Thread by @HometoBilo

BREAKING: #HomeToBilo family unable to return to QLD despite new visas
Today @AlexHawkeMP used Migration Act powers to grant 12-month bridging visas to 3 members of the Biloela family. However Tharni has not been provided a visa. The family remains in “community detention". 1/

By continuing to withhold a bridging visa from Tharni, Mr Hawke is preventing the family from coming home to the QLD town of Biloela.
Last week, the Minister made an undertaking to the Federal Circuit Court to issue 3 month bridging visas to Priya and Nades and Kopika.
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We are “surprised” by the Minister’s decision to now grant 12-month visas to three of the four family members, while continuing to withhold a bridging visa for Tharni, which would allow the family to return to Biloela. 3/

Australian law gives Minister Hawke the power to bring this sorry saga to a close with the stroke of a pen, by issuing the same visa to four-year-old Tharni that he has granted to her mum, dad and sister.
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Just like her sister Kopika, Tharnicaa was born in Queensland, and that’s where she and her family belong.

Experienced migration lawyers tell us they have never heard of a child being denied the same visa granted to other family members in this way.
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There is simply no reason to deny Tharni a bridging visa other than to stop her family coming home to Biloela, where they are welcome, wanted and needed. #HomeToBilo 6/6