UK couple facing deportation from Australia after woman's incurable diagnosis plead for intervention
Jessica Mathers and Rob O'Leary thought they were living the Australian dream – but in a case of bureaucracy gone mad, the English couple face being booted out of the country after she was diagnosed with an incurable disease.
Now they are appealing for immigration minister Tony Burke to green light their visa and allow them to stay in the country which has become their adopted home.
Their story is similar to so many others – they came from the UK in their 20s seeking sun, adventure, opportunity and everything that Australia has to offer.
They met at a backpackers hostel in 2017, fell in love and decided they wanted to make Australia their home.
In a cruel twist of fate, Jess was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.
She receives regular treatment and her condition has remained stable, allowing her to work and contribute positively to the community via charity work.
Her treatment doesn't cost the Australian taxpayers – because it's covered under Australia's reciprocal healthcare agreement with the UK.
However, it's being used as a reason to block their application for permanent residency because she failed to meet the health requirements.
All visa applicants must meet health requirements, in part to ensure that Australian citizens and permanent residents can access healthcare which is in short supply and to control how much we spend on health services.
Now it's up to the immigration minister to make a decision on whether they will be allowed to remain in the country.
'Jess and Rob are perfect examples of what Australia needs – a young couple who have a lot of potential, already have contributed to Australia in so many ways over the last eight years,' their lawyer Marial Lewis from Crossover Law Group told NewsWire.
The couple – surrounded by a throng of friends and supporters – on Monday afternoon appeared before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal where sought to overturn the immigration department's decision to block their visa.
They were told by Senior Member Kira Raif that their only option was to request a new health test from a second practitioner.
However, the tribunal heard that would do little given Jessica's diagnosis.
The next step is to now ask Mr Burke to use his powers to personally intervene in their case.
Support for their cause is evident by the fact that over 22,000 people have now signed a petition calling for them to be allowed to stay.
If they are booted out of the country, Australia will lose two business owners who have dreams of expanding and providing secure jobs for hardworking Aussies.
Rob is a skilled labourer and carpenter and has his own company – O'Leary Cranes and Construction.
Ironically, he wanted to expand and bring on employees. But because of his visa status, he couldn't get a loan from banks to cover a few month's worth of wages.
'We've been here 10 years and I've got dreams, I've got goals over here, goals that are only going to benefit the economy, what I want to do with my business,' Rob said.
'The reason I haven't been able to act on some of my ideas is because I haven't been able to speak to banks … That's actually hindered the Australian economy potentially. We have a vision of what we want to do and that will only benefit the country we live in.'
While Jessica is a whirlwind of energy. She works at a law firm, occasionally moonlights as a nanny, is a part-time DJ and a tireless campaigner for charity.
This Friday she's hosting a DJ night and fundraiser for World MS Day at Noir at Darlinghurst.
The couple are currently on bridging visas which are due to expire in approximately a month.
They now hope the minister can use his powers to allow them to stay in Australia.
She says the case is all about her love for Australia, and her and Rob's desire to make it their home.
'If (Mr Burke) gives us a visa, we will continue to contribute positively to the economy and we can offer so much more than we do now,' she said.
'I'm restricted because of my bridging visa – but I still jump from temp job to temp job, I DJ every weekend, I do all the charity work I do.
