11 September 2019

Batemans Bay grandfather to be deported on Thursday

| Ian Campbell
Join the conversation
150
David Degning and his daughters Rachael and Sharon. Photo: Sharon Degning.

David Degning and his daughters Rachael and Sharon. Photo: Sharon Degning.

A Batemans Bay grandfather is in Villawood Detention Centre awaiting deportation back to the United Kingdom on Thursday.

Family, friends, and supporters say David Degning was bundled out of his home in handcuffs at dawn three months ago by 16 Border Force officers.

Jody Warren has known Mr Degning for 30 years and says he is scared, confused, and feels out of place in the Sydney detention centre.

“Dave says most of the people in there have come from jail, serious offenders – murder, armed assault,” she says.

“And those people coming out of jail are telling Dave conditions in jail are much better than in the detention centre.”

Mr Degning came to Australia with his family in 1968 at the age of seven, his father also settled in Batemans Bay, where Mr Degning has raised two daughters and runs his own house painting business, while his wife works at the hospital.

“He hasn’t had the easiest life, its been one bad hand after another,” Ms Warren says.

“Dave’s son was killed tragically in an accident when he was two and his daughter’s husband has recently died, so this is just too much for them.”

Supporters have launched a Change.org petition calling on the Immigration Department to “keep David Degning with his family” which includes his three grandchildren and two sisters and a brother in Sydney.

Moruya Anglican Minister, Rev Linda Chapman has been offering pastoral care and support to Mr Degning and his family, “It beggars’ belief that this is happening in our country. He is due to be deported to the UK, where he knows no-one, this coming Thursday,” she says.

“All Australians should be aware of the processes that Immigration and Border Force are now enacting in this country,” Rev Chapman says.

In looking for an explanation, some sort of bad character judgment seems to have been made by the Immigration Department.

“Dave is one of those people that everyone knows, but he has gotten into trouble with the law over the years,” Ms Warren explains.

“When he was about 21 he was arrested for theft and spent a few months in jail, since then he has had a number of DUI (Driving Under the Influence) convictions but hasn’t been sent to jail.”

Ms Warren believes deportation for historical crimes where a punishment has been served is unjust and out of proportion and doesn’t take into account the fullness of Mr Degning’s life.

When it comes to Mr Degning’s citizenship status and legal right to be here, it seems Mr Degning, along with his father, brother and sisters thought they were “adsorbed citizens” when they arrived in Australia 50 years ago.

In circumstances that sound similar to those of the recent citizenship saga in Federal Parliament, Mr Degning thought he was a citizen and entitled to live in Batemans Bay with his Australian born wife, children, and grandchildren.

Mr Degning did receive notification in 2017 that his place in Australia was being questioned by the Immigration Department. Ms Warren says paperwork arrived out of the blue that asked her 50-something-year-old friend to explain why he shouldn’t be deported.

Ms Warren says the Degning’s were a little concerned but thought it was just a procedural matter that would be worked through sensibly and fairly.

“And then on the 25th of January at 5 am in the morning 16 Border Force people burst into their home, handcuffed him, put him in a car and took him to Villawood Detention Centre and he has been there ever since,” she says.

“The whole street was in shock, it’s taken a while for people to digest it.

“His family are in a dreadful state, they feel like they will never see him again,” Ms Warren says.

The Change.org petition set up to advocate for Mr Degning has reached 773 signatures and with his deportation looming in just a handful of days a number of people in the Eurobodalla community, including the Refugee Action Collective have started lobbying the Immigration Minister.

“The authoritarian powers of the Minister concerned, Peter Dutton, seem to be beyond normal judicial processes,” Rev Champman says.

“Quite frankly it sends shivers down my spine that we are seeing this kind of Orwellian behaviour by our government.

“Dave is an ordinary man who is now being torn away from his whole family, his business, his life by a Government Minister and Department whose powers have quietly and stealthily been on the rise over the last few years,” Rev Chapman says.

It’s hoped action in the High Court this week might buy some time or bring clarity.

“Meanwhile Dave waits at Villawood to be deported,” Rev Chapman says.

Batemans Bay MP, Member for Gilmore, Ann Sudmalis was approached for comment. Her office says its a matter for the Immigration Department. A spokesperson for the Immigration Department says a response is being considered.

