Australia puts the brakes on Kiwi bikers

Australia puts the brakes on Kiwi bikers

Kiwi bikies on their way to a funeral in Australia have been barred from entering the country and sent back to New Zealand.

Four men who arrived at Brisbane Airport on Friday evening from Auckland were questioned by Australian Border Force officials, who determined they were "outlaw motorcycle gang members with significant criminal histories".

"Criminal bikie groups do pose a significant threat to our community and are known to be involved in serious criminal activity, including drug trafficking and violent crime," Immigration and Border Protection Minister Peter Dutton said in a statement.

The men were planning to attend the funeral of a senior member of the Hells Angels, according to Mr Dutton.

"No one is above the law and this government is determined to use every asset at our disposal to target outlaw motorcycle gangs and their associates and stop them operating within Australia."

Australia has cracked down on bikies in recent months, with a number of Kiwis having their visas cancelled under a law that permits the deportation of non-citizens with criminal backgrounds.

In April Shane Martin, who'd lived in Australia for 29 years, was sent back to New Zealand over his past links to a motorcycle gang, even though he'd never been to jail in his life.

Dozens of Kiwis without convictions have been sent back from Australia.

Newshub.