Peter dutton...just a bigger grub than many..
An Australian veteran of the Afghan war has criticised Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton for intervening in a visa case to stop a French au pair from deportation after being lobbied by AFL boss Gil McLachlan.
Captain Jason Scanes has accused Mr Dutton of ignoring several requests for a sit down to discuss the possibility of granting a visa to an Afghan interpreter who worked alongside him during Australia's involvement in Afghanistan, and whose life is in danger from the Taliban.
“I am disgusted to think that the minister has seen it fit to personally become involved in (the au pair visa) issues.”
“I have requested meetings with (Mr Dutton) through my federal MP, I have travelled to Canberra on three occasions and presented at Parliament House and requested a meeting, I even sat outside his local electorate office in Brisbane for three days.
“Still he would not speak with me. I think that truly reflects the value and regard he has for our Defence Force and the many veterans across Australia.”
Captain Scanes has questioned why Afghan interpreters who assisted Australian troops during the Afghan conflict weren't given priority.
“I feel the majority of Australians would agree with me when I ask why the granting of visas to au pairs was seen as a high priority, requiring the minister’s intervention,” he said.
“The Afghan interpreters that wore the Australian Army uniform in Afghanistan, assisting troops and facilitating our government’s mission in the war on terror, are actively being hunted by the Taliban.
“Why are they not seen as a priority to process? Many have waited years to have their applications processed, only to be refused on the grounds of a character test. Many still have no answer.”