Official reply

Press, 17 February 1983, Page 21

Official reply

Replying to criticisms made about the lack of aid to destitute New Zealanders in Sydney, the New Zealand Consul General, Mr Alistair Bisley, says:

“New Zealanders in difficulties in Australia are entitled, through the reciprocal social security arrangements, to receive Australian social security benefits. For New Zealanders in Australia (as in the reverse case) a period of six months residence is a pre-requisite for such a claim.

“In general, New Zealand citizens are expected to take advantage of any benefits they are entitled to in their place of residence. In cases of extreme hardship, they are expected to seek relief and assistance through their families, local organisations, and charitable institutions.

“Temporary financial relief can be advanced only in the most exceptional circumstances to New Zealand tourists who are temporarily destitute, because of theft, nonarrival of funds, illness, acci-

dent or strikes — and then only against an unconditional undertaking to repay. “In genera], New. Zealanders in Australia and elsewhere overseas, who are without means and do not have adequate assistance locally, are expected to seek the assistance of friends or relations in New Zealand. “There is no Government scheme in operation to provide air fares or re-settle-ment expenses of New Zealanders who have taken residence overseas and later wish to be repatriated. “At any given time, there are many New Zealanders settled abroad who give urgent financial, medical, and personal reasons for seeking the payment of air fares and other expenses at official cost.

“The New Zealand social welfare department does, however, co-operate with its opposite numbers in Australian states to facilitate the repatriation of distressed and abandoned New Zealanders under 16 years.”