over there for a better life and they should be treated like Australians cause they love the country.
Christine Iremonger
2013-05-28
Hana Pomare
Meadowbrook, Australia
2013-05-28
Beacause my kids are born here & not having permanent rights in the future could mean them being sent back to NZ which i want them to have an option most of all their option!!
Tauia MacDonald
2013-05-28
Because these kiwis love Australia and are active in their community and pay taxes. They contribute to the wealth of that country and should be given the dignity of earning citizenship
Diane Drinkwater
Australia
2013-05-28
We are getting to the end of our work life and would like to stay here,but we may have to go back depending on the pension etc
Heather Abrams
2013-05-28
Brigham Dennison
Australia
2013-05-28
This affects my wife my children and grandchildren . My wife is kiwi but has worked and lived in Australia since 1979. I took out Australian citizenship in 1997 when I became a WA Policer. I have one daughter who has lived in Australia since the age of 3 and she has 3 children . We have all worked and contributed to Australia, yet we are treated as FIFO where we can work and pay taxes but are not considered part of the Australian Society if thats not ethnic discrimination then I dont know what is.
Greg Lay
Australia
2013-05-28
ANZAC has lost it meaning since 2001, I am a citizen but my children are not and would like to become citizens without all the red tape, please revert the law or remove ANZAC from your remembrance days.
Melanie Symes
Australia
2013-05-29
I am a New Zealander living in Australia and I absolutely adore living here. Moving here is hands down the best decision I've made in my life thus far. However, three years ago when I was made redundant, not once but twice during the GFC, I had no access to financial support during the 3 months I was unemployed, it was hard but I got through it with the support of my family. As a tax payer here for many years, I believe I should be entitled to a little help from the government I support. It is virtually impossible for kiwis living here to become citizens so we come here, inject cash into the Australian economy by way of taxes etc yet we live with a constant black cloud of insecurity should we lose our jobs. Come on Australia, where is our fair go?
Stella Blyde
2013-05-29
Because this is appalling and successive governments have been too dogmatic and not looking at the wider picture. Shame on you Australia!
susan fairley
Australia
2013-05-29
because Australians in new zealand get the same rights as new Zealanders so should be the same here
Vanessa Odonnell
Ashmore, Australia
2013-05-29
Australia is our home and we have built a wonderful life for our family here. We contribute to society and have no intention to move away.
Lucia Watson
Australia
2013-05-29
I have lived in Australia now for 9 years and now call this my home and I know I will not be returing back to NZ to live permanetally .
Date 2013-05-29
Comment I am a kiwi living in Australia for ten years now, and have been with my Australian husband for 7 years and married for three.My son who is a kiwi was not allowed to join up with an apprenticeship through school and I am so bitterly disapointed in the system yet we speak english and are allowed to only part educate our children here.All or nothing Australia...you choose!
Liz Alexandre
Australia
2013-05-29
I have lived in Australia and at least want the choice to become a citizen. People from other countries come to Australia and have the option to become naturalised, we kiwis don't even get an option, we are just forgotten.
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
Because it's completely the fair thing to do for honest tax paying residents. I live here with my family and later as my children get older it will be hard for us to afford schooling. We have paid the taxes let us have equal rights too
Troy Hunt
2013-05-29
I work hard and I pay taxes happily as a citizen should. To be excluded from services that would otherwise be an entitlement seems unfair. I raised my children in Australia and value the education they had it is a shane they are unable to continue because they are not allowed to access student loans. I now live in Australia and my children attend university in NZ but would rather be here. Could the policies reflect the goodwill shown by those Kiwis who come to Australia to work hard and in so doing build a stronger nation socially and economically?
I fall into this catagory so future generations don't become Illigel Aliens like I did I was born in Melbourne, am an Aussie at heart, but I am also half NZer. This treatment of NZers is revolting. It is putting bad blood between us, even ripping apart the ANZAC spirit! Wth? Aus Govt, sort it out and stop pandering to ILLEGALs and take care of those who are actually an asset. Not hard I would have thought...
Lynda Muriwai
Australia
2013-05-29
My partner and I came here in 2002, have bought a home and intend to live here long term. Other immigrants seem to have an easier pathway to citizenship - seems unfair! We are over 45 so it is difficult.
Rachel Johnson
Australia
2013-05-29
It is important to me as an x kiwi arriving after 2001 to Australia for more opportunities that I be treated like the citizen that I am not allowed to become. You get told you have all the same rights and privileges as an Australian citizen but the truth of the matter is that you just DONT!
Lejana Howard
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-29
Because it is not fair. The people affected pay taxes and contribute to society but are treated with total disrespect for what they give
Australia
2013-05-29
My Daughter was 11 years old when I brought her here to live in Perth. She will be 40 this year and wants to become an Australian citizen legally. Don't want it to be too late for her and others in same position.
Tyron Turner-Perawiti
Perth, WA
2013-05-29
I am a new zealander and so is my partner and our child was conseved and born in oz and will grow up in oz so it will help with her courses and schooling.
Kay Brunning
2013-05-29
I have a grandson who has lived in Oz for 4 years He has played Rugby League for both NSW and Australia U15 but cannot get any assistance to go to University from Australian Govt as he is a Nzer and cannot get any assistance from Nz govt as he lives in Oz. Where do I go from here........
Australia Australia
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
have recently migrated to Australia with our two young children If these members of society contribute to the wealth of our contry and pay taxes they should be entitled to the fairness and equality that we, as a nation, preaches. How can we deny services to people who work hard and share in our commnity, and their children, whether born here or in NZ.
Date 2013-05-29
Comment I want to complete my MBA and am unable to obtain a HECs loan due to not being a permanent resident. The company I work for (and have done for 6 years) is enduring hard times due to the high $AUS and is unable to sponsor me in due to the economic uncertainty and downturn in the manufacturing industry. There is no other option available to me to gain citizenship, even though my grandfather was an Australian citizen. My immigration status (Special Category Visa) allows the Australian government to discriminate against me because I am a New Zealander. I am a productive member of australian society and deserved to be recognised as such by being given an opportunity to gain Australian citizenship.
