Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Earlier today, in a 90-second statement, the member for Corio alleged that this government and I, as immigration minister, had denied a short-term medical visa for Ayaan Mohamed:

… a young woman from Somaliland in Somalia who has a serious facial disfigurement because of a gunshot wound incurred as a child during the war in Somalia.

He went on to say:

Now, through Aussie generosity, facial reconstruction surgery in Australia has become a real possibility, with this surgery and the passage to Australia being offered to Ayaan free of charge by Brisbane's Wesley Hospital and the Rotary organisation. But Ayaan has been denied a short-term medical visa by the Abbott government …

He went on further, to say:

So, as it stands, Minister Morrison, this decision makes no sense. It appears profoundly unfair and it needs to be reconsidered.

He referred also to a report on The Project last night.

I can inform the House that that visa was indeed rejected. It was rejected in March 2013 by the previous government, by the member for Gorton. A further visa has been applied for more recently, in October. That visa has not been determined at this point. Madam Speaker, on indulgence, if I could just say this: if members—

Opposition members interjecting—

I have asked Madam Speaker's indulgence.

Mr Albanese interjecting—

I just wish to make a statement to the House.

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