Barnaby Joyce has come to the defence of a Sri Lankan family facing deportation from Australia. 

The government is standing by the Federal Court’s ruling that they are not genuine refugees.

The mother, father and two daughters have been sent to Christmas Island, as a court injunction delays the government’s decision to send them home.

Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has become an unlikely supporter of the family, calling for them to be allowed to stay in the country.

He tells Steve Price he doesn’t believe in deporting children who were born in the country.

“I know the parents have not been found to be refugees and obviously if they were by themselves it would be a completely different kettle of fish.

“But I feel uncomfortable sending back kids who were born in Australia.

“I can’t blame the kids for what the parents did.”

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