Order to be discussed

Press, 13 December 1982, Page 6

Order to be discussed

NZPA-Reuter Sydney A New Zealand-born prison reform activist. Brett Collins, has agreed to meet Immigration Department officials in Sydney today to discuss a deportation order against him. Mr Collins, who served nine years in a New South Wales’ prison for armed robbery, has been fighting the deportation order for two years, asserting he has been victimised because of his outspoken views on prison reform. He has been avoiding the police for a month since his last appeal to stay in Australia was rejected. Mr Collins said at the week-end that he would make yet another court appeal tomorrow against the deportation order.

An Immigration Department spokesman said today's conference was to set a mutually agreeable date for the deportation. The meeting was arranged by the Deputy Federal Ombudsman. Mr Alan Kerr, after he had been telephoned by Mr Collins, who said he feared he would be arrested by the police and "put on the first plane to New Zealand." if he was caught.' Mr Kerr also asked that the police call off their search for Mr Collins pending today’s meeting. In acceding to Mr Kerr's request. Immigration Department officials emphasised that the deportation order still stood. A spokesman said the department was aware Mr Collins was due to sit for law examinations at the Univer-

sity of Sydney in January but this would not be sufficient reason to delay the deportation. "He began his studies knowing he was subject to a deportation order," the spokesman said. The spokesman said Mr Collins was being deported because of his criminal record. His nine-year jail term ended in June. 1980. However. Mr Collins maintains he has been victimised. "They very much want me out of the way because I talk too much about what needs to be done to improve the prison system." he said. Mr Collins, who has been in Australia for 16 years, said he would attend today's conference at the Immigration Department in Queen's Square, Sydney, with his solicitor and his wife.