*This article first appeared on RiotACT

Join the conversation

150
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Um why didn’t you mention he is a sex offender? he raped someone and didn’t go to jail for it so that’s why he’s being deported?? Typical always trying to defend and save the rapists.

Ian Campbell10:35 am 14 May 18

Hi Maddy, this has been an unfolding story, those details werent available at the time this story was published. This is the updated story – https://aboutregional.com.au/batemans-bays-david-degning-highlights-a-bigger-issue/ Cheers Ian

R Briancourt.11:29 pm 30 Apr 18

It Bega (beggars) belief that this can happen here.
This government stinks when it comes to human rights.
Stop this ridiculous situation now.

Alison Keene8:30 am 26 Apr 18

I arrived in Australia from the UK just over 50 Years ago as a four year old, similar to Dave’s situation. I was told by my parents that we had Permanent Residency. I took their word for it, as they took the Australian government’s word for it. What has suddenly changed? I don’t recall ever hearing about a ‘unless you get charged with DUI, in which case you could be deported at any later date’ clause. Should all ‘Ten Pound Poms’ with any sort of criminal record be expecting a bang on the front door at 0500?? This is outrageous.

Permanent residency is not citizenship and in fact citizenship is not a protection from being deported if you still hold another citizenship. In such cases citizenship can be revoked.

Margaret Hogewind11:43 am 25 Apr 18

Gobsmacked by this news. Send the guy back to his family in Batemans Bay and stop wasting taxpayers money. Just too ridiculous

Susheela Millburn12:47 am 25 Apr 18

Goodness me, haven’t Border Force got a host of better things to do. Utterly unfair!!! Ridiculous. Orwellian indeed. Australia seems to have become a nasty place….

Victoria Pitel12:29 am 25 Apr 18

Shocking!!

Keep him here

In 1959 migrating UK parents were told by authorities, at the Brooklyn Hostel in Melbourne, that after two years they would be Australian citizens. And the children of these UK migrating parents were told they were automatic citizens. Somewhere along the line the Australian Government has changed all the rules and forgot to tell the UK migrants. Unjust!!

Thoroughly agree. That wasthe information given to my parents and thousands of other Brits. to encourage them to come to Australia.

Joe Baskwell3:31 pm 24 Apr 18

This is a disgrace. Any humane administration would look at the spirit of the law as well as the letter of the law. Unfortunately Basil Fawlty was right whn he commented ‘this is just how Nazi Germany started”.

Wendy Robles8:35 am 24 Apr 18

This is tragic. It is a result of technology, suddenly they have software that matches Immigration records, citizenship records and criminal records,following some sort of formula; computers do not have flexibility or consideration of other circumstances or a person’s entire life. This shouldn’t be retrospective, his convictions are historical and did not involve jail time. Also, he has a job, a business, he has a family, has been living here for 50 years, since he was seven years old, he is not a terrorist. The computer has bundled him in with people who arrived here two years ago, have committed crimes for which they have been jailed and have no family or other history here.

Jan van Dalfsen11:53 pm 23 Apr 18

This is totally disgusting. If you have done the time for the crime, that should be the end of it. Mr Dutton should not have this extra judicial power to wreck a family.

Jurate Grigonis11:42 pm 23 Apr 18

For goodness’ sake, he was a child when he came to Australia in 1968. At that time British migrants could choose to become citizens but many did not as there was really no need. Things changed around 1983 or 84 with voting rights in Australian elections, ie. anyone who arrived after that, had to be an Australian citizen to be able to vote here, plus a couple of other things required citizenship. I really do not understand why Immigration are acting like this as he should, for all intents and purposes, be considered Australian. So he has had a few difficulties along the way. So have plenty of people born here! Deportation is a most unreasonable action and quite unnecessary. If he has served his time or whatever, leave him be with his family here and let him get on with his life.

If he arrived here as a “ 10 pound “ Pom, as a lot were 50 years ago, we were all led to believe we were here to stay. Unofficial Aussies. Nobody has the right to just barge in an steal someone away especially the government without due cause.
The government officials are letting in rapists, murderers & terrorists, all under the guise of refugees.
Bloggers that won’t work, won’t assimilate , all they want is free hand outs.
These people ge5 a free ride in and this gentleman get hoisted out ?
WHERE IS THE FAIRNESS THERE ?

Dutton is a dangerous and evil man of despicable character. Naziesque stuff

Power in the wrong hands…Dave should stay, no doubt about it.