'But if I had a permanent visa, it would open so many more doors for me. There are so many businesses I've gone to that need permanent residency to work.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
3 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Best-selling Aussie skincare brand Bescher is offering 25 per cent off site-wide until this Sunday
There's a reason skincare fans are racing to restock their Bescher favourites, and right now, the cult-favourite Sea Cucumber Collagen Instant Lift Eye Serum is 25 per cent off until Sunday, 30 June. Normally $149, the lightweight yet powerful eye serum is down to just $111, and it's gaining attention for delivering what so many products only promise: actual results. Australian brand Bescher is the first skincare label in the world to use sustainably sourced topical Sea Cucumber Collagen, and it's a game-changer for anyone dealing with tired-looking, crepey, or sagging under-eyes. Unlike your typical marine or bovine collagen, which often sits on the surface or takes months to show results, Bescher's formula uses an enzymatic process to break down the collagen i nto ultra-small peptides. We're talking five times smaller than the standard, so they can absorb deeper into the skin and work where it actually matters. The serum has quickly developed a loyal fan base, with some shoppers calling it an ' instant eye lift in a bottle.' 'My eyes are a problem point for me,' one reviewer shared. 'I have always creased under and around my eyes, and this serum instantly improves the creasing. I definitely felt more confident after applying. I've used it for over a month now and have noticed it has longer-lasting results too. Which I'm super happy about.' Another said, ' Beautiful eye cream that softens the lines under my eyes. I have quite dark under-eye circles, and I haven't noticed much difference after a couple of months, but I'll definitely continue using this product as I like how it feels and the lift I see.' So, what's inside? Sea cucumber collagen is naturally rich in Type I collagen, marine peptides, ceramides, triterpene saponins, and GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), all of which work together to regenerate the skin, calm inflammation and support hydration and elasticity. These powerful ingredients make it a go-to for mature or sensitive skin, especially for those who haven't had luck with traditional products. The entire Bescher range is designed for results, with no fillers, no fragrance, and no unnecessary fluff. Just pure, traceable actives that your skin will actually absorb. And the results speak for themselves. With a return customer rate of over 85 per cent, well above the skincare industry average, it's clear people are coming back for more. Alongside the bestselling eye serum, Bescher is also offering 25 per cent off sitewide for a limited time. That includes the cult-favourite Day & Night Pack, which contains the Regeneration Serum and normally retails for $249, now marked down to $186. Spending more than $200? You'll get a free Regeneration Serum valued at $119. Spend over $300, and you'll also score a free Beauty Puffer Bag valued at $69.
9 News
4 hours ago
- 9 News
'Waste of money': Aussie influencers enlisted for anti-vaping campaign
Your web browser is no longer supported. To improve your experience update it here The federal government has launched an anti-vaping campaign using popular online influencers to educate young people on the dangers of nicotine addiction. Six high-profile Australians, including a singer, a two-time Paralympian, and a TikTok star, have been enlisted to clear up misinformation and change the narrative on vaping. Among them are Paralympic swimmer Col Pearse, TikTok star Veronia B, known online as Aunty Salma, Australian singer Cxloe and content creator Tedsthetics. The results of the research show why Australia's new vaping laws need to be strictly enforced, University of Sydney Associate Professor Becky Freeman says. (iStock) Research found these high-profile Australians are particularly popular with young people aged between 14 and 20, the federal government said in a statement. Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is the most common among young people aged between 18 and 24 in Australia, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The latest campaign comes after Cancer Council research found government education targeting vaping has contributed to it becoming less "socially acceptable". In one video shared by Veronica B in character as Aunty Salma, she pretended to be an older relative asking a family member why they vape. "What are the pros of vaping? Zero, minus one even," she said in the footage. "The risks of vaping… coughing, breathing problems, nicotine dependence, waste of money and it can affect your brain development." Veronica B AKA Aunty Salma shared a video on the negative impacts of vaping. (TikTok/@yourauntysalma) Two-time Paralympian Pearse shared a video with a more serious note, discussing how vaping can impact your performance as an athlete. He also urged young people to avoid being peer-pressured into trying vaping. "It can be hard to say no at first, but back yourself and your friends are there to help and support you along the journey," he said. "You might even help them say no, too." Paralympic swimmer Col Pearse said vaping impacts your performance as an athlete. (TikTok/@Col_Pearse) Each video asks viewers to download the federal government's My QuitBuddy app, which provides tips and information about staying smoke and vape-free. The Australian government said the influencers have already generated a combined eight million views and 650,000 likes during the first phase of the education campaign. "There is an enormous amount of misinformation and online advertising designed to lure teenagers into vaping," Health Minister Mark Butler said. "Together with the Albanese government's world-leading vaping reforms, education is a key step to stopping Big Tobacco companies from luring a new generation into nicotine dependency. "It's pretty clear that teenagers don't watch TV or listen to health ministers, much as I might like them to, which is why we've partnered with influencers that young people listen to: from comedians, to sport stars and gamers, and everyone in between." Australia smoking health government national CONTACT US
AU Financial Review
4 hours ago
- AU Financial Review
Trump's claims questioned; Two Iran pain trades; $3500 body scan craze
Want to get this in your inbox at lunchtime every weekday? Financial Review subscribers can sign up for The Brief newsletter here. Plus start your day with our Before the Bell newsletter and read a full wrap of the day's news in Market Wrap. In today's news, satellite images question Donald Trump's claim that Iran's atomic sites are destroyed, there are two surprising 'pain' trades from Iran, and rich Aussies are paying $3500 for body scans.