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
Because Aussies get a better deal in NZ - if they can vote why cant we? I am a Kiwi living in Australia with a teenager who needs to further his education after high school and currently is unable too, because we are not citizens.
Robyn Evans
Geelong, Australia
2013-05-29
Since moving over here to create a life with my partner and for what i thought was to study a career in psychology. I soon however, discovered that after 2 years i was not eligable for any form of student loans, as previously thought. This led me to depression, as I career i had dreamed of since aged 12 was looking to not happen. I since have found a Diploma of Counselling that allowed me to pay it off at $50 a fortnight, this however means i have long finished the course but are not able to fully be qualified because im still paying it off. To further my chances at employment and a career, i now want to do a degree however there is no way i can afford the $35,000+ price tag, even on full time employment. I would like to do my part for the community in mental health, but are being held back. I want to help this country and its people who need help in the area of mental health but the government is preventing me from this! Why?
Fiona Harris
2013-05-29
Being a born and bred Australian making the choice to live and work in NZ, I strongly believe it is only fair Australia reciprocates the warm welcome that NZ offers all Australians.
Diane Ross
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-29
I have a Grandson who was born here in 2009 ut has a New Zealand passport & he should be allowed the same rights as Australian children.
Ray Waipouri
2013-05-29
I served in the NZ army for 24 years and trained and served alongside Australian soldiers on operations. There used to be a thing called the ANZAC spirit. What happened to it Australia?
Neil Douglas
2013-05-29
Because we are stronger together. Both parties should be able to experience the same equality of options and possibilities.
Sarah Murdoch
2013-05-29
my childrens father is a new zealander and our kids are australian citizens as am i. I would like him to become one also.
raylene miller
Australia
2013-05-29
I pay tax, and have lived here most of my life, I have children born here. If an ozzie was to go to nz then, they would get help off the Gov over there, so oz gov be fair
Sally Taylor
Australia
2013-05-29
As human beings we all have a right to live wherever we want in this world. I've been here for about 12 years now and have worked, paid taxes and supported myself the whole time. I find it insulting that New Zealanders are labelled bludgers and I think you'll find most of us are some of the hardest working people you'll ever meet. It's totally inapropriate that children born here of New Zealand parents are unable to to get a hecs loan. This is our home too.
shannon taua
2013-05-29
Because i am a new zelander and believe that everyone should have a right to come to this country wether there new zealand or a different nationality.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-29
Comment i arrived in aussi on the 4 oct 2001 just a few months after the cut off and would like to be a citerzen and vote and have my say,
Roy Roper
2013-05-29
Because my family live in Australia and they like others pay their taxes so they should be given all the benefits.
colin sigglekow
Australia
2013-05-29
i feel as one of the closest cuntrys to Australia all NZ would more fit the Australian way of life.
Danny Newport
Sydney, Australia
2013-05-29
The way kiwi's in Australia are treated and singled out is disgusting! There are Islamic extremists sitting on their arse in western Sydney, collecting the dole and actively threatening the security of this country that get treated better and have more rights conferred than New Zealanders residing long term in Australia. I pay a shitload of tax & will never have the right to vote to have a say in how it is spent & my children aren't even entitled to apply for student loans to get a decent education. This discrimination needs to change!
Lynessa Lucero
Australia
2013-05-29
I was born in NZ but have lived here since 1978. My parents myself and brothers have paid taxes here all our working lives. We have children who are born here and I we all own homes. Australian & NZ have always been referred to as neighbours and what does ANZAC stand for? Citizenship should not be an issue. We have never had a handout or a grant and pay our taxes, rates, medicare levy, and have helped build the economy by being hard working law abiding citizens and should be entitled to equal opportunities and rights nothing more and nothing less!
Kirsa Francis
Australia
2013-05-29
As a Kiwi living in Australia this is important for equality for myself and my children
Keita Shaw
Australia
2013-05-29
I work hard ,pay my taxes and wish to continue to live the life I have made here for my family. We have made Australia home. I am a very skilled child educator ,never thought I would be punished for being to qualified.
Susan MacKenzie
Australia
2013-05-29
I am a kiwi living in australia with three children who are also kiwis, one with autism and this makes my kids future sketchy.
karlee rikiau
Australia
2013-05-29
we all pay taxes so if we have to pay for these changes in australia why cant we benefit from them
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
If I pay the taxes I should be able to claim on it. Even though I am an australian, I know a few Kiwi's toughing it out and been here longer then I can remember so they deserve the same rights as everyone else.
Carol George
Australia
2013-05-29
I worry for my children, I come here to work hard I have no issue with that, but if my children want to study, will the be disadvantaged?
Kenton Cox
Australia
2013-05-29
Kiwis who have lived and invested in Australia should be provided with an easier and cheaper way of becoming citizens.
Because we work as hard as anyone else in australia Would Julia pay for something she will never use? Equal rights! This will completely destroy all the trans-Tasman work done in the last 10 - 20 years unless fairness and honest intent is applied to Trans-Tasman relations, including cross migration.
Mandy Howells
2013-05-29
My children feel like Aussies, but will never be considered Australian because they weren't born here. They would be fantastic assets to Australia, but will be forced to go back to New Zealand for their tertiary study, even though they have been through the Australian school system (and excelled).
Date 2013-05-29
Comment This is important to me because I have friends living in Australia and maybe one day I might want to live there as well or at least have the option.
Because I want to stay in Aus To be fairly treated As Person that Pay My Dues The Same As An Australian Because I am a kiwi and I think we should be treated equally as any other foreigner living over here.
Megan Campbell
Beenleigh, Australia
2013-05-29
If Australians and Kiwis are good enough to fight together under the name ANZAC, surely we can look after our closest neighbours children with disabilities that are born under our flag. I feel let down and appalled by this recent decision from a somewhat over zealous government.
