12 March 2003
The Hon. Phillip Ruddock MP
Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Dear Minister
I write following representations from Holly Wei on behalf of Mr and Mrs Wang, an elderly couple who are facing deportation back to China today.
Ms Wei tells me Mr and Mrs Wang are Falun Gong practitioners, and had an application for refugee status refused. In error they failed to observe the 28 day limit in which they had to appeal the decision to the Refugee Review Tribunal.
As I am sure you are aware, Falun Gong practitioners can face severe hardship and persecution in Chian and the couple would appreciate any steps you can take to allow them more time to lodge their appeal or alternatively that you consider their case on humanitarian grounds.
Yours sincerely
Duncan Kerr MP
Federal Member for Denison
CC: Ms Wei
Posting date: 20/March/2003
Original article date: 12/March/2003
Category: Australian News