Why is this man in Villawood when the “illegal” politicians weren’t even arrested?

the minister is out of control, why can’t they use some common sense. Dave is defacto, an Aussie.

Louis Butcher7:38 pm 23 Apr 18

I disagree with the Rev Chapman regarding the Govenment Minister and his or her Departments power being quietly and stealthy being on the rise over the last few years.
We, the people of Australia continually asked the Government to do something about the illegal enters into our country. He has been caught up in a net that was put out to reduce the numbers of legal enters.
Had this gentleman done something to be spotlighted by the Border Police?
Someone or something has created the interest of the Border Police. Other being a dual citizen.
The has to be more to this case!

Robert Kelly6:46 pm 23 Apr 18

Dave has an Australian wife, kids and grandkids born here. This is an Australian family, running a legitimate small business; sending him to another country will disrupt a family which no doubt would need social services support. How illogical is thaf? Let him revoke any citizenship in the UK and apply for Australian citizenship if he is prepared to do so.

Rosalind. Gerchow4:37 pm 23 Apr 18

This is not commensurate with living in a democracy. I believe that Peter Dutton is an evil and extremely dangerous, manwith no empathy, conscience or kindness and too much power. Mr Degnings sounds like a true blue Aussie to me and should be returned to his family immediately, with compensation for loss of business during this debacle.

Why hasn’t this been televised all over the news in Australia?????????

Bloody outrageous. A portent of evil and MUST be stopped.

wendy downing2:37 pm 23 Apr 18

This man has made a serious and committed contribution over a life time to this society and it beggars belief that he is to be deported. I support that this man be allowed to stay.

Typical of the fools in big jobs who have never raised a sweat. Deport politicians when they fail. We would have none left.

that is awful,i feel for the family.

Allan Tomkins1:37 pm 23 Apr 18

Release him immediately..this is an outrageous abuse of beaurocratic power for what purpose..to prove that the government of this country is insane..we already know that!!!

Cheryl Murray1:27 pm 23 Apr 18

just unbelievable!!! disgusting that this can happen the way it took place! after all he’s not really what you would call an illegal immigrant or a criminal,,, just a bit of paperwork could sort this out!!

Peter Dutton is just keeping the beds full for Servo as they don’t get paid for empty ones

This is stupid. It makes no sense to deport this man. What is wrong with this government and Mr Dutton? By deporting this man you are removing a family breadwinner and it will cost the government! In money to help support his family and in VOTES. I am horrified that he was arrested in such a way – 16 order force officers ar 5 am. They must be desperate for something to do so they practice on a harmless grandfather!

This is heartless and unfair. Does anyone in government think these decisions through ?

Colleen Bourke11:25 am 23 Apr 18

He and his family should have been better informed about their residential status etc.

Jennifer Whiteman10:56 am 23 Apr 18

So unjust! How many other people is this going to happen to? It could have been us as we are both migrants but we applied for Australian citizenship and were accepted in the 1960’s. Have you contacted the ABC and got it on the news?

Glenys Gayfer10:20 am 23 Apr 18

This is unbelievable, why should this family be ripped apart? I hope many, many people let Dutton know this is shameful behaviour & that the deportation be stopped.

Hendrika Newcombe9:35 am 23 Apr 18

That is absolutely terrible. His father made a mistake & didn’t get naturalised.
That should not fall back on him. 😢

Sandra Eckersley9:25 am 23 Apr 18

It is the JOB of local federal member Ann Sudmalis to stand up for her constituents but she has just ignored this serious issue. A family is being ripped apart because politicians have altogether the WRONG priorities. No wonder people have lost faith in the political process.

Martinne Lüdicke8:32 am 23 Apr 18

This could be me. I’ve posted this story with my story on my page today. But too scared now to post publicly. Can’t even apply to become citizen because THEN THEY WILL CHECK ME OUT AND CHUCK ME OUT 😪😪😪😪

Richard Leggatt8:31 am 23 Apr 18

Someone who came here legally as a child, should, in my opinion be considered Australian. If he had come as an Adult, maybe this is warranted, but under the circumstances outlined, it seems an excessively harsh penalty.

(The Reverend) Chris Freestone8:27 am 23 Apr 18

Sixteen from Border Force? And a man who has “paid his debt to society” is clapped in handcuffs at FIVE in the morning? This is more like a scene starring the Waffen SS in Nazi Germany than the Australia I have known.
I’m horrified on at least two levels; one that this man can be deported at all, especially under these circumstances and in this way; and two, that we have 16 Australians (and many more) who sell their soul to this heinous organisation with its heinous minister!