Gail Stacey
Baldivis, Australia
2013-05-29
I feel strongly that Kiwis who work hard and pay taxes either as employers or employees should not have to deal with obstructive bearocracy when applying for Austrlian citizenship and have the right to access funding such as NDIS.
Charmaine Kwong
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-29
I'm living and working in Australia and paying taxes and rates so should have a fair-go to the benefits. Why should I need to pay for a tax levy which I will not get any benefits on?
Australia Australia
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
My wife's a kiwi I work in the disability sector and Australian born New Zealanders or those who have been tax payers for a certain number of years should be eligible for support in times of emergency. If New Zealanders are not eligible for the National Disability Insurance we shouldn't have to pay the levy!
Janice Patching
Kealba, Australia
2013-05-29
I have previously lived and worked in Australia from 1980-1992. I had 4 children born in Australia during this time and was to remain here permanently. Due to tragic circumstances I returned to NZ for family support. As more family now live in Australia I returned in 2011 and work full time and own a home. I was very surprised that my 12 former years living in Australia do not assist me to become a PR, I have found that I have remained on the Australian Electoral Role and can vote. By the time I retire I will have worked in the Welfare assisting and contributing to Australian Society for the majority of my working life. The discrimination now shown to me as a NZ citizen living in Australia is unjust and unfair. I love living here, but am worried about my future,
Maxwell Purcell
2013-05-29
My son is Australian but I am not, if something were to happen I would like to know I could rely on the Australian government to help out instead if moving our lives back to New Zealand
Marina French
2013-05-29
To make things easier for kiwi's to become citizen's of this country. Don't class us the same as all the other immigrant's to this country. We are family not visitors. Go back to how it was before....... After 2 years we have the same privileges as the Australians, No passports between our countries..... After all ...... We are family.....
2013-05-29 2013-05-29
New Zealanders contribute to Australia economy. I was born and raised in Australia, i do call this place home as of now. My roots are still New Zealand, but this is a beautiful country were i am raising my little family. It was very hard for me to get my citizenship proven to recieve my papers, just to get my daughters passports done. My partner is having difficulties becoming a citizen also, but has a different circumstance.
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-29
Comment I've only been in Australia 1 year and love it. I was transferred by my employer, work full-time, attend an Australian University (Edith Cowan University) on a part-time basis completing my Masters Degree which is directly linked to my chosen career, and also pay full non-citizen fees. Pay Tax, childcare fees, Rent, Doctor Fees and every other fee without complaint. Like almost every Kiwi who has relocated here, we are not looking for a "hand-out" only a fair deal.
2013-05-30 2013-05-30
Because it effects me as Kiwi living in Australia. Beacause my children are all living here and my grandchildren. It does not seem fair that we have no backing here in this country when my grandfather fought for this country. I cannot understand why we are treated like this. We help keep this country afloat.
Ralee Grant
2013-05-30
My children were born born in Australia and will live there but are classes as non citizens
Isaia Gali
Australia
2013-05-30
Need it for my family especially for my children to be entitled to study at university in future :)
Sidney Maynard
Australia
2013-05-30
I am a New Zealander who is proactively and positively contributing to my community and society. I am a strong role model for all Australians and New Zealanders alike and feel that this would encourage a stronger sense of belonging for us Kiwis who are very proud to call Australia home.
2013-05-30 2013-05-30
To give everyone a fair go My children, 2 born here, 2 born in NZ and remember no other home. I want them to have the educational opportunities afforded to all other Aussie kids including immigrants from other countries.
Scott MacRae
Bendigo, Australia
2013-05-30
It is a Joke that Australia can not see the bigger picture. We work and contribute to Australia, Got to war together. So why treat us like 3rd world citizens actually they get more rights than A Kiwi. I have lived here since 2000 so I am one of the lucky permanent residents. But feel for all other non resident kiwis. Please sign this petition Australia ps I do go for Australia in cricket :)
2013-05-30 2013-05-30
I want my kids to have equal rights I have three children who have lived her for 10 years who will need to become citizens to get HECS, but the process to become a citizen is too longwinded! Happy to become a citizen just make it simpler please.
Bill Twiss
Australia
2013-05-30
I just consider that instead of saying pretty words about the special and close relationship between NZ and Australia, the Australian Govt should bacjk it with actions. The same restrictions do not apply to Australians wanting to settle in NZ - temporarily or permanently. They are entitled to benefits, medical care etc after a very brief qualifying period.
Carolyn Smith
2013-05-30
I have been living in Australia for nearly 12 years and cannot understand why I can't become a resident after many attempts - why
maurice mcgrath
Australia
2013-05-30
for many years I had perm resident status (lived here from early eighties till early 90s.have returned and it all changed.I would like some certainty to the future.
Jackie Keenan
2013-05-30
I plan to move to Australia this year with my family and want to have equal rights and opportunities and want to be able to apply for Citizenship after we have been in Australia for a few years. I also want to know that my family will be protected if for some reason, something happens and we needed help.
Ross Beldham
Australia
2013-05-30
own a house in australia, married to an australian and about to have a child in australia
Location Australia
Date 2013-05-30
Comment Im a kiwi living in Australia with my husband and three children who are all born in Australia
Rachael Bracegirdle
Australia
2013-05-30
we have invested a lot of money into our farming business but in times of need we are not eligible for any help. most importantly we have a son who has lived here since he was 2 and considers this as his home as we do.
Erin Clemett
Strathpine, Australia
2013-05-30
I have lived and worked here almost 12 years. Because the company that transfered me from NZ didnt inform me of the change of laws I never got them to sponsor me. It has made it very difficult for my children all born in NZ as the cost of sending them to university was out of the question. It annoys me as we dont treat aussies that live in NZ this way.
marc sains
Australia
2013-05-30
My sister has lived here for 9 years and has two children under the age of 8. She needs the same passport as them.
Nadia Swney
2013-05-30
I am signing because I am attending griffith university at the moment and my parents have to make full payments because I am not allowed a HECS debt.
