Friday, 7 March 2003

Media Release

35,000 REASONS TO CONDEMN THE HOWARD GOVERNMENT

Fairfield Councillor Thang Ngo said the new $35,000 per head charge for parents of migrants to come to Australia introduced this week will allow the rich to jump the queue.

Legislation passed parliament this week with the support of the Australian Democrats created an additional 4,000 places for parent migration for those who can afford to pay $25,000 health charge for a permanent visa and a further $10,000 security bond to cover social security costs.

Currently, there is a queue of some 22,400 parents with only 500 places allowed per year and this new visa class is meant to reduce the queue by allowing an additional 4,000 places a year.

But Cr Ngo argues, this legislation just creates a different barrier - "now you need $35,000 - which is virtually impossible for those from economically disadvantaged countries. For example, in Vietnam, the average annual income is $US 309 according to the World Bank" said Cr Ngo.

Cr Ngo accused the federal government ignoring feedback from community groups.

To their credit, the Department of Immigration has conducted public consultations.

"We raised these concerns with the Department and particularly the way the Department only recognised the cost burden of parents, particularly in health services, but not the benefits" said Cr Ngo.

For example, having a parent in Australia means money is not sent overseas to care for them, often the parent can look after grandchildren, freeing up the husband and wife to work and pay additional taxes he said.