Shame on Australia
November 1st 2008 20:46
Below is an article copied in full from CNN Asia website sent to me from a friend in the U.S. - this story has made international headlines and we are being condemned, rightly so, for being a harsh country with overly zealous immigration laws. My friend from the U.S. sent this to all his Australian friends with the email title I have used for this article. This is absolutely embarrassing for every Australian. If we, as a country, will not allow a 13yr old with Down Syndrome into this country so his father can look after 54000 rural patients I am unsure if I want to be associated with being a member of this country.
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Thirteen-year-old Lukas Moeller has Down syndrome. His father is a doctor who came to Australia from Germany to help fill a shortage of physicians in rural communities.
But now Australia has rejected Dr. Bernhard Moeller's application for residency, saying Lukas does not meet the "health requirement" and would pose a burden on taxpayers for his medical care, education and other services.
The case has provoked an outcry in the rural region of southeastern Victoria state, where Moeller is the only internal medicine specialist for a community of 54,000 people. Residents rallied outside Moeller's practice this week, demanding that the decision be overturned, and hundreds of Internet and radio complaints from across the country bombarded media outlets Friday.
Moeller vowed to fight the immigration department ruling.
"We like to live here, we have settled in well, we are welcomed by the community here, and we don't want to give up just because the federal government doesn't welcome my son," he said Friday.
The doctor has powerful supporters. Victoria Premier John Brumby has pledged to support the family's appeal, and federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said Friday that she would speak to the immigration minister about the case.
Moeller moved to Australia two years ago with his wife, Isabella, their daughter, Sarah, 21, and sons Lukas and Felix, 17, to help fill a critical need for doctors in rural areas. They settled in Horsham, a town of 20,000 about 100 miles northwest of Melbourne.
Moeller's temporary work visa is valid until 2010, but his application for permanent residence was rejected this week.
In its decision, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship cited Lukas' "existing medical condition," saying it was "likely to result in a significant and ongoing cost to the Australian community," according to a statement Thursday.
"This is not discrimination. A disability in itself is not grounds for failing the health requirement -- it is a question of the cost implications to the community," the statement said.
Moeller said immigration authorities did not take into account the family's ability to provide Lukas with the care he needs.
"They think he is a burden for the Australian community," Moeller told Melbourne radio station 3AW. "But we are absolutely able to support him, and I don't want him to rely on any government pension anyway. He's well looked after. And actually, he can contribute to the community here. He already is contributing to it."
Immigration officials "weren't even interested in what we have done and are able to do for him," the doctor added.
Moeller said Lukas attends a mainstream elementary school, where he has an aide, and receives speech therapy. The boy also plays soccer, cricket, golf and table tennis.
Cora Halder, head of the Down Syndrome InfoCenter in Germany, called the decision outlandish.
"The case with the Australian authorities is disappointing and unacceptable, especially because Australia has very advanced programs for people with Down syndrome, far more than in Germany," she said.
David Tolleson, executive director of the Atlanta, Georgia-based National Down Syndrome Congress, agreed.
"What is the cost implication to the community of a doctor shortage?" Tolleson asked. "I assume the son had the same costs for the last two years, and they were happy to have the family and use the dad as a doctor."
Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome, is characterized by mental retardation of varying degrees. Those with the condition also can have other problems: Nearly half will have a heart defect, some serious enough to require surgery soon after birth.
Trig Palin, the 6-month-old son of U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, has Down syndrome, and she has pledged to shift billions of dollars to programs for children with special needs if she is elected.
Tolleson said that people with Down syndrome have a spectrum of abilities.
"Some need more support, some go on to graduate from college with a four-year degree, and most are somewhere in between," he said.
Of the Australian decision, he said, "I would seriously hope they would rethink their policy and rethink the benefits which a person would bring to the community, not the least of which is the dad."
Moeller made the same argument, noting that his qualifications were benefiting Australia at no cost to taxpayers.
"I am a specialist in internal medicine, and I am the only one here. This is a crucial service for the area," he told 3AW. "I'm a qualified, well-trained professional, and I came here without the Australian community having to pay anything for me to get this qualification."
Don McRae, director of clinical services at Wimmera Health Care Group, said the hospital had invested a lot of time and energy in recruiting Moeller.
"It's distressing for Dr. Moeller's family and distressing for the community who have welcomed him and relied on his medical services," he said.
Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, has no power to intervene in the case until after it is appealed to the Migration Review Tribunal or a court upholds the department's decision.
But Roxon, the health minister, said, "There is a valid reason for this doctor and his family to be eligible to stay here in Australia.
"As a government, we understand the importance of having doctors working in our rural and regional communities, and we support them in many ways and continue to do this," she said.
Neighbors in Bad Driburg, about 130 miles from Cologne in western Germany, where the Moellers lived before emigrating, recalled the family's excitement at moving to Australia, which they had fallen in love with while on a vacation.
"They were fine people," said Caecilia Thormann, a former neighbor, adding that Lukas "was a friendly boy, a very friendly child."
