A German doctor whose bid for permanent residency in Australia was refused because his son is disabled, says he does not think the doctor shortage was taken into account when his application was assessed.
Dr Bernhard Moeller has worked in Horsham (Victoria) for two years, leading the intensive care of patients and supervising other GPs in the region of about 54,000 residents. He currently has a ‘temporary 457 visa’ which is valid until 2010, but has been denied permanent residency because of the potential cost implications of having a disabled child.
Dr Moeller’s 13-year-old son has Down syndrome and the Immigration Department says he may cost the community financially.
The irony of this situation is that we are desperate for qualified physicians to work, especially in country Australia. It would appear that despite letters requesting ‘review’ from the health minister and the Victorian Premier John Brumby, there is still an uphill battle against the Australian Department of Immigration.
“These decisions are made only taking the negatives into account,” he said. “In other words there is a cost assessed to support a young person with a disability. “What’s not taken into account is the major positive contributions those of us in Australia with disabilities have made to society.” (Victorian Premier John Brumby)
Right behind you doc from everyone at ‘Life in the Fast Lane’
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And so say all of us!
I’m amazed something like this could even happen.
And so say all of us!
I’m amazed something like this could even happen.