Kiwi thug wins right to stay in Australia

A teenage New Zealand thug who has won an appeal against an Australian deportation order should not have been allowed to stay on that side of the Tasman, says an Australian police union.

"We were happy to take Phar Lap and Russell Crowe (from New Zealand), but we're not happy to take this bloke," said Police Association secretary Senior Sergeant Greg Davies.

"We have enough homegrown trouble to deal with without taking on low-lifes who are foreign nationals."

The 19-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, moved to Melbourne three years ago, and has spent more than 12 months in juvenile detention since his arrival, the Sun Herald newspaper reported.

He has faced many serious charges, including recklessly causing serious injury, armed robbery, false imprisonment and possession of a controlled weapon.

Immigration authorities cancelled his visa in June, arguing he did not pass Australia's character test because of his criminal record.

But the Administrative Appeals Tribunal decided to reverse Immigration Minister Chris Evans' decision to cancel the visa.

It ruled there was a "low risk" of the teenager re-offending if he continued to accept family and community support.

The fact that he moved to Australia as a minor was also considered to be in his favour.

In a summary of its reasons to let the teen stay in Australia, the tribunal acknowledged his "criminal conduct can only be regarded as very serious".

He had been convicted of multiple episodes of violence and the use of weapons.

"The consequences for the victims have included serious injury and trauma. Many of the offences have been opportunistic and predatory," the tribunal said.

Another New Zealander has also been allowed to remain in Australia despite a violent past.

A man facing charges in Melbourne courts has twice been ordered out of the country.

He re-entered on a false passport and was subsequently granted an Australian visa. That man has convictions for robbery and stalking.

- NZPA