Debra Hawkins8:13 am 23 Apr 18

Disgraceful

The man has been in Australia 50 years, granted he made a mistake (and paid the consequences for it) when he was a kid! So, let me get this right, he’s being deported for a few drink driving convictions? Are you kidding me? This man has his whole family in Australia! He is a business man, he is not a drain on society (like some of those with multiple wives and up to twenty children bludging off society.) He has paid his taxes, educated his children, made a positive contribution to his society. Who made this decision to wreck a whole familiy’s life? Is it really because of a few drink driving convictions? This is totally and utterly outrageous.

Peter Dutton has been given Dictatorial powers over all citizens. More than any other person or group.no one person should be able to tear families apart.

Unfortunately Australians ignore this abuse of power until it strikes at them or someone close to them.

Carol johnston4:31 am 23 Apr 18

Well if they send him back why don’t they deport everyone who immigrated from overseas.

He is Australian, leave him be. There are 100 thousand like him including me.

Typically border force move but utterly ridiculous. Beyond logic, compassion, dignity, justice, human rights and common sense.

This could happen to anyone, my husband and his brothers came out from England with their parents as ten pound POM’s like thousands of others. What sort of dictatorship are we in where this can happen? Time for a BIG change of government. Needs a Royal commission and definitely a four corners report.

For God’s sake Mr Dutton. when will your barn-storming stop? A government is supposed to help people, not hinder them. This government has had the worst record of how to treat its country of many countries.

Sue Thompson9:47 pm 22 Apr 18

Absolutely dreadful. Should not be deported. He has worked, paid taxes and raised a family. What has he done wrong?

This man has lived in this country since being a small child, his wife, family grandchildren are here, he has his own painting company and not spongeing off the government … no wonder he is confused so would I be leaving him alone and let him stay ….

Christine Robertson9:31 pm 22 Apr 18

For goodness sake this man has been here for most of his life. he may not be an angel but has family and a business and has contributed to this society for years so why does he deserve to be treated like a criminal when there are far worst allowed to stay. We are becoming more and more like America we should be ashamed of ourselves for allowing this to happen.

Gods sake let him stay. We send normal people back but let murderers and the like stay, are the politicians that stupid?

Trudi Dietrich8:48 pm 22 Apr 18

It is totally tragic.How could that happen? I do hope the Immigration Department hasn’t gone totally insane. How could they take a man away from his family. And how could it be possible for a family to have their grandfather, father and husband taken away from them??

That is barbaric. What has Australia come too???

Julie Newell8:29 pm 22 Apr 18

Immigration – this is bizaare!!!!!!!!!This man deserves to stay in Australia…why havent you deported all the parliamentarians who didn’t know they weren’t citizens..I find this beggars belief.

Denis Murrell8:23 pm 22 Apr 18

Border Force must have a lot more relevant information than every one else who’s complaining. They wouldn’t have gone so far as to deport they guy otherwise.

Shayne O'Neill8:54 pm 22 Apr 18

I’ve seen people deported for less. Years of frankly cold hearted refugee enforcement has bred a generation of immigration officers that seem hell bent on getting quota on deportations. They’ve just done some cold math and said “Well this guy once went to jail, therefore deport” without considering he’s been a mostly law abiding person, give or take a couple of DUIs.

Unfortunately because cops treat DUIs a lot more seriously than the public does it’ll be the DUIs that sealed his fate. And thus some grandchildren will have to grow up without their Grandpa in their life.

Its a stupid system. Hopefully hes got a good lawyer who can sort this out, but sadly the immigration laws have been written in a way that prevents judges from preventing injustices.

gayle macleod9:20 pm 22 Apr 18

I agree with your comments.

This is extremely worrying to me, that it seems no one is safe from being torn away from family when having lived in this country most of his life, worked his own buisiness, paid taxes for many years and then treated like the worst criminal possible. This is not justice and should not be allowed to happen.

Robyn Reeves8:14 pm 22 Apr 18

This man is Australian. Deporting him whatever he is supposed to have done is unacceptable.

Linda Visman7:58 pm 22 Apr 18

He should NOT be deported! He has served his punishment for those crimes he committed – not even jailed for – and should be allowed to stay with his family here. I am appalled at the indiscriminate use of draconian powers given to the Border Force. This is not Australia – it is Nazi Germany.

