Hard-line immigration stance in Australia election

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (AAP)
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (AAP)

A change in government in Australia is unlikely to change the country's hard-line immigration policy.

One-hundred-and-seventy-four New Zealanders are currently awaiting deportation after their visas were revoked.

Shane Martin -- bikie and high-profile immigration deportee -- had his visa cancelled in March over alleged links to the Rebels motorcycle club.

"It's devastating," said Shane's brother, Dean Martin in April. "I've been over here 26 years and he's all I have. It's been him and I, and he's a good man, no criminal convictions. They've got him on association. That's not good enough."

A crackdown on immigration laws means more power to cancel visas. They target Kiwis with criminal convictions or so-called bad characters -- but could a Labour government relax Australia's hard-line stance?

"Let's be very clear here -- these are difficult issues," says Opposition leader Bill Shorten. "If you break the law in Australia you have to face the consequences of what you've done."

As for Mr Shorten saying he'd leave the door open to use New Zealand to resettle refugees from Manus Island and Nauru, he says he stands by his comments.

But the odds aren't looking good for Mr Shorten, and he has a big battle on his hands. His own party's internal polling shows he's not going to get crucial seats in Queensland, which would get the job done on Saturday.

There were more meet-and-greets and selfies on the campaign trail. It's crucial face time, with just two days to go until Australians head to the polls.

Newshub.