New Zealanders in Crisis in Australia : The Absence of a Social Safety Net

In 2001, Australian social security law was amended to restrict the access of New Zealand nationals to Australian social security benefits. In addition to this, the policies of many States and Territories render New Zealand nationals ineligible to receive other forms of social assistance, such as housing and disability services. For the many thousands of New Zealanders living in Australia, this means that they may find themselves ineligible to receive social welfare support in the event that they experience a crisis or an unexpected change in circumstances. Using data obtained from welfare rights services, the lived experience of New Zealanders in need of social assistance in Australia is discussed. This article examines the relevant social security law in detail, and identifies legal arguments that could be made to challenge ineligibility, as well as presenting options for reform