‘There are a significant group of senior citizens living in my electorate of Moore, who are upstanding members of society, financially self-sufficient and active within the local community,’ he said.
‘However, they are not yet able to be registered on the electoral roll.
‘I am referring to the category 410 visa holders, who are seeking a path to permanent Australian residency after living in Australia for more than 10 years.’
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READ NOWMr Goodenough said, as of June 30 last year there were an estimated 5572 individuals on 410 visas and of those, 3323 were living onshore.
He said those visa applicants had to provide police clearances, undergo medical health checks, demonstrate financial self-sufficiency and maintain private health insurance cover.
‘In the main, they are self-funded retirees from Commonwealth countries who have not only met the criteria for the visa but have purchased a home,’ he said.
‘Active in the community, they volunteer countless hours with charitable and service organisations such as Lions, Rotary and the Returned Services League.
‘After a period of five to 10 years’ living in Australia these retirees become settled and establish social connections.’
The MP said they faced the anxiety of applying for visa extensions and the prospect of upheaval if it was not approved.
‘I make the case for merit-based migration ” applicants who can demonstrate that they are contributing to the domestic economy and are financially self-sufficient ought to be given favourable consideration,’ Mr Goodenough said.
‘From a government perspective, one of the major considerations is the potential cost to the taxpayer of future retirement benefits, health and aged-care costs.’
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