Anjum Rashid
Australia
2013-05-30
I am a Kiwi currently living in New Zealand and i have been trying to get citzenship for a very long time
Karen Jefferson
Australia
2013-05-30
As we have established ourselves and family here, contributing to the community, raising children, earning income and paying taxes, therefore we should not be treated any differently than others who work, contribute and pay their taxes...
Leonie Prictor
2013-05-30
It's only fair to see equal treatment and if you work in Australia and pay taxes then I don't understand why Australia have these laws in place to stop us kiwi's from entitlements that should be rightfully ours anyway because we DO work long and hard to earn this right. It's really hard to get anything there unless you have money of your own already or know some1 there to help you let alone get a job, So if you are lucky to get a job now then obviously Aussie are saying your good enough to stay there but what? Not good enough to entitlements! My partner works in Brisbane and I would like to come and join him with our 2 boys however as it stands now with all the odds stacking up against us and still getting worse I feel safer staying in NZ until the boys finish their education even though they want to be there with their dad as well as me :(
juliet Hutana
Perth, Australia
2013-05-30
To the people of Australia I was invited to work here by the Sydney Olympic Team 2000-13 years ago my family is here I have worked on Christmas Island and in security we are not a threat to any one most of us pay taxes we work hard we respect your laws we in honesty contribute to the economy very well why would you see us as a threat Less Than a refugee is this ok with you
2013-05-30 2013-05-30
for the kids future I have lived in Australia for at least ten year and have contributed many things to this country including my contribution to society, community and my contribution of taxes as any other other Australian born citizen.. I am not saying it is a right to get citizenship however on application I would hope to be become a citizen of Austrlia because I have shown my allegiance & loyalty by entering the workforce & waiting many years to be given a permanent position in this country that I call home. I own a home here and I would feel hugely impacted if I would not be considered to be a permanent resident firstly and then on application to become a citizen of Australia.
Anna Goodall
2013-05-30
I want to move to Australia for better living and I would like to know that the tax I will be paying could be put to use in the event that my partner died or otherwise.
Nasser Abbou
Goinia, Brazil
2013-05-31
so unfair...
Date 2013-05-31
Comment Because I want this law changed to make it fair for all New Zealanders who come to Australia for a better life be entitled to be able to do so unmolested by political injustice.
June Hitaua
Springwood, Australia
2013-05-31
In support of all kiwis that are living here in Australia that work that pay their taxes not being treated equally..
Robyn Dale
Yaroomba, Australia
2013-05-31
Because I work and pay my taxes and my children have been here more than half their lives and would like the opportunity to become an Australian Citizen and qualtify for the same things that other Australian children get in both Australia and New Zealand!!3
Hannah Lawson
Australia
2013-05-31
I am a NZ'er living in australia with an australian partner, paying australian taxes, for benifits we are not eligable for! and working full time!! I think we deserve the same rights and help that australians get in NZ!! This needs to be changed!!
Jean Siumaka
Perth, Australia
2013-05-31
My girl did not get the uni fund (student loan)here so she have to go back home to do her uni she just got grads on diploma accountant.my sister was going to live in Syd but had to go back home Auck cos she was told she will have to pay full costs for her constant needed medicines cos she was not entitle to a health card due to not being Aus citizen..we are all hard working kiwis who much respect the rules here..yes we all pay tax but not as much as my husband being in one of the top guys mine..my daughter goes to public school yet we pay over $600 for her schl fee , they threaten us with Collectors note just becos we did not know we still owe them $24 out of the ridiculously so called contribution fee... Thank u ..all the best JS
Julie Gore
Australia
2013-05-31
Because I am a new Zealander with an Australian citizenship but my partner and daughter are not and would like to know that he will be looked after. we now consider this country our home.
jocelyn ortiz
Australia
2013-05-31
australians can get all the new zealand benefits as well permanent residents and citizenship it is not fair when we don't come here in boats
stacey hollis
Australia
2013-05-31
because my husband is maori and his family and I want them to have an easy life style instead of spending more money because they are new zealander, I think australia should join with new zealand as both country are so very close and help each other in time of need, we join then they are wars. it would be great if new zealander can become an Australian citizen
Karina Ormsby
2013-05-31
I have a daughter who loves living n working there.. and soon a grand child also have brothers aunties cousins who all refer to Australia as being there homes...
Isabella Piccone
Annandale, Australia
2013-05-31
As an Australian, I believe my best friend (new Zealander) should be offered the same opportunities as I am in this country.
Hayley Tuhua
Australia
2013-05-31
As I am a NewZealander but have lived here for 8 Years and planning to live here for ever Have had a child here have worked here Got married here aswell as my husband has worked full time for the 8 years my two kids gone to kindy pre primary etc but when there is times when we may need abit of help we have none what so ever its scarey to think i may have to ask for money off the street or we have to live on the street its not right when we give more to australia than our own country but if or when we a in bad times we have no support at all and our family a far away I love Australia like as if it is my country i was born and ive helped out and would continue to when ever I could be nice to feel some love back from the nextdoor neighbour country from my own anazac we fight together for each other as one.
Date 2013-05-31
Australia Australia
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
So one of our wonderful Doctors can become an Australian Citizen Because I pay taxes in this country like everyone else. I dont cause trouble and brought my family into Australia to broaden their future. I have also adapted to the Australian lifestyle and follow by Australian rules. Please give us a fair go.
Richard Rohrsheim
Australia
2013-05-31
I believe people who make a decision to commit to Australia and demonstrate this should be given the right to become citizens.