What has happened to the generous country that’s Australia. Our govt seems to be devoid of humanity.

John Humphries7:57 pm 22 Apr 18

I have known Dave since early 1989 he was always helpfully and friendly to all people he knew in the Bay Area, there are others who should be deported other than Dave. I am full support that he is not deported.

I find it interesting that none of the politicians in the recent debacles were threatened with deportation. Surely in any democratic country there is a basic requirement of transparency in all government decisions? This is a classic example of overreact by the government! The minister Ned’s to have held accountable!

Dianne Longson7:53 pm 22 Apr 18

I’m almost speechless. There are no words strong enough to express my horror at what is happening to this man.

F. Vaughan-Williams7:51 pm 22 Apr 18

I have not found any reason given in this report for this man to be deported. ???

Shayne O'Neill8:56 pm 22 Apr 18

The immigration ‘character test’ basically says to deport anyone whos done time for something that can get you over a year in prison. He got done for theft 30+ years ago, so that probably triggered the review, then some power mad asshole decided to use his discretion to destroy an aussie family.

Maxine Abblitt7:31 pm 22 Apr 18

Is this Australia or America? I believe that anyone who is from another country and breaks our law, SHOULD be deported. What has this man done?

Lorna findlay7:28 pm 22 Apr 18

WHAT????????? can hardly believe they are doing this

M. Thompsonj7:18 pm 22 Apr 18

I think this is unjust. What about others that are not Australian that have committed more crimes then this poor fellow. They haven’t been sent back. Why are they doing this. I fear there is a bad influence in the government. The government is not standing for its people, its selling off Australia to the highest bidder. Get that poor man back to his family. Think my vote will be changing this year if it doesn’t happen for the good of this poor man and his family.

Denise Ravenscroft7:09 pm 22 Apr 18

Deeply shocked but perhaps shouldn’t be…this country is going to hell in a handbasket. Fast!

Edna McGowan7:07 pm 22 Apr 18

Come on Australia Bombard Peter Duttons office with emails//They are deporting the wrong people.

It’s disgraceful really. We have worse cretins here as you know perfectly well.

Jenine Graham6:57 pm 22 Apr 18

This is outrageous! The poor man was brought here by his parents as a 7 year old. Surely he should automatically become an Aussie citizen when he turned 18. He should, at the very least, be treated with compassion while the govt work themselves out! What crime has he committed that requires him to be detained?

Christine Grant6:49 pm 22 Apr 18

Disgusting action

Valerie White6:37 pm 22 Apr 18

This is totally unjust and needs to be rectified immediately.

This beggars belief
This man should not be deported
Deport the people who are committing horrible crimes the illegal refugees etc

Every person who came to Australia as a migrant irrespective of age must actively seek to become an Australian citizen, you don’t get it by default. This has been happening to New Zealander’s for ages, I always knew it was an option for other nationalities too. If you haven’t applied for citizenship then get it sorted now.

David Gurnett5:46 pm 22 Apr 18

Typical Dutton bullying. It’s so easy to bully the little people. They can’t defend themselves.

This is wrong. He knows no one there. Why

Unbelievable! There is a lot worse offenders that get to live here.

Elizabeth Craven5:19 pm 22 Apr 18

Hundreds of people came out here in the Fifties, from Great Britain, Germany, Nederlands, Italy and many other places. The children didn’t have any choice and came with their families. Not everyone are saints and sometimes people do things that may be wrong. I lived in what was called Holmesglen then and is generally known as Chadstone now and only the station is there as that name. We had migrants from all over Europe come and start families.
It is guaranteed that not all have been saints. Why single out one person, who has maybe done some wrong things in his time. JUST WHAT IS THIS COUNTRY COMING TO!!! After growing up and raising a family here, what can you be thinking of sending this man away from them who have grown up here.
If he was a mass murderer, perhaps there may be cause but not in this case.

Kathryn Mallia.5:13 pm 22 Apr 18

This is absolutely sickening. Here we have a hard working, tax paying man just going about the business of living his life. He has harmed no one. We have the most awful people inflicted on our society yet our government deports this man. It beggars belief.

This is ridiculous! This mand came here as a child with his family and has spent his whole life living, working and raising a family here! WE HAVE CRIMINALS WHO NEED TO BE DEPORTED! LEAVE THIS MAN ALONE!

