In this week's Focus on Politics, Political Reporter Giles Dexter looks at Australia backtracking on its commitment to New Zealand over 501 deportations.

"It's been pure politics. And it's been an unedifying spectacle" - Greg Barns, Australian Lawyers Alliance

New Zealand has been hit by a 501 boomerang, with Australia backtracking this month on its commitment around deportations.

As successive Prime Ministers swapped sports jerseys and talked up the special relationship, the issue of people in Australia who have practically little to no connection to New Zealand being deported here has nagged away.

Four and a half years ago, Jacinda Ardern memorably took Scott Morrison to task.

"Do not deport your people and your problems," she said.

While the issue of 501 deportations - named after the section of the Australian Migration Act - applies to any non-citizen, New Zealand had lobbied for change due to our proximity, our close relationship with Australia, and the disparities in pathways to citizenship.

A move to a 'common sense' approach to deportations from the Anthony Albanese government meant those fractures were starting to heal.

Primary consideration was given to the person's ties to Australia, in weighing up whether to deport them.

Australia also providing a pathway to citizenship for New Zealanders was seen as a further step to play fair.

Read more:

• Andrew Giles issues replacement to 'direction 99' which he says prioritises community safety
• Luxon calls Albanese to express ire over 'direction 99' criminal deportation change
• Mess engulfing Australia's immigration minister harks back to goodwill gesture towards New Zealand
• 'A blimmin' good day for Kiwis living in Australia' - Hipkins on citizenship changes

But this year, across the ditch, it has blown up into a political headache.

Several non-citizens with criminal records were escaping deportation, including people with child sex abuse and murder convictions…

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details