Janene Matthews
2013-05-31
NZ and Australia are linked in so many ways there needs to be reciprocal agreements on every front
Lucy Baker
Australia
2013-05-31
Because I work with a brilliant cardiologist who's from NZ and can't gain residency, but spends every minute of the day helping Australians
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
because we have family here and over in new Zealand I'm in this situation and have been for 8years, I'm now a single mum aged 23 years, my child's father is an Australian yet I'm not, I get no entitlements for her and she isn't eligible for education after high school. I have to work every day just to feed my child and put a roof over her head I have no other option all the while she's raised by a daycare because I can't afford to live if I do not work my guts out 50-60hrs a week. If I ever have an accident, or get fired, any circumstance that's out of my control comes up I can't even feed, clothe or keep my child warm because I arrived AFTER 2001
Alicia Dick
Binningup, Australia
2013-05-31
My partner is Australian, we have a daughter with a NZ Passport and 2 sons with AUS passports. Would be kinda nice for our family to all be the same nationality with out all the dramas at the moment!
Desrae Cook
2013-05-31
We as Kiwis are welcomed into Australia, we contribute to their society ,pay our tax dollars but will never gain permanent residence status with the rights that status will provide us with. I feel that breaches our basic human rights and is nothing but plain discrimination. Perhaps all those kiwis on temporary visas that have lived there for years should be eligible to a lower tax bracket to even up all the things they have no entitlement to but pay for thru their taxes. What would the Australian economy look like then?
Lynda Meyers Carla Kiwi Matt Davies Richmond Tumataiki soraya george
Indented Head, Australia Wyndham Vale, Australia auckland, New Zealand Brisbane, Australia Australia
y is this important to you? (Optional) To support the cause in hope for an outcome. Especially for my children.... Not fair So my kids have a better future living in Australia my son has Australia partner, australian children,australian mortgage. pays australian taxes. he had a accident and couldnt work for 2 years. there was no help for him at all.. he was told to go back to nz .as he couldnt earn and couldnt become a citizen . yeah cool lets break up families.. ,
Renee Bradford
2013-05-31
Tanya Balfour
Australia
2013-05-31
I am an New Zealand Citizen living in Australia with Australian born children with disabilities.
Jennifer Taua
2013-05-31
Because I am now a single parent and I am not eligible for any parenting payments or any assistance for a single parent.
Date 2013-05-31
Comment I believe a special stream/path to obtain Australian Residency is important for Kiwi's already contributing to the economy and society. Children born in Australia should always have birth right in the country of birth. Australia is now our home and we should be entitled to a migration stream that assists with becoming residents or citizens.
Shermayne Young
Brisbane, Australia
2013-05-31
My husband and I have 3 wonderful children. We class ourselves to be Australians and tremendously love it here. My children will all miss out on university and any after leaving school training due to affordability on both course fees and citizenship / residency cost. It will cost my family a fortune est $30,000.00 to achieve this. To send 1 of 3 children to training it will cost $14,000.00 annually up front so my children will miss out on education, training, courses after leaving school. This will lead them to working hard because they have to instead of working hard because they love their desired career. Children have dreams too. At least make it easier for our kids. You can change the future for the adults and possible leaders of our future.
Susan Neilsen
Australia
2013-05-31
Because I live in AUstralia and so do my on and daughter in lasw and my yet to be born grandchildren and I want them to have security. We pay HUGE taxes eith no bnefits. Lower our taxes if we dont get the benefits!!!!!!!
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
long term contribution to infrastructure acknowledged. I have a great close new zealand friend, hey we are all human, why not i say... :-)
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
This is so true and so unfair to us Kiwis. I have been a permanent resident for over 5 years .. I love Australia and want to make it my home
Clint Foster
2013-05-31
So us hard working kiwis keeping the bludgers afloat thru centre link think we should at least have equal share at Aussie citizen rights don't you??
Peter Finn
Narangba, Australia
2013-05-31
My wife and I are hardworking Kiwis making a life in Aussie. Cut us a break! We are the ideal immigrants. We have been here 8 years, and counting, assimilated into this culture, we work hard, pay taxes, contribute positively to the community. It's time to catch up government!!
Maia Smith
Southport, HI
2013-05-31
Equal rights for kiwis.. why do we have to be excluded when we're paying taxes for living here?!
Deidre Finn
Narangba, Australia
2013-05-31
My husband and I are hardworking Kiwis making a life in Aussie. Cut us a break! We are the ideal immigrants. We have been here 8 years, and counting, assimilated into this culture, we work hard, pay taxes, contribute positively to the community. It's time to catch up government!!
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
Karaitiana Iwikau
Cairns, Australia
2013-05-31
I have lived in Australia nearly 30 yrs now and have met soooo many N.Z peeps whom have lived longer and should be entitled to have citizenship due to all the yrs of hard work. I also would like to vote to which Im unable as Im just a permanant Resident. How else do we help the Australian way when we dont get the chance to support here. I have always called Australia home. Cheers.
Karyn McWhinney
Australia
2013-05-31
As an Australian living in NZ as a child I was given full access to all NZ had to offer.The benefits far outweigh the negatives
Karl Edwin
Australia
2013-05-31
Because I'm a kiwi who would like the chance to become an Australian citizen.
Date 2013-05-31
Comment If a Kiwi works the majority of their working lives here in Australia, pays taxes the same as any other Aussie, then they have earnt the right to the same benefits as all other Australians. This includes the same benefits for their children as well.
Judy Morgan
Australia
2013-05-31
We moved to Australia in March 2001 so we fall into this category. We have paid taxes for over 12 years and feel we have contributed significantly to the Government coffers, We will be taxed for the new NDIS but will not received the benefits. It is discrimination at it's worse. Even the "Boat People" are treated better.
jody wood
Australia
2013-05-31
Because my husband and I have 5 children that have grown up here and will be at a disadvantage when they wat to go to University
2013-05-31 2013-05-31
anzacs,we are all in this together,brothers and sisters,standing together as one. this is importnat tome as i pay mytaxes dont get any benefis and this isnow my home,my family is here and there family after thatso where will they belong in the future and all the other families fater we are all gone
Kamaea Talatonu
Australia
2013-06-01
Kiwi's deserve a fair go, especially when they live and pay their taxes here in Australia.