Shame on you Australia when you keep others with violent and worse crimes here to reoffend

Alison Salmon4:59 pm 22 Apr 18

If Mr Degning is sent to the UK he will end up homeless as there will be no provision for him. This is cruel and inhuman considering his past misdeeds and the fact he has been punished.

“Mr Degning, along with his father, brother and sisters thought they were “adsorbed citizens” when they arrived in Australia 50 years ago”… but why did they ‘think’ that? Surely unless you’ve got something to say so you can’t just assume.

They were invited to Australia all those years ago and never in 50 years was he told that this invitation had been with drawn.

This is un-Australian

No, this is very Australian, I’m ashamed to say.

William O'Neill3:47 pm 22 Apr 18

Can you believe it? And the Queen is Australia’s Head of State. Should it not follow that he,being British, should have Citizenship automatically. Can’t have your cake and eat it. Leave the man with his family. This is a big country pity about the small minds.

deport All politicians, bankers & other public trust breaching criminals.

Ann-Louise Chladil3:20 pm 22 Apr 18

Why in the world is he actually being deported for? Apart from the first mentioned charged, which was over 30 years ago, is he being treated as a criminal? If minister Dutton wishes to act as if he is a United States representative then go over there and be an US representative. I guarantee he wouldn’t cut it to even be elected into office. Shame on our system trying to mimic that of an egotistical, idiotic, entitled individual as Donald Trump.

This is outrage!! That this draconian treatment of people is conducted by our government is beyond belief. They have proved themselves to be utterly without any humanity, compassion or even common sense.
Where are their priorities? Is this a sensible use of taxes that should be going to schools and hospitals?

And if this was Barnaby Joyce or any other politician who was caught under the ever-changing immigration laws, he would not be facing this situation. The fact that he was arrested under armed guard is despicable, the fact that he has no recourse to the courts is reprehensible and the fact that his local MP is mute says it all: this government is not concerned with people only their policies and their pockets!

Rosemary Brewin2:54 pm 22 Apr 18

This government beggars belief and Peter Dutton is beyond contempt. If anything is to keep this man together it is his family.

Avril williams2:49 pm 22 Apr 18

It’s a disgrace,he came with his parents at 7 years old,ten pound Pom probably he is a permanent resident,this is disgusting treatment

Lois Coleman2:49 pm 22 Apr 18

Peter Duterte Dutton……this man has the backing of his community,he has experienced some significant losses, his loving family support him and you choose to ignore all concerned citizens and send him to a country where he has no support. You and the gutless Ann Sudmalis.Sudmalis broke down in parliament when someone hurt her feelings! Put yourselves in this man and his families shoes.How long will it be before Peter Duterte Dutton decides it is all too expensive to detain or deport people and has them euthanased?

Well if all people living in Australia become citizens and are counted as Australian you can’t be deported. Simple really.

Marion Gevers5:05 pm 22 Apr 18

Reread the article. He came from the UK at 7 years of age = as a child and thought he was an Australian citizen. Side question: do you think all permanent residents in Australia should be deported? And have a brutal, months-long detention sentence before deportation?

Why destroy this man’s life and his family? He has paid for his crime that was so long ago. He appears to be an ordinary man living an ordinary life. The Australian govt should be compassionate and allow him to stay.

Barbaric act .. Barbaric polies

Liberal Government must go.

Appalling unnecessary cruelty!

What is happening to our country; deportations, asylum seekers locked up in subhuman conditions, Dutton in favour of pursuing an pseudo white Australia policy. Politicians allowing our land to be sold to foreigners.

When in God’s name is the government going to stand up for Australia and justice for all

Elaine Trotman1:20 pm 22 Apr 18

Peter Dutton is a cruel and heartless monster!

Wendy austin1:17 pm 22 Apr 18

This is a low cowardly act.mean spirited and unnecessarily harsh.

David Trotter12:56 pm 22 Apr 18

So what did Mr Degning actually do to be deported??

ok he had some DUI issues and maybe is not naturalised

seems a bit silly to me that after 50 years your gone

Mike Beamish12:50 pm 22 Apr 18

After 50 years he should be considered Australian. Apart from some minor misdemeanours he’s been a positive contributor to the country. I would have thought priority should be given perpetrators of violent crime like the Sudanese in Victoria.

If “bad character” is the criteria for deportation then pretty much the entire LNP would be out of here!

