My child Tyrone has spent almost his entire life here, English is the only language he hears, yet now, at 9 years of age, the government are going to deport myself and my son to the Philippines because of his autism. I've worked for years, raising my son and studying to be a nurse. Yet all of it could be taken away because the government thinks that children with autism are going to be more of a cost to Australian society than a benefit - but that's just not true!
[...]I studied nursing at TAFE and then at uni and now I'm employed at Townsville Hospital - North Queensland. I've worked for a year as a Registered Nurse and just been promoted to a clinical position. All we want to do is stay in Australia and keep working: caring for patients at work and supporting my son at his play.I've applied for a visa to keep working here, now, they've told me it's been refused because of Tyrone. They're saying we are going to be forced to leave, and that I only have 21 days to try and submit an appeal. Tyrone is not a burden, he is a joy. He's non-verbal, but he still hears and still experiences the world. He is a happy child with full of life attitude and can lighten the mood of a room with his presence. He doesn't take any medication, and he attends a special school. The idea that he can't contribute because of his condition is just wrong.People with autism can be excellent at a whole range of things, he just need to be given a chance!
My son has no reliable relatives in the Philippines who would be capable of caring for him on a long term basis. Tyrone's personal security, human and child rights, and dignity are at stake if he is sent there.
Please sign and help me ask the Minister to let my son stay on compassionate grounds. The failure to recognise Tyrone's vulnerability is likely to result in harm and continuing hardship, not only to Tyrone but also to our Australian family unit.what the hell. is that even legal? what is up, Australia?
If a government feels that a person will be a burden on the health care system and/or taxpayers, then yes, this is a thing they can do. This has happened before, in Canada.
And all the cases I know of? The autistic kids were not white.