Send Apex offenders back home: Shorten

People on visas who commit serious crimes in Australia should be sent home and not be granted citizenship, Bill Shorten says.

The opposition leader said the federal government should be tougher on offenders who commit car jackings, home invasions and serious assaults, crimes often associated with the apex gang in Victoria.

"I'm sorry but it's a red line. You've got a have an honest discussion about what's the best message to send to every other person," he told 2GB radio on Wednesday.