Disgusting. As a country of immigrants, are we going to send everyone back, those who worked to build the country, while we profess to be a proud multi cultural community. Australia has lost its way. What’s the real agenda here Mr Dutton, who’s safe?
Send Federal parliamentarians to Villawood for 6 months, no pay, no super, then deport them. They need to see life from the other side of the fence.

Ok…lets just look at the basics…he has been in Australia since he was 7, over 50 years. Now he is to be returned to a country where he knows no-one, has no means of support, and has no history in the country. Can you imagine being dumped at an airport in a country you haven’t been in for over 50 years! WTF! I wonder how long it will be before he is dead, either by his own hand, or on the street.

It looks like America isn’t the only place with “dick-taters” in charge.

If the “FACTS” as stated are legitimate…. Surely the Immigration Authorities have more important people to concentrate on. Ones present behaviour should over rule minor past transgressions.

This is wrong.

Helen, BATEMANS BAY10:40 am 22 Apr 18

Horrified that this is happening here in Australia, must be reviewed. We constantly are reminded we are a multicultural country, accepting and welcoming people from so many countries and from all walks of life, yet we are treating people who have spent most of their life here abominably, there are many people in high positions who have made mistakes and have gone on to be respected citizens like Dave. Sort out priorities Dept of Immigration – look at those who are troublemakers and non contributors to our country to deport.

Peter Coleman10:35 am 22 Apr 18

Absolute disgrace.

Just goes to show us what our Politicians are like that are running our country (a bunch of D.H.)……… who ever sign the papers against Mr Degning …….. should be sacked from his/her position………. to be picked up in the middle of the night and hand cuff and taken to Villawood detention should hold their heads down in shame and sacked from his or her position by the Prime Minister ……..and while their in the mood trying to send back these illegal migrants who came in our back doors by the boat loads……and costing tax payers heaps………..Mr Degning should be release asap.

There should be more mediation with people who have lived here for years and are found not to be citizens ,not this agressive attacking stance.

Christina Carlson8:48 am 22 Apr 18

How about deporting all the real criminals that are terrorising our streets & families

Message is simple. Abide by Australia Law or get out of the place.

Angus read the article he came to our country 50yrs back as a young boy worked hard, him and his wife and paid taxes, and a loyal genuine man ………..What we need to shift back to their home land is the illegal migrants who are a burden on our taxpayers full stop……

Berniegirl read the article he has previously been jailed for theft & has numerous DUI charges

patricia Williams12:09 pm 22 Apr 18

Are you so perfect that you never did anything wrong? Look at all those now, that do as they please but don’t get jail or anything? He made a mistake many years ago, his life is here, his whole family is here. He worked, didn’t sit around claiming on Centrelink like most of the present lot do. Now if they kick everyone out for a wrongdoing many years ago and dui which thousands get every year, how about what they are not doing to others like our pollies that were still overseas citizens, those being let back in after trying to kill people in the name of islam. This is wrong and my opinion of Dutton has totally changed, not for the better.

How many LNP MPs would that clear out of the country then, eh?

You didn’t even read it, did you Angus? If you did, and you’re still saying this about somneone who has been in the country since the age of 7 years, then you really are an ignoramus.

Jacqui Wyatte7:36 am 22 Apr 18

Bet this sort of heartless disregard for the lives of people increases feelings of depression and insecurity in the community … particularly if your dad or mum arrived here as child immigrants.

Does this politicion think his name is Trump. This is Australia NOT America.

Yes, this is Australia. And this is exactly the kind of country that Australia has become. An embarrassing disgrace.

Sandi & Paul King6:21 am 22 Apr 18

Rev Chapman I totally agree with everything you have said here & stand with you against this deplorable disgusting Dutton deed & must be stopped ‼️‼️Thankyou Rev Chapman because MP Ann Sudmalis your local LNP is non supportive non committal & nonrepresentative of her constituents & Euroballa Shire WONT FORGET THIS 🤬

Susan Foster1:39 am 22 Apr 18

For Gods sake how ridiculous. 16 people probably with guns. How disgraceful of this Government.

Elizabeth Robinson11:46 pm 21 Apr 18

This is not the Australia I knew. I cannot accept this as being just and fair. Australia’s legendary “fair go” for all has disappeared with the likes of Dutton and Morrison in the Cabinet.

