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THE plight of a doctor who works in Windsor and Pitt Town has united both Susan Templeman and Dominic Perrottet despite their political differences.
Fairfax Media has reported Dr Nasrin Haque’s 16-year-old daughter Sumaya Bhuiyan, who has autism, will be deported after health checks by the immigration department found Bhuiyan’s condition was likely to have a heavy burden on the Australian taxpayer.
Both Hawkesbury politicians have condemned the move, and have contacted Alex Hawke, the Assistant Immigration Minister, imploring him to intervene and stop this.
Bhuiyan has lived in Australia for eight years with her family, which is originally from Bangladesh.
The immigration department has given Dr Haque a deadline of today to book flights for her daughter to leave the country.
Mr Perrottet said he had urged the Minister to support Dr Haque’s case.
“I believe that Australia is a compassionate and caring country that values everyone for their contributions,” he said.
“I spoke with Hawkesbury doctor Nasrin Haque to learn more about her situation and what could be done. She told me she provides special care for her daughter and they should not be separated.”
Ms Templeman said despite Bhuiyan’s condition, her family clearly had the means to look after her.
“You have to wonder what kind of place we have become when you say only perfect people can be part of a family group in Australia,” she said.
“Irrespective of the outcome, this has been a really distressing situation.
“As someone involved on the outside, it has been heartbreaking hearing about the care Nasrin has given to the daughter and why it is so important for them to stay together.”
Dr Haque told Fairfax Media that she had done every thing in her power to be a good citizen.
"I still cannot believe how this could be happening. I cry every time I think she has to leave," Dr Haque said.
"My children have been doing well in school, they have a lot of friends. I'm working in two practices, I have a lot of patients … I have been doing everything I can, hoping to have a good result."