The Australian government is under pressure to scrap the special law change that gives a lifeline to 501 deportees.
Ministerial Direction 99 was made to resolve ongoing trans-Tasman tensions surrounding 501s being deported. It forced decision-makers to take into account "community ties" and the "best interests of children" when deporting anyone with a criminal record.
It was a lifeline for deportees who were born in New Zealand but raised in Australia.
Since its change, the number of 501s kicked out of Australia has significantly dropped. But there's another group of overseas criminals - including child rapists and murderers - who have used it to stay.
What was a salvation for Kiwis could now be scrapped - and spell the end of the career of the minister behind it.
Australia's Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has been struggling to find a solution to the separate detainee saga. He came under fire in a heated Senate debate last night, when it was pointed out many of the group in question are using Direction 99 to stay.
The Coalition put five examples to Giles during question time, demanding whether he would apologise for his "catastrophic mistake" and "reverse Direction 99".
There are calls for Giles to resign over the matter.
ABC Australia reports that "active consideration" is being made by the minister to change the direction.
Newshub understands if it is axed, there could be an intention to protect New Zealanders.