Richard venables11:16 pm 21 Apr 18

I have no faith in the Australian government. If they deport they owe him the taxes he has paid the Australian government since he was 18.

Geoff Morrissey10:36 pm 21 Apr 18

This is disgusting. Any decision to deport someone who has spent the majority of their life since childhood should only be made as the result of a serious crime at the time of a criminal prosecution. It should also be subject to a legal hearing of any appeal.

There is no cause to raid a person’s home in the early hours of the morning. Particularly when that person has substantial ties to the community.

My opinion? What total and utter rot!
How can this be when we are continually allowing ILLEGAL immigrants into this country who have no intention of ever working and only take, take, take.
This country has truly lost the plot if this story is true.
I am beyond disgusted

Margaret Greenfield7:34 pm 21 Apr 18

He should be allowed to stay.

Gary & Marie Norton7:32 pm 21 Apr 18

This is disgusting. We have know Dave and his family since 1980. He has always been a very hard working family man. He has paid his taxes and given to this community. To separate this family is beyond belief. Australia and Bateman’s Bay has been this man’s home since he was seven years old. He knows no other country. What has our country come to????

Katrina Noonan7:32 pm 21 Apr 18

Omg I am horrified for this man & his family. How could this happen!? He was 7 when he came here, he is one of us. I am ashamed of this country for the first time ever for doing this. How could they be so insensitive & cruel! Keep this man in his home and his country. This was not his fault because he was just a child. DO NOT DEPORT THIS MAN!!

This is ridiculous, he was 7 years old when he came here. He belongs here, his family is here. Why are we copying the stupid policies of the US?

Christine Hale7:13 pm 21 Apr 18

Dave should be able to stay. We all did stupid things when we were young.

There are no words that can explain this. The tightened immigration and border force regulations were supposedly designed to protest us from terrorism. The actions of Peter Dutton are more than just an over reach. It is an abuse of power that cannot be tolerated in a democracy. Tim Holt OAM.

Wrong. Law at the time they came under parents passport. Now illegal because law changes. Needs to have something in place for them. Have not intentionally stayed. They were legal.

Jill caldwell6:54 pm 21 Apr 18

He has worked here, paid taxes, given people employment, has a family, and they want to tear this family apart. Maybe they should deport the gangs, rapists, pedophiles, and the illegal Muslims and their multiple wives that milking the welfare system. I say let this man stay here with his family.

Maureen Baughan6:53 pm 21 Apr 18

When my parents plus my three sisters and I came to Australia in 1954 as ten pound migrants us kids just settled in and carried on. When we turned voting age we registered and voted. Earlier when mum and dad became citizens I thought I’d become an Ozzie too. Further on down the track one of my older sisters and her eight kids went for a small holiday over to NZ which was fine until she came back and was stopped at the border but the kids were allowed through but she wasn’t a citizen of Oz. When she said they were all going for a good meal because the kids were starving and she hoped they’d take them and someone should change baby’s nappy they got in a huddled and just wrote some paper work for what she had to do.

No one in all that time ever advised us that once we were out of our parents care we had to apply for citizenship which the four of us did together and took the oath together.

Debbie Johns6:48 pm 21 Apr 18

I’m stunned. This is draconian. A full explanation is called for. This man has worked and paid taxes and super. It isn’t right.

What sort of idiot deports someone that had been here their whole life. Yet most of the criminals that have come here we let them stay and house and feed them and give them accomodation. Please tell me that this is a joke. I came here from England as a 2 year old,are they going to deport all of us that came out on the £10 flights to populate Australia.

Its absolutely disgusting that dave is still in this place and family is being put through this hell makes me sad to call myself australian treating him like this is horrid. #setdavefree

Nick Hopkins4:34 pm 21 Apr 18

Please. Sign the petition folks…the link is in the article…let’s crack the 1000 mark
And call Ann Sudmalis. Isn’t she meant to represent her constituents, not let them be dragged away from friends and family in a dawn raid?

Nick Hopkins4:25 pm 21 Apr 18

This type of incident reminds me of the tactics of a fascist state not a modern day democracy. Peter Dutton is guilty of enormous overreach and is displaying all the compassion of a psychopath, that is, none. He has also underestimated the anger in the community around his treatment of refugees. This incident only fans the flames of that anger

Daily Digest

Do you like to know what’s happening around your region? Every day the About Regional team packages up our most popular stories and sends them straight to your inbox for free. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.