Outrage as Gold Coast Kiwis told they don’t deserve unemployment benefits because haven’t lived in Australia for 10 years

Thousands of out-of-work Kiwis across the Gold Coast are outraged they aren’t entitled to Centrelink benefits – with many fearing they’ll be evicted or lose their homes.

THOUSANDS of out-of-work Kiwis across the Gold Coast are outraged they aren’t entitled to Centrelink benefits – with many fearing they’ll be evicted or lose their homes.

But because they don’t have the power to vote, it appears their plight is being ignored by both State and Federal Governments.

“It’s chaos. There’s no flights back to New Zealand, no work, no financial help and if half of the 600,000 leave this will disrupt both countries, housing and jobs,” says Michael Peroni.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern ahead of a four-week nationwide shutdown. Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Most Kiwis who arrived in Australia after February 2001 are excluded from claiming social security and most other benefits, despite paying into the scheme. Other foreigners working in Australia are able to claim the scheme if they are permanent residents.

According to Centrelink, only Kiwis who have lived in Australia for 10 or more consecutive years and meet certain criteria are entitled to benefits.

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And with an estimated 50,000 New Zealanders on the Gold Coast, the social, financial and mental impacts are likely to be widespread.

Gina Kaiwai is a casual midwife on maternity leave, she’s 36 weeks pregnant, and as things stand if her husband loses his job she’ll have to return to work leaving her newborn at home so she can “pay the mortgage while providing an essential service to Aussies”.

Waitangi Day celebrations on the Gold Coast. Photo: Rex Stainton

Unemployed local Anthony Smith is struggling financially after being on the Gold Coast for four years and is worried about covering rent.

Danielle Heywood can’t believe the Government is doubling the money it gives to those already on a benefit but nothing for Kiwis who pay taxes.

“It’s terrible how they (government) are treating us,” she said. “We work hard and pay our taxes and boost the economy but are not entitled to handouts when in need.”

For nine years Sarah Watson has worked as a sole trader offering graphic design and marketing services to the Gold Coast’s hospitality sector. She’s now out of work.

“I can’t get anything except access to super, and I have already lost 10k of that, but we can’t access that until mid-April. They need to do something. We can’t just up and go home. Australians in New Zealand get government support.”

Since 2014 Katie McGinnis has lived on the Gold Coast with her elderly parents and she was told by Centrelink and the High Commission her best move was to leave Australia.

“But due to this we can’t just pack up an go home. It’s not that easy for most so what are we do? Personally, I’m screwed.”

NZ citizen Wei Jun Lee, owner of Skybound Gymnastics, is having to close the doors of his club at Burleigh and he’s not entitled to any unemployment benefits from Centrelink. Picture Glenn Hampson

Skybound Gymnastics owner Wei Jun Lee, a New Zealand citizen, had to close his Burleigh Heads gym and was desperately seeking employment elsewhere, because he’s not entitled to government benefits.

“Shutting down for us is devastating,” he said. “Financially, it means uncertainty. I will not be able to sustain this without external financial support or rent relief.

“After working so hard to get to this point the thought of being unable to reopen is absolutely gut-wrenching.”

F45 Pacific Pines co-owner Nik Hayes, whose wife is due to give birth to their third child, said the couple had no income following the forced closure of their gym.

Mr Hayes said he had only lived on the Gold Coast for one year so didn’t have enough Australian superannuation to draw from, but hoped to access his Kiwisaver account.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government has so far not offered any help to New Zealanders who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and have lived in Australia for less than 10 years. Picture Gary Ramage

A Department of Social Services spokesman said under the package that passed parliament on Monday night, the Government has waived the newly arrived resident waiting period.

“This means migrants who are permanent residents will temporarily be able to access income support payments sooner in the wake of the coronavirus economic downturn,” he said.

“Welfare assistance may be available to some other temporary visa holders if they face significant financial hardship under the special benefit payment.”

The Bulletin asked how much money New Zealanders might be entitled to and whether the payments were one-off or ongoing. No response was given.

NZ’s Ministry of Social Development could not confirm rumours that struggling Kiwis should call Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) for financial help.