Sri Lankan refugee Neil Para, who is walking more than 1000km from Ballarat to Marrickville, today stopped for a chat in Tahmoor with Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan.
To promote his petition calling for justice for all refugees who have lived in Australia for more than years, Para is walking to the Prime Minister’s electorate in the inner city.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with Neil and hear of his journey to get his family to Australia,’’ said Ms Hannan afterwards.
“I am saddened to hear of the limbo and delays that he has had to accept and has no option to change.’’
The petition is calling for the end of uncertainty for the 10,000 refugees who have applied for permanent residency.
Ms Hannan said it was heartbreaking hearing about Para’s 10 year old daughter Nive, who is also in limbo despite being born in Australia.
Nive has to wait until she turns 16 to share the same rights that other children have.
“I was also heartened to hear of the community of Ballarat, much like my own here in Wollondilly that hosted part of Neil’s journey,’’ Ms Hannan said.
“I have great hope that the Prime Minister will listen to Neil about his family’s journey and the need to end uncertainty for these refugees.’’
Neil Para presented the Wollondilly MP with his book, titled, Smiles for Masks – My Story – My Family’s story – Our Story – A plight without an end in sight.
Para will resume his journey to Marrickville from outside Tahmoor Subway at 8am tomorrow, September 7.
The petition is available for signing here: https://chng.it/NQphrJKpQs
