Immigration Minister Chris Evans has granted German doctor Bernhard Moeller and his family permanent residency.
Dr Moeller, a specialist physician, moved his family to Horsham, in Victoria’s west, two years ago to help fill a doctor shortage.
The Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) on Tuesday upheld the immigration department’s decision to deny Dr Moeller’s permanent visa application because his 13-year-old son has Down syndrome and was deemed a potential drain on the health system.
Dr Moeller’s case generated public outrage, putting pressure on Senator Evans to intervene in the case.
Senator Evans said he received Dr Moeller’s application for ministerial intervention on Wednesday morning and approved it several hours later.
“It was clear to me that Dr Moeller and his family are making a very valuable contribution to their local community,” Senator Evans told the Senate.
“Dr Moeller is providing a much needed service in the area, the family have integrated very well and they have substantial community support.”
Their continued presence in Australia will be beneficial to our society, he said.
“I’m pleased they have chosen to call Australia home,” he said.
Senator Evans expressed his regret at the stress the family had been subjected to throughout their application process.
14:26 AEST Wed Nov 26 2008
