Immigration not kicking them out

Letter to the Editor - Times Victor Harbour
20 March 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

Your readers might like to know that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) has never directed Jean and Tony Hawkett (Still more hassles for the Hawketts, 6/03/08) to leave Australia.

The Hawketts’ decision to leave is theirs and theirs alone. The retirement visa allows the Hawketts to remain indefinitely in Australia by simply renewing their visa every four years.

When the Hawketts applied for their visa, there was no pathway to permanent residence.

There was never a guarantee of permanent residency as the Hawketts applied for, and were granted, a temporary visa.

Retirees can have a significant dependency on health and social services. It is for this reason that this type of visa requires clients to remain self-supporting, and reduce the likelihood of becoming a net cost to the Australian taxpayer.

That said, given their sizeable contribution to your community, it is regrettable the Hawketts have chosen to leave Australia. There is no reason they can’t stay for as long as they like, as long as they remain of good character.

We encourage the Hawketts to rethink their decision to leave as they have clearly become important members of the local community.

Sandi Logan
National Communications Manager,
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Telephone: (02) 6264 2244