[Greens-Media] Broader reform needed beyond any ministerial discretion applied in Moeller case

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Wednesday 26 November 2008

Broader reform needed beyond any ministerial discretion applied in
Moeller case

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on Immigration Minister
Chris Evans to exercise his ministerial discretion to grant the Moeller
family permanent residency as soon as possible, but says broader reform
is needed to avoid discrimination against other migrants.

Yesterday the Migration Review Tribunal upheld a decision by the
Department of Immigration to refuse German doctor Bernhard Moeller and
his family permanent residency, as Moeller's son Lukas has Down
syndrome.

"The Greens hope Minister Evans will exercise his discretion wisely and
swiftly when considering the Moeller family's case, and overturn this
disappointing decision by the tribunal," said Senator Hanson-Young.

"While it is encouraging to hear that the Minister has suggested that he
may intervene in the Moeller case, it is important to note that this
family's situation is not an isolated one."

Senator Hanson-Young said that legislative reform and changes to
departmental processes were needed to avoid such discrimination
continuing.

"An individualised assessment of the Moeller family's situation, rather
than a blanket rule being applied because of one family member's
intellectual disability, would have served the Moeller family and the
community of Horsham much better," she said.

"We are aware that there are other migrant families who have been denied
permanent residency due to family members living with a disability, such
as vision impairment, deafness or autism.

"It's clear that the current laws and processes are allowing
discrimination to occur against people with disabilities.

"As a recent signatory to the United Nations' Convention on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities, Australia needs lift its game."

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760