Latest news with #JessicaMathers
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Major update after British couple faced being deported from Australia over devastating diagnosis
A British couple who have spent nearly a decade in Australia have been granted permanent residency, avoiding deportation in a last-minute decision by the federal government. Rob O'Leary and Jessica Mathers, who met while working in Sydney in 2017, were concerned they might be forced to return to the UK due to visa issues linked to Jessica's medical condition. But on Thursday, they took to social media to share their visas were approved: 'We are proud to announce we are Australia's newest permanent residents!' 'This morning, we received the life-changing news we've been hoping for, our visa has been granted!' The couple's immigration struggle had started in 2020 after Ms Mathers was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). The condition is a chronic and degenerative disease which affects the central nervous system, disrupting the brain's ability to communicate with the body. Ms Mathers received treatment in Australia under the Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with the UK, which gives British citizens access to some Medicare services. When the couple applied for permanent residency, officials rejected the application and cited her MS diagnosis. The potential future cost of Ms Mathers' condition to the Australian economy formed the basis for the refusal. After they lost their appeal to overturn the decision in 2023, legal advice suggested the couple's case had little chance of success without direct ministerial involvement. The couple then decided to launch a public campaign to stay in Australia. Their story struck a chord with thousands of supporters, and a petition calling on the government to intervene attracted over 27,000 signatures. With their visas now secured, the pair have credited local Wentworth MP Allegra Spender for her advocacy behind the scenes. 'She shared that the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke, personally contacted her to confirm the decision!' they said on Facebook, thanking the politician for her support. The pair said the decision has finally allowed them to turn the page after nearly five years of uncertainty and fighting to remain in Australia. 'Rob has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years, and Jess for 8,' they said. 'We're so grateful that our contributions have been recognised, and that we can finally move forward with clarity and security.' The prolonged visa battle meant the couple had to put their life on pause as they faced the threat of being deported at any moment. 'There are so many things we've put on hold, just in case we had to leave,' they said. 'But now, with this door wide open, we feel more focused and excited than ever to build our future in the country we love.' They also shared that their families back in the UK were overjoyed by the news and are already planning visits to celebrate with them in person. Now on holiday to mark their eighth anniversary as a couple, Rob and Jess said they plan to host a special celebration with family and friends to mark the milestone. A spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs told Daily Mail Australia they do not comment on individual cases for privacy reasons. 'All non-citizens who wish to enter or remain in Australia must satisfy the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) and Migration Regulations 1994, including identity, health, security and character requirements,' they said.
News.com.au
11 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Life-changing': Sydney couple saved from medical deportation
A Sydney couple facing deportation because of a medical diagnosis have received an 11th-hour reprieve. Rob O'Leary and Jessica Mathers were on track to be sent back to Britain following Ms Mathers' multiple sclerosis diagnosis despite having arrived in Australia in 2017. However, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has allowed the couple to stay. 'We are proud to announce we are Australia's newest permanent residents!' the couple posted online Thursday. 'This morning, we received the life-changing news we've been hoping for – our visa has been granted!' 'There are so many things we've put on hold – just in case we had to leave. But now, with this door wide open, we feel more focused and excited than ever to build our future in the country we love.' Their families are already planning a celebratory visit. 'Here's to new beginnings, big dreams, and a bright future ahead.' The pair documented their situation via an online petition. They had applied for permanent residency; however, Ms Mathers was diagnosed with MS in Sydney in 2020. 'Our PR application was rejected based on perceived future healthcare costs due to Jessica's condition,' Mr O'Leary said. Ms Mathers was treated under the reciprocal healthcare scheme Australia shares with 11 countries, and MRIs showed her condition had not progressed since the diagnosis. 'Jessica built her life here well before her diagnosis,' Mr O'Leary said. 'To now be told she has to leave because of her condition feels discriminatory. It's as if all of her contributions are suddenly irrelevant because of a health condition that is being successfully managed.' Mr O'Leary owns a crane and carpentry business, and Ms Mathers works in marketing and has received recognition for her musical contributions to the Bondi creative scene. They unsuccessfully challenged their rejected permanent residency bid at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2023. The defeated tribunal appeal was then escalated to the Immigration Minister. 'We were over the moon to hear from our local MP, Allegra Spender, who has been incredibly supportive throughout our journey,' the couple posted on Thursday. 'She shared that the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke, personally contacted her to confirm the decision. 'This marks the end of a nearly four-year-long, emotional road – and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. 'Rob has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years, and Jess for eight. We're so grateful that our contributions have been recognised, and that we can finally move forward with clarity and security.'
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Life-changing': Couple saved from deportation
A Sydney couple facing deportation because of a medical diagnosis have received an 11th-hour reprieve. Rob O'Leary and Jessica Mathers were on track to be sent back to Britain following Ms Mathers' multiple sclerosis diagnosis despite having arrived in Australia in 2017. However, Immigration Minister Tony Burke has allowed the couple to stay. 'We are proud to announce we are Australia's newest permanent residents!' the couple posted online Thursday. 'This morning, we received the life-changing news we've been hoping for – our visa has been granted!' 'There are so many things we've put on hold – just in case we had to leave. But now, with this door wide open, we feel more focused and excited than ever to build our future in the country we love.' Their families are already planning a celebratory visit. 'Here's to new beginnings, big dreams, and a bright future ahead.' The pair documented their situation via an online petition. They had applied for permanent residency; however, Ms Mathers was diagnosed with MS in Sydney in 2020. 'Our PR application was rejected based on perceived future healthcare costs due to Jessica's condition,' Mr O'Leary said. Ms Mathers was treated under the reciprocal healthcare scheme Australia shares with 11 countries, and MRIs showed her condition had not progressed since the diagnosis. 'Jessica built her life here well before her diagnosis,' Mr O'Leary said. 'To now be told she has to leave because of her condition feels discriminatory. It's as if all of her contributions are suddenly irrelevant because of a health condition that is being successfully managed.' Mr O'Leary owns a crane and carpentry business, and Ms Mathers works in marketing and has received recognition for her musical contributions to the Bondi creative scene. They unsuccessfully challenged their rejected permanent residency bid at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2023. The defeated tribunal appeal was then escalated to the Immigration Minister. 'We were over the moon to hear from our local MP, Allegra Spender, who has been incredibly supportive throughout our journey,' the couple posted on Thursday. 'She shared that the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke, personally contacted her to confirm the decision. 'This marks the end of a nearly four-year-long, emotional road – and the beginning of an exciting new chapter. 'Rob has proudly called Australia home for nearly 10 years, and Jess for eight. We're so grateful that our contributions have been recognised, and that we can finally move forward with clarity and security.'
News.com.au
19-05-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
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.'
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Health
- Perth Now
Insane reason couple facing deportation
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. British couple Jessica Mathers and Robert O'Leary are facing being kicked out of Australian unless the immigration intervenes in their case. Supplied. Credit: Supplied 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. Immigration minister Tony Burke has the power to intervene in the case on compassionate grounds. NewsWire/Martin Ollman. Credit: News Corp Australia 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. Rob O'Leary. Credit: Supplied Jessica Mathers. Credit: Supplied 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.'