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Australia's immigration department said it appreciates Moeller's contribution to the community but said it must follow the relevant laws in considering residency applications.
"If we did not have a health requirement, the costs to the community and health system would not be sustainable," the statement said.
SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- Thirteen-year-old Lukas Moeller has Down syndrome. His father is a doctor who came to Australia from Germany to help fill a shortage of physicians in rural communities.
But now Australia has rejected Dr. Bernhard Moeller's application for residency, saying Lukas does not meet the "health requirement" and would pose a burden on taxpayers for his medical care, education and other services.
The case has provoked an outcry in the rural region of southeastern Victoria state, where Moeller is the only internal medicine specialist for a community of 54,000 people. Residents rallied outside Moeller's practice this week, demanding that the decision be overturned, and hundreds of Internet and radio complaints from across the country bombarded media outlets Friday.
Moeller vowed to fight the immigration department ruling.
"We like to live here, we have settled in well, we are welcomed by the community here, and we don't want to give up just because the federal government doesn't welcome my son," he said Friday.
The doctor has powerful supporters. Victoria Premier John Brumby has pledged to support the family's appeal, and federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon said Friday that she would speak to the immigration minister about the case.
Moeller moved to Australia two years ago with his wife, Isabella, their daughter, Sarah, 21, and sons Lukas and Felix, 17, to help fill a critical need for doctors in rural areas. They settled in Horsham, a town of 20,000 about 100 miles northwest of Melbourne.
Moeller's temporary work visa is valid until 2010, but his application for permanent residence was rejected this week.
In its decision, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship cited Lukas' "existing medical condition," saying it was "likely to result in a significant and ongoing cost to the Australian community," according to a statement Thursday.
"This is not discrimination. A disability in itself is not grounds for failing the health requirement -- it is a question of the cost implications to the community," the statement said.
Moeller said immigration authorities did not take into account the family's ability to provide Lukas with the care he needs.
"They think he is a burden for the Australian community," Moeller told Melbourne radio station 3AW. "But we are absolutely able to support him, and I don't want him to rely on any government pension anyway. He's well looked after. And actually, he can contribute to the community here. He already is contributing to it."
Immigration officials "weren't even interested in what we have done and are able to do for him," the doctor added.
Moeller said Lukas attends a mainstream elementary school, where he has an aide, and receives speech therapy. The boy also plays soccer, cricket, golf and table tennis.
Cora Halder, head of the Down Syndrome InfoCenter in Germany, called the decision outlandish.
"The case with the Australian authorities is disappointing and unacceptable, especially because Australia has very advanced programs for people with Down syndrome, far more than in Germany," she said.
David Tolleson, executive director of the Atlanta, Georgia-based National Down Syndrome Congress, agreed.
"What is the cost implication to the community of a doctor shortage?" Tolleson asked. "I assume the son had the same costs for the last two years, and they were happy to have the family and use the dad as a doctor."
Down syndrome, caused by an extra chromosome, is characterized by mental retardation of varying degrees. Those with the condition also can have other problems: Nearly half will have a heart defect, some serious enough to require surgery soon after birth.
Trig Palin, the 6-month-old son of U.S. vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, has Down syndrome, and she has pledged to shift billions of dollars to programs for children with special needs if she is elected.
Tolleson said that people with Down syndrome have a spectrum of abilities.
"Some need more support, some go on to graduate from college with a four-year degree, and most are somewhere in between," he said.
Of the Australian decision, he said, "I would seriously hope they would rethink their policy and rethink the benefits which a person would bring to the community, not the least of which is the dad."
Moeller made the same argument, noting that his qualifications were benefiting Australia at no cost to taxpayers.
"I am a specialist in internal medicine, and I am the only one here. This is a crucial service for the area," he told 3AW. "I'm a qualified, well-trained professional, and I came here without the Australian community having to pay anything for me to get this qualification."
Don McRae, director of clinical services at Wimmera Health Care Group, said the hospital had invested a lot of time and energy in recruiting Moeller.
"It's distressing for Dr. Moeller's family and distressing for the community who have welcomed him and relied on his medical services," he said.
Australia's immigration minister, Chris Evans, has no power to intervene in the case until after it is appealed to the Migration Review Tribunal or a court upholds the department's decision.
But Roxon, the health minister, said, "There is a valid reason for this doctor and his family to be eligible to stay here in Australia.
"As a government, we understand the importance of having doctors working in our rural and regional communities, and we support them in many ways and continue to do this," she said.
Neighbors in Bad Driburg, about 130 miles from Cologne in western Germany, where the Moellers lived before emigrating, recalled the family's excitement at moving to Australia, which they had fallen in love with while on a vacation.
"They were fine people," said Caecilia Thormann, a former neighbor, adding that Lukas "was a friendly boy, a very friendly child."
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Australia's immigration department said it appreciates Moeller's contribution to the community but said it must follow the relevant laws in considering residency applications.
"If we did not have a health requirement, the costs to the community and health system would not be sustainable," the statement said.
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Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
???
Um hello? What are the cost implications to the community by taking the only doctor out of the community?
