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The word according to reportage was \u2018ire\u2019.\xa0

The Prime Minister of New Zealand called the Prime Minister of Australia to express his ire at the Direction 99 changes that involves crooks and reprobates being booted out of Australia and sent back to New Zealand because they're not Australians.\xa0

The key here, ire or not, is that they are New Zealanders and not Australians, and the reason they are not Australians is because we have, as Kiwis, basically unfettered access and as such, many don\u2019t get around to doing the paperwork.\xa0

If you haven't followed the Direction 99 story, I can tell you for nothing it is a mess that has sunk the reputation of the minister concerned. The only reason he hasn\u2019t been sacked is because it would give the opposition a scalp and he is the Prime Minister's mate.\xa0

But make no mistake, the damage this has done and is doing to the Government is not to be underestimated and although they have until May next year to call an election, the vast majority of modern Australian Governments don\u2019t get close and it's entirely possible a vote will be called this year.\xa0

This is the sort of issue that sinks Governments.\xa0

So look at it from their point of view. You have criminals you can boot out of your country because they are not Australians, so, why wouldn\u2019t you?\xa0

Between the boat people that arrive illegally and have since been let out of jail and the New Zealander who, instead of taking advantage of a great country like Australia and making the most of it, turns into a thug, it's a nightmare the Government doesn\u2019t need.\xa0

The answer is to change the entry laws, i.e. we need a visa to stay in Australia like other countries. The deal we have historically by way of access is unique and we are lucky to have it. The downside is some people abuse it.\xa0

A lot of people argue we should reciprocate and should do the same to them. Maybe we should, maybe we shouldn\u2019t. But either way, it doesn\u2019t solve the problem of Kiwis who break the law in Australia getting sent back here.\xa0

What we have had until now is Australia being nice. The Direction 99 was a favour to us.\xa0

The favour has backfired on the Government of the day. In politics, anywhere you look the golden rule is survival. Being nice is one thing but survival trumps it every time.\xa0

Ire or no ire, Albanese won't be helping us out again.\xa0

If you're a Kiwi and a crook you are our problem, not his.\xa0

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