Deborah Hurst
2013-06-01
We work hard if not harder to get work and whilst at work then the average Aussie and are not given the same opportunities or benefits. I think it is appalling that we have to pay our taxes and contribute to things such as the disability allowance and yet are exempt from using it. I think if its good enough for Aussies to go to NZ and to be treated like a NZer then it should be the same here!
Sarah Hausman
Warnbro, Australia
2013-06-01
I have a child born in qld who is not ellegible for citizen ship as we are nz citizens however she will grow up here and we will retire here my partner works for leightons mining and pays massive tax I paid tax until I became a stay at home mum and we love Australia this is our home now and the thought that one day we may be old and have to leave our lives family and friends behind because of unemployment or old age is terrifying we didn't come to Australia to make money and take it away we came here to invest ourselves to this great country and become a part of it
Dion Pedersen thomas epiha Andrew MacKenzie Stephanie Brough emma scrim Rose Shefford Bob Stanton Jill Hooper
Australia Australia Australia Australia Invercargill, New Zealand Methven, New Zealand Australia Australia
unity, togetherness not divided! My is Australian citizen, born and daughter in Tennant Creek I need this for the safety and security of my family. For rights for my kids family in australia My sister lives there and wants to become an Australian citizen because it is my home Because I work really hard and pay my taxes here in Australia, and would like to think we could have a future here, but scarely not at this stage
2013-06-01 2013-06-01
I have a child born in Australia I have lived and worked in Australia for over 10 years, I wish to become a full member of Australian society, to contribute fully, I wish to be able to vote, I wish to be eligible for employment with government agencies, I would just wish to be treated fairly!
Rosalie Reid
2013-06-01
Just be fair -
Location Australia
Date 2013-06-01
Comment very important as I am related to it. I arrived in August 2002 and went straight into work and up till now I am still working. I own my own home. My husband and our children except for our oldest one we came with are on New Zealand Citizen.
john leslie
2013-06-01
why should the kids be denied, their parents pay tax's and contribute to our society,
to enable my kids to continue their higher education here in oz I I have no intention at all of wanting to live in Australia however I have close friends and family in Australia who work hard and contribute to the Australian tax system so I would love to see that they be treated just like any other Australian. I know Australia has more kiwis living there as opposed to Australians living in NZ but I would like to see a fairer process setup for those Kiwis that due contribute to the Australian economy. Australians come to NZ and are entitled to basically the same assistance as any New Zealander.
Amanda Nelson
Malabar, Australia
2013-06-01
My paternal grandfather was born here. I've been here in Aus since October 2005. I've always worked and will continue to work. I am a student also and really want to make Aus my home in every sense!!! PLEASE CHANGE THE LAW FOR KIWIS LIKE ME. :)
Mizc Lepaio
2013-06-01
I have family and friends who have lived in Australia for afew years. They work hard and deserve citizanship like everyone else
Michelle Devereux
Australia
2013-06-01
I cant get PR and my children cant get HECS they will have to go back to NZ to Uni
Hazel Aholelei
2013-06-01
Because my children deserve to have a better future. My husband is in the building industry. He contributes a lot of his time & talent to building Australia. What's the point in sharing his talent to help build Australia but his children are not eligible for citizenship. Doesn't make sense. Really unfair..
Lyn Shanahan
2013-06-01
Because my daughter and friends have lived in Australia for many years and paid taxes. They should be entitled to the same privileges as those who have been born there. In New Zealand Australians are treated the same as Kiwis.
Krystle Niumata
Australia
2013-06-01
I've been working and paying taxes ever since I arrived 10 yrs ago and if I'm contributing to this country, they should be able to contribute to me if need be. Get it together Australia. What happened to equality? Aussies are treated fairly in our country but yet we continue to be treated as if we were non existent unless it comes to collecting money from us? Disgusted!!
Helen Eccleton
Perth, Australia
2013-06-01
Been living here and paying taxes since 2001, I just would like to be able to vote and also commit fully to my adopted country by becoming a citizen! My parents and sister who arrived a year before me are all Aus citizens and it is just sad that we can't all be the same!
Sharon Devereux
Sydney, Australia
2013-06-01
I have lived in Australia for 10 years, I am a teacher and want to retrain to do special education (behaviour). I am single, no kids, almost paid my mortgage off in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney. I have never been on the dole. I have a lot to offer this country, why won't they let me?
Joanne Cox
Melbourne, Australia
2013-06-01
I am one of the many Kiwis living in Australia affected by the discrimination of the 2001 Howard Govt law change. A Kiwi underclass being developed as a result of the limbo of denying us true PR or citizenship. This is both unfair and against international law. Time to change this racist Act.
Date 2013-06-02
Comment I believe that if New Zealanders are good enough to be allowed into the country to work an pay taxes, and we choose and are allowed to live here with our family for the rest of our lives we should have the opportunity to become citizens and receive the same benefits as everyone else who pays taxes.
Liza Cox
Melbourne, Australia
2013-06-02
Australian Govt policy is clearly discriminatory. Kiwis can live and work in Australia indefinitely. We are skilled workers with high employment, and pay a lot of tax. But if we fall on hard times we are on our own. We are not eligible for citizenship, denying us many basic rights. We can't even vote!
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
because i am getting my citizenship soon My daughter came here nearly 12 years ago with a 3 month old baby. She didn't want welfare assistance but needed family help so she could continue working. She has worked and paid taxes, has a mortgage and supports her son financially. He has ambitions to attend university. Citizenship for her is complex because of illness. It shouldn't impact on her son who knows no other country. She has always paid extra ( child care) because she hasn't got permanent residency. This affects her employment (govt positions) and my grandson even entering competitions. It's very difficult for him to understand why he isn't accepted here. We are citizens only because we were lucky enough to arrive 18 months before my daughter.
