NZ teenager released from detention centre

A New Zealand teenager being held in an Australian detention centre has been released after Acting Prime Minister Winston Peters spoke out about the issue.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed the 17-yearold had left the detention centre in Melbourne.

It’s understood he won an appeal at the Australian immigration tribunal to retain his visa. The boy, who lived in Australia with his family, was being held with adults pending a decision on whether his visa would be cancelled.

Peters said earlier this month that he wanted Australia to live up to its obligations under UN conventions dealing with the treatment of children. ‘‘We are joint signatories – along with many other countries – to UN conventions where children are concerned. This child is a minor and I’m just reminding Australia . . . to live up to it.’’

Peters told Sky News yesterday he had made representations to Australia over the issue. ‘‘Our diplomatic people have been doing their job,’’ Peters said. ‘‘I myself have made representations, saying this is not what we should be putting up with from Australia.’’

It is not yet clear if Peters’ comments – in public or private – had any bearing on the child being released.

A spokesperson for Australian Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said Dutton was taking legal advice on the case.