Sunday, August 16, 2009

MIGRATION TREATMENT OF DISABILITY

The Joint Standing Committee on Migration has launched its Inquiry into the Migration Treatment of Disability, Queensland senator, Sue Boyce, said today.

Senator Boyce, who has recently joined the Committee, said millions of people applied to visit or migrate to Australia every year.

"Some are knocked back because of outdated attitudes that equate disability and illness and still prevail in our immigration laws.

“The problem was highlighted by the case of Dr Bernhard Moeller, who moved to rural Horsham in Victoria in 2006 to help fill a doctor shortage, and his son, Lukas, who has Down syndrome," Senator Boyce said.

Dr Moeller's family was finally granted permanent residency by the Minister after a concerted media campaign.

"Dozens of families who could really contribute to Australia face this discrimination every year.

“I'd encourage all disability and migrant organisations, as well as affected families, to make submissions to the Inquiry.

The deadline for submissions is October 28, 2009 and information about the Inquiry, including the Terms of Reference, is available at www.aph.gov.au/house/committee/mig/disability/subs.htm.

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