Major twist in Dustin Martin’s ex-bikie dad’s bid to live in Australia as it’s confirmed he IS Aboriginal – so new laws prevent him from being deported to New Zealand
- Dustin Martin dad has been confirmed as Aboriginal and may return to Australia
- Shane Martin, 52, was deported to New Zealand in 2016 for links to bikie groups
- The ex-Rebels OMCG president moved to Australia in 1980s and had three kids
- Martin tried to re-enter Australia on Sunday after a landmark High Court ruling
- Court ruled Indigenous people can’t be deported – he claimed his heritage was
- The Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation confirmed he had Indigenous grandma
The father of AFL star Dustin Martin has been confirmed as Indigenous, in what is a major boost in his bid to be allowed back into Australia.
Shane Martin, 52, may now be allowed to return to live with his son – three years after being deported from Australia to New Zealand for his links to the Rebels OMCG.
The former Rebels boss flew from New Caledonia to Sydney on Sunday, claiming he had an Indigenous grandmother and that therefore a recent High Court ruling meant he had been wrongly deported.
But the heavily-tattooed bikie’s attempts to enter Australia were refused and he was promptly sent on his way back to his homeland.
However little more than 24 hours on from what Border Force officials described as a ‘stunt’, an Indigenous authority has confirmed Martin indeed has Aboriginal heritage, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Shane Martin (right), the father of AFL star Dustin (left) has been confirmed as Indigenous, in what is a major win in his bid to be allowed back into Australia
The former Rebels boss flew from New Caledonia to Sydney (pictured) on Sunday, claiming he had an Indigenous grandmother and that he had therefore been wrongly deported in 2016
Martin, was first sent packing in 2016 with officials citing his criminal record, which included drug trafficking and assault charges.
He returned to his home country of New Zealand, where he had remained until the weekend, when he quietly tried to slip back into Australia with a lawyer by his side.
His move followed a High Court ruling last week that said any Aboriginal person was not eligible to be deported.
Martin reportedly told border officials he had an Indigenous grandmother who lives in Tasmania.
He has now reportedly uncovered certificates he and his three sons – including AFL star Dustin – received in December 2016 confirming their Aboriginal genealogy.
The Tasmanian Aboriginal Corporation confirmed their authenticity on Tuesday.
‘(The government is) showing disrespect to us elders by ignoring documentation Shane is Aboriginal,’ Aboriginal elder Lance Le Sage told the SMH.
Martin and his three sons – including Richmond star Dustin (left) – were issued with certificates in 2016 that proved they had Aboriginal heritage
Shane ‘Kiwi’ Martin embraces Australian actress Rachel Griffiths react after Richmond’s win in the 2019 AFL Grand Final
For the second time in three years, Dustin won a premiership medal and the Norm Smith Medal for best on ground in the Grand Final
Martin was sent back to New Zealand on Monday morning on the first Qantas available.
At no stage has he provided any evidence of his indigenous heritage, officials said.
The High Court accepts biological descent, self-identification, and whether or not a person has been accepted by an indigenous community in Australia as proof of indigenous status.
Martin Snr was born in New Zealand but considered Australia home after moving to New South Wales at age 20.
He joined the notorious Rebels outlaw motorcycle gang, eventually rising to the role of club president and had three children in Australia, including superstar Dustin.
In 2016, he was kicked out by then Immigration Minister Peter Dutton and was forced to build a new life for himself in Auckland.
In that time his superstar son has won two premierships with Richmond, the highest individual honour in the AFL – the Brownlow Medal – and two Norm Smith medals for being best on ground in the Grand Final.
In that time his father has been overseas, Dustin has won two premierships with Richmond and the highest individual honour in the AFL – the Brownlow Medal