ISOBEL COLEMAN
A Noosaville family is fighting to stay in Australia after the Department of Immigration deemed their son too expensive to keep.
Stephen and Sarah Grandison moved to Noosaville from the UK in February 2011 with their children Ben, 13, Tom, 12, and Katie 9. But despite the fact that Stephen works as a local GP, and the family is heavily involved with the local community, they now face losing it all. Son Tom has intellectual impairment and epilepsy and failed the health assessment component of the family’s permanent visa application. They are now in the process of appealing this decision. The Department of Immigration is questioning the potential cost of Tom’s future health, educational and social needs. “I understand that a government has to have a process in place that takes into account the potential impact of any applicant. The issue we have is with the magnitude of the estimated costs and the fact that these are potential costs only and based on a crude formula,” Stephen said. “We would argue that the actual government cost of caring for Tom is minimal because his care is currently and will continue to be provided by us as a family. We are in a fortunate position that we have the skills, experience and financial stability to be able to care for Tom ourselves with no need to access government support. “As a GP, I look after the sick and vulnerable in the community and regard the mark of a civilized society as being one that shows compassion and care to all. We do not anticipate being a burden on the government or community – in fact, we would argue the opposite.” Stephen works as a GP at Noosaville 7 Day Medical Centre and has established himself as a popular, invaluable and hard-working member of the team there. The family has embraced the Sunshine Coast lifestyle and are active members of the community, regularly taking part in swimming, tennis, karate, running and Nippers, or just simply enjoying a walk with Tom’s seizure response dog, Zeus. “I strongly believe that we as a family are currently and will continue to be an asset to this community. Outside of the work I do as a GP, I have raised thousands of dollars for local charity and volunteered time and skills to charity events,” Stephen said. “Sarah is an assistant age manager at Noosa SLSC Nippers, supporting a vital local community club and also volunteers her time teaching swimming for the disabled at Nambour Special School where Tom is a student.” The Grandisons are seeking the support of the community to appeal their current visa application. They have until March 30 to gain enough community backing to hopefully waive the health assessment decision. To support them please sign their petition on www.ipetitions.com/petition/support-the-grandison-family-for-their-permanent, or write them a letter of support to Stephen.Grandison@noosaville7day.com.au or thegrandisons@bigpond.com
