Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

The case of Dr Moeller and his family has publicly highlighted concerns that I had expressed and raised recently after having to intervene in a small number of similar cases involving children with a disability in families seeking permanent visas. Currently, all applicants for permanent visas must meet health requirements and any health or community care with significant cost implications can lead to the health requirement not being met and a visa refused. When assessing the health requirement, the cost is taken into account along with state related costs such as educational needs, accommodation and community care. But no assessment of the individual’s particular circumstances occurs. I have consulted with the Hon. Bill Shorten, the parliamentary secretary for FaHCSIA with responsibility for disability services, and he and I will ask the Joint Standing Committee on Migration to inquire into the treatment of disability in the context— (Time expired)