The Australian government is worried about a growing number of New Zealanders experiencing hardship in Australia due to immigration changes.
Reforms in 2001 stripped New Zealanders of access to most social security payments.
Official documents in Australia say those missing out include victims of family violence and children estranged from their parents.
They say New Zealanders have difficulty meeting rigid eligibility criteria for skilled independent migrant visas.
One government minister refers to an underclass of New Zealanders who do not have rights.
Queensland community worker Vicky Va'a says at least 40 New Zealanders per day contact her with problems.
She says many people caught out by the benefit system are too proud to go home.
New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully says the Australian government is reviewing the position of New Zealand citizens.
