Teen released from 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-year-old had left the centre in Melbourne. It is 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 United Nations 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,’’ he said. ‘‘I myself have made representations, saying this is not what we should be putting up with.’’

It is not yet clear if Peters’ comments had any bearing on the teenager being released.

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