Dustin Martin’s deported dad says he’s no threat to AustraliaHerald Sun
December 10, 2016THE exiled father of Richmond star Dustin Martin says he is not a threat to Australia and will fight all the way to the High Court to return using documents revealing his Aboriginal heritage.
Shane Martin claims he quit the Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang before he was deported in March this year.
The Rebels MC is considered a criminal organisation, with Mr Martin’s association the reason behind Immigration Minister Peter Dutton cancelling his visa.
But Mr Martin, 49, said he wanted to return home to Australia as his lawyer, immigration expert Ray Turner, challenged the validity of his visa cancellation.
“I’m not a threat to Australia, I’ve never been in trouble in my life ... except for trivial things and that was a long time ago,’’ Mr Martin said.
“I’m finished with the Rebels and I have been way before they came and arrested me.”
Asked whether he should be able to return to Sydney while his case heads to court, Mr Martin said he deserved to be with his family.
“Never been to jail … I’ve got history, you know, but it’s not indictable,” he said.
“And plus now I’ve looked up my history, my Aboriginality, not that I’m trying to use that against them (the Government).
“But, you know, they’ve done what they do to try and get rid of me so I’m gonna do what I have to to get back in.’’
His challenge rests on the authenticity of paperwork stating his grandmother was Aboriginal.
Documents assessed by the Aboriginal Sobriety Group trace Mr Martin’s lineage to indigenous Australians from Tasmania. His uncle, Dean Martin, was issued with a document titled: Confirmation of Aboriginality or Torres Strait Islander Descent.
Mr Martin, who lived in Australia for 29 years before he was deported, said people tended to have little empathy for his plight.
But he said his relationship with his three sons — including Dustin — and two young stepdaughters was critical.
“Everyone thinks because Dustin’s older, and my other sons are older, that you cut the apron strings. But they’re my kids, they’re for life.’’
Mr Turner said a challenge to the Immigration Act could set a precedent in Constitutional law. It is the first case in which a man who has been deported from Australia has claimed Aboriginal ancestry.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/dustin-martins-deported-dad-says-hes-no-threat-to-australia/news-story/ab32f964ed95bcebd670d08a7164b23d
