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Kiwi couple suing Queensland govt

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Mon, 23 Jan 2012 7:53a.m.

Ms Campbell is a full-time carer for her wheelchair-bound daughter

Ms Campbell is a full-time carer for her wheelchair-bound daughter

A New Zealand couple living in Australia is suing the Queensland government for allegedly discriminating against their disabled daughter.

Glenda and David Campbell have been repeatedly denied disability services for their daughter Hannah, 19, who suffers from severe cerebral palsy, because of her citizenship.

The family moved to Toowoomba from Rotorua in 2006.

Ms Campbell, who looks after her daughter full time, said she first tried to access disability services for Hannah in 2006.

They were initially told they would have to wait two years, but they were then told Hannah, who is wheelchair-bound, was ineligible for support.

The Campbells are now pursuing a lawsuit against the Queensland government for unlawful racial discrimination after failed mediation with a government department, the Dominion Post reports.

A 2001 Australian law change saw incoming New Zealanders reclassified as temporary residents, rather than permanent residents, cutting off their right to claim a number of social security benefits.

All Australians who intend to live in New Zealand for more than two years are entitled to claim the same social services as New Zealanders.

A Queensland government spokesman said it was committed to supporting parents and carers of family members who have a disability, but he would not comment on the Campbells' case.

Prime Minister John Key will be discussing issues surrounding the treatment of Kiwis living in Australia with Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a meeting this month.

NZN

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Comments

19 Apr 2012 02:21a.m.

bluey wrote:

I agree with it all - whilst sympathetic that their daughter has this disability, she is a Kiwi and we DO take care of our own. I feel that it is unreasonable to expect Ozzies to take care of us because even though we take care of them...alot of us don't want too!! At this point in the financial climate I am not a fan of taking care of anyone other than "actual" Kiwi's, we really can't afford to - Ozzie took all the jobs I get that but NZ is still our home and we need to start supporting each other. I don't blame Ozzies - do your thing - protect yourselves that's why you are keeping your heads above water - except for Queensland floods. Stop moaning, come home & bludge off us instead hahaha

29 Jan 2012 07:39p.m.

Mac wrote:

The couple knew what the status quo was when they arrived in Australia, and invoking the 'ANZAC' spirit as this woman has done is ridiculous. I would say that the laws in regard to New Zealanders benefits in Australia changed because there are so many NZ's here and we shouldn't be expected to support half the Pacific population, although I sometimes think that we are. This will not go down well in Australia if they win this.

24 Jan 2012 11:51a.m.

jan wrote:

Sad for the daughter. The race bit is pushing it. There seems to be two races in the world, white and others and if they are white then good luck persuing that. Question: why didn't they apply for citizenship?. Why don't they just move back and stuff Australia, its not that wonderful if they treat you like that. The first 3 comments are also spot on. But if they want to try then great, lets see what happens next.

24 Jan 2012 10:16a.m.

chris wrote:

They tried to access services when they first moved there in 2006-when they knew the existing laws-since when did it become the norm for parents to expect only perfect children & assume "other people" should carry some responsibility when misfortune happens-let alone another country, where they have not earned entitlements."For goodness sake, we're all Anzacs(???-separate tax paying / benefit funded countries!!) when it's all said and done" Mrs Campbell said."They were denied a carers allowance(why think they should be entitled to one?)and struggle to send Hannah to a day centre for two days a week". Hello? stop whinging and expecting something for nothing-come back to NZ or live by the Australian Rules!!!!!!!

23 Jan 2012 06:00p.m.

Craig wrote:

I'm sorry you moved to Australia and expected the tax payer to fund your daughters care ? That my fly in New Zealand but not here. That it can happen in New Zealand is more a reflection on soft laws then anything else.

23 Jan 2012 01:54p.m.

Linda wrote:

Perhaps they should move back, why should Australia support kiwis? We don't want to be ruled by them but we want all the perks. NZ should take a leaf out of Aussies book and stop supporting everyone who so much as sneezed in NZ

23 Jan 2012 09:57a.m.

Andrew Harris wrote:

The law change in 2001 was directed by the NZ Government. I suggest you question them first.