Equality for all for our children As a safety net for my family. In a word have you forgotten what "ANZAC" stands for. I am an Aussie and one of many i am sure that will agree with me when i say ANZAC means 2 countries united as 1. Therefore both NZ and Aussies should be treated equally in both countries
2013-06-02
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
I pay taxes yet cannot vote. I have been living in Australia since 2006, my NZ born children have gone to school here with one attending university in 2014, for their sakes I would like NZ citizenship, both my husband and I are both working full time, pay taxes with my husband in the higher tax bracket, we would like to retire in Australia but not with the intention of relying on centre link as we are paying extra towards our superannuation fund.
Because I live here and this is home now Fair Go I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia and I want to stay here I work and pay taxes so why cant I receive benefits here...
Belinda Culling
2013-06-02
I have lots of family living and working hard in Aus, contributing to the country, and have been for over 10 years..now call Aus home. Why shouldn't they be given a fair road to citizenship and the same rights that every other contributing citizen has? Doesn't make sense!
Anita Pretty
2013-06-02
because our countries fight for the same thing this should be equal.. why should we nzers pay tax here if we get no help .
Ariana Heemi
2013-06-02
I was lucky to have moved here in 1999... Sadly, many friends and family cannot say the same.
Location Australia
Date 2013-06-02
Comment As a member of the permanent ADF I value the important contribution that the New Zealand Defence Force offers, and I think it is important to welcome them into our ADF as well.
Tracey Hannah
Australia
2013-06-02
I have a son who was born in NZ but has been bought up in Australia. We think of ourselves as Australians but cannot get permanant residency because my husband & myself are too old. Our son talks of a career in defense so where does this leave him? He wants to do the right thing for his country which is Australia!
Rhonda Scottney-Turbill
Australia
2013-06-02
I have family in this situation whereby if they fall into any difficulties financially, they have no fallback - despite paying thousands in taxes and all monies going back into the Australian economy.
Charleen Vili
Australia
2013-06-02
I pay taxes and have done since I arrived in Australia and would like to be able to have a say (vote) in the country I have chosen to call home. Due to the changes I do not qualify for permanent residency/citizenship
Liliu Sioli
Bradbury, Australia
2013-06-02
To give my kids a fair go! We have worked & paid taxes & we have contributed to the community for 12 years we call Australia our home.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Just because i arrive after feb 2001 my automatic citizen had beem deny im a kiwi whos been here for 10 plus years, worked nd paid my taxes, i dont want a benefit just would be great if becoming citizen was easier
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
because i want to live in Australia i hate seeing my fellow countrymen going through this when it was so easy for me
Peter Shannon
2013-06-02
You can't spell ANZAC without New Zealand. Something we aussies seem to keep forgetting!
Annie McGranahan
Canberra, Australia
2013-06-02
This seems to be the weirdest kind of racism. Thank God I became a citizen in 1987 - have worked here now 32 years. This treatment of honest hardworking Kiwis makes a mockery of ANZAC.
Michael Leonidas
Australia
2013-06-02
To become a part of the Australian way of life, to be able to have a voice in the co
Debbie Wagenaar
Australia
2013-06-02
This is home to myself and my NZ born children.We work and pay taxes here and intend to stay forever. Should anything happen where we need temporary financial or medical assistance....we could live with peace of mind in this beautiful land
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Because i'm married to a Kiwi I served in the armies of both countries-5 yrs NZ and 25 yrs Australian-20 yrs as an NZ citizen in the Aust army. This included operational service in vietnam. never had an issue or problem. Kevin Bovill
Solinska Ilona
2013-06-02
I am a New Zealand citizen living permanently in Australia. I would like to become an Australian citizen. I have a good job, loving partner and great friends. I will work , retire and die in Australia. It would be nice to be burried as an Australian citizen. NZ & Australia are in many areas very closely connected. They fought in wars together, have strong trade relations so why not welcome hard working, decent NZ citizens into Australia. Thank you.
Location Woburn, MA
Date 2013-06-02
Comment As an Australian citizen who was born in New Zealand, arrived in 1988 for the first time as a resident, and was granted citizenship in 2003 at age 18 so that I could attend university in Australia, I feel lucky, and that this should be granted to other New Zealanders who want to come here and make Australia their home.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Australia is home for us now and our children were born here As a kiwi who has had aussie citizenship since 2007, I still feel kiwi at heart and the discrimination by nationality is fundamentally wrong. We pay taxes and contribute to this country and yet we are not allowed to vote, claim benefits, fight for this country or claim on the NDIS, despite having to pay for it. this is racism at its heart.
Brendon Tyree
2013-06-02
20 yrs old. No supportive study options available. Struggle to save towards studying.
Warren Bennett
Australia
2013-06-02
I pay the same taxes as Australians, I work as hard if not harder than most Australians, why can I not be treated the same as an Australian, especially when illegal immigrants can get citizenship and govt hand outs easier than we kiwis can by coming over legally.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Fairness and Justice for our Kiwi Cousins. New Zealand are part of ANZAC so it makes sense to let them join our Armed Forces and we theirs, should they meet the standard.
I want my young kids to have a future without being discriminated against Australian son of a kiwi and former ADF member! My son and daughter-in-law moved to Australia 10 years ago. They now have 2 children. They have paid taxes for all of that time, and contribute to society in a number of ways that makes their current suburb of Rockingham a better place. It would set my heart at rest if I knew that, in return for paying thier taxes (a large amount, as they work for the mining industry) they and their children were to be covered by the new disability scheme, and, that after 10 years of contributing to Australia, they had the opportunity to become Australian citizens if they so wish.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Australia is my home. As a Pom, I've just got my Aussie citizenship, yet Australia discriminates against its closest friend, neighbour and ally. I had more rights on my temp visa than Kiwis do. I see no reason why Kiwis are simply not eligible to go through the process that I did. NZ treats Australias living there with respect and grants all of the same benefits to Kiwis. Shame on Australia.
nathan crabb
Toongabbie, Australia
2013-06-02
Please change the laws! I have an Australian wife and three year old child and wish for a better and more equal future.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
It is only fair that aussies/kiwis have a reciprocal agreement I have been here since 04, my husband 06 and we have worked our butts off. Had two children here and am disgusted to read we have no rights as we arrived after 01 when people land here off boats and are granted and given everything! Yes they may have come from a hard life however we are here working not bludging and don't ask for much and still are not entitled to things!!!!! Also from what I have read - I may have stuffed my child up by making him NZ citizen but at the time thought I was doing the right thing ie if we were overseas and something bad happened we would only have to go to one consulate!!