What about the cost implications to the Australian community at large by having morons with less brains than a down syndrome child in charge of Immigration?
Comment by Jason King
Sydney Table
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It's atrocious how immigration will come off as bumbling idiots to the rest of the world. Half the world already thinks we are all Crocodile Dundees riding kangaroos to work and now they can add to that that we hate sick kids and don't care about our rural residents. Charming really!
Comment by KC Hill
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Hind Sight
Benefitting the health cost to the community by kicking out a foreign-born doctor during a doctor shortage. That should do wonders for attracting desperately needed foreign doctors into the country.
Kick out the disabled, even if they're born here (Cornelia Rau). That really increases our international profile on human rights. And it'll show all those free loading foreigners not to mess with the Australians.
Should also help tourism and international trade, too.
I love watching the reality TV shows featuring immigration and customs. I marvel at the depths of stupidity, inhospitality, discrimination and unwarranted self-praise these people display to the world, convinced they are world leaders in their field.
Then they pat each other on the backs, and tell each other what a great job they are doing, and how they are so brave for making "tough decisions".
Without realising that the rest of the world are shaking their heads in disbelief.
Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
In fact, he should visit this guy, have a look at the work he does for the Australian community, and make him and his family Australian citizens on the spot. Dispense with the formalities, and piss off the necessity for this guy to even bother with Visas.
Next timeKevin Rudd is in Australia?
Comment by Damo
Immigration is the true bastion of red tape and blind stupidity.
If this was an isolated case it would be bad enough but unfortunately....
The only place that I am ashamed to call Australian is an Australian Immigration department.
Comment by Justicia
A Word From The Wise
Celebwise
It is discrimination, they can say it's not until they're blue in the face but it doesn't change anything. I think the only waste of resources here is the Australian Immigration Department themselves.
Comment by Someone
Evil Pleasures
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Let's Get Down To Business
Only since the One Nation offices shut down...
And yeah, when I see a German doctor, a specialist no less, I also automatically think 'how is this guy going to try and scam the system for some free money'... stupid government and their stupid, stupid laws.
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
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But what about the cases that are also unjust, but we don't hear about?
Comment by Janet Collins
Acceptable Etiquette
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Janet Collins Blog
As Cibby also said - what about the cases we don't hear about? There must be plenty of them.
Comment by Jason King
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KC Hill - I just don't watch the immigration shows, or customs shows - seeing old Chinese ladies locked up for not cooperating or providing the correct info - stupid stupid embarrassing show! I also have to admit my ignorance in being unaware who Cornelia Rau was so looked her up and if anyone needs or wants to then go to this link. Really Long Link
Lady Henrietta - I am with you on Rudd doing something!! And LOL the next time he is in the country bit.
Damo - Nice one and thanks for the comments.
Justicia - could not agree more - hence the entire fiasco of it all. Leaves me numb with thinking about it.
Someone -
Cib - agreed there must be many cases we don't hear about and why we must jump on the ones we do and get the media attention behind it. Thanks for the comments.
Janet - agreed and thanks heaps for popping in and commenting.
Thanks people - let's hope this gets sorted out quick and gets and answer in the overseas media so we can look a little bit less ridiculous.
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
The good doctor applied for a visa with a specific clause that if there are people in his family who need on going care he would not get the visa.
This is no more than a bungle which will easily rectify itself. It got big because he was a GP, he is valued by his community and his son has downssyndrome which adds the much needed adorability element to any annoying news story.
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
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I think that sorry sack of shit is too busy blaming everything on the previous government and tyring to censor the net.
Comment by Cheryl J
Rhythmatism
Zentertainment
Budget Centsability
The sheer stupidity in this case especially is if their child needed medical care his parent can provide it and I assume they can pay for any ongoing care. Sometimes the bureaucracy of the Australian, or any government for that matter, is beyond ridiculous.
I was sitting in an overcrowded emergency department of a major hospital waiting with all of the other ill and injured people when a German couple brought in their tiny baby who very obviously had a severe flu and high fever. Instead of whisking the baby in which is what everyone there expected the nurses on the desk loudly proclaimed that they would have to pay $300 in cash because they had no Medicare card (they were tourists). I doubt they could care less about paying but their English was incredibly limited and they had difficulty understanding the broad Aussie accent. This went on and on for around 20 or so minutes while this poor baby was suffering and very very sick. I've never been quite so disgusted. They should have treated the baby and then figured it out. No wonder people overseas think we're a joke.
Comment by Morgan Bell
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nice . . .
thanks for bringing attention to this issue Jason - the insensitivity of some people continues to amaze me
Comment by Howard
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Comment by Damo
Comment by Jason King
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CJ - that is totally appalling about the child in the hospital! Utter disgrace. I thought stuff like that only happened in the US with their insurance issues.
Morgan - thanks - it just makes you wonder doesn't it!
Howard - totally!
Thanks people and have a great day!
Comment by Carolyn Cordon
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Food Leaf
Speaking of being burden on Australian society though, how about all those former Members of Parliament who get to travel around for free!