Location Australia
Date 2013-06-02
Comment my children are raised here, 1 born here and the other since she was a baby. My eldest has been here since she was 7, she is now 15 this year. Australia is our home...
Sarah Mitchell
Sydney, Australia
2013-06-02
As a NZ Citizen who moved here in 2005 (aged 15) I am directly affected by these laws. I believe a change is needed to allow those of us who are living here permanently to have a way to gain citizenship.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Australia and NZ have always stood together. Because we are brothers and there is only a ditch between us. We will always be neighbors and look out for each other
evelyn mckay
2013-06-02
i am an australian living in nz i have been here for 30+ years and have had no problems with the nz support system as we are similar in kind we should be working together
2013-06-02
2013-06-02
We are a big family who love living in australia, my family pay taxes, contributes too the community projects, abide by the law have never been in trouble, please give us a chance at least.
Australia Australia
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
I have friends that deserve to become a citizen here I have NZ friends who are currently wanting to vote, be a part of and help grow our wonderful country.
Teleausasala Shepherd
Australia
2013-06-02
equal opportunities for all New Zealanders and especially the children/special needs.
Maria Sadler
2013-06-02
I am an Australian as is my daughter. My husband is a NZer as are my two sons. My two great uncles served in the Aust. Army and I would like that option open to my children should they wish to enlist one day.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
My Grandchildren have been born in Australia I am raising my children in australia I want to ensure they get looked after in australia and be educated and contribute all they can as good citizens in this great country.
2013-06-02 2013-06-02
Have NZ friends who want to be australia citzens.... I have three children born in nz and three born in australia . My three older children all started school here from prep to where they currently are still in state school but i believe it would only be fair that all my children have equal opportunity to being able to apply for HECS loan to be able to pursue a tiertary education. If the fact that NZers cant apply for citizenship is due to the governments fears that kiwis will come over here and live off unemployment cheques then I would happily sign a clause that prevents us from doing so, so that my children would be entitled to apply for HECS loan so that he or she can go to university without bankrupting the family or having to take 8years to do a 4 year degree due to funding. I mean at the end of the day if my child/ren are successful in receiving a degree in whatever it is they persue then that is good for australia cause that would mean more tax dollars being paid as well as more educated workers in the employment field and a decrease in unemployment.
Location Australia
Date 2013-06-03
Comment I think it our immigration laws should be reciprocal. Immigration laws for Australians in NZ is very lenient but coming here to Australia it is so difficult and we consider this our home. We have always worked hard, paid our taxes, kept our noses clean and would love to become citizens but can't. Our children done well at school but are unable to study here because we can't afford to pay tertiary fees outright and we can't access student loans? I quote one lovely Australian I met "Australia will fall apart if all the kiwi's were kicked back home".
Rosemary Chapman
Australia
2013-06-03
It's a matter of justice. Why should the Australian Govt have a unique arrangement that makes it harder for our kiwi cousins to become Australian citizens? I'm apalled to hear that even if they are granted Australian citizenship they are excluded from some Govt services. Surely all migrants who take up Australian citizenship should be treated equally. My daughter married and had a baby with a kiwi who has been living in Australia from 2005. He has been employed and paid all his taxes (unlike some prominent Australians) and has never been a burden on our system. He is committed to his family and life with them in Australia. Yet he is denied Australian Citizenship. His is no temporary committment to our wonderful country. Why should New Zealand Australians be treated as second class citizens? I'm ashamed to think that such injustice and indignity may be a result of valuing economics over people and our country's historic friendship with New Zealand.
Katherine Millar
Camberwell, Australia
2013-06-03
I was brought here from NZ by my parents in 1992, luckily the laws then were different from now or I'd be in a very bad situation.
Australia Australia
2013-06-03 2013-06-03
What does the ANZ mean in the word ANZAC? Fair go for all. It is important because Me and my family came over after Feb 2001 and we have been trying to get permanent residency and haven't been able to get it. This affects our children who had no choice but to come with us. It saddens us to think that Australians going to NZ are getting a better deal out of the NZ government then we get here. There is no equality between these 2 governments at all and yet they say there is. It is okay for us to pay our taxes here but not to be eligible for anything else is terrible. The way Dianne explains it is awesome and this is what we have found on our travels. We just keep hitting brick walls. It is disheartening and discouraging.
Leonie Pomana
2013-06-03
Because I moved to Australia in 2009 for work opportunities. I think it's total rubbish how kiwis are treated and immigrants get such a free ride!
Andries Breytenbach
Perth, Australia
2013-06-03
I live here permanently but will never ever have any vote or say and both my boys want to want to study but will never be able to make a study loan ???I pay tax like any other citizen for many years???how unfair ???
Stephanie Lam
Australia
2013-06-03
new zealanders should be given the same options as other migrants who are allowed to apply for citizenship.
Corlene Greenwood
2013-06-03
I have friends and family in Australia who work hard there. I would also like to live in Australia at some time, but find this impossible judging from this debacle.
Tasha Chadwick
Eagleby, Australia
2013-06-03
As a NZ'der who considers this country home & plan to live the rest of my life out here, who pays taxes and contributes to the economy, would like myself, my partner and our NZ born children who only know Australia as their home, wish to be afforded the right to Vote to decide how our taxes should be spent, the opportunity for our australian schooled children to access fee help for tertiary studies and in hardship situations may need the financial support of this countries government as we have supported them everyday since the day we arrived here. The same rights Australians are afforded in New Zealand...
Olive W Sadlier
Australia
2013-06-03
Location Niue
Date 2013-06-03