NT: Disabled Pakistani girl would cost $750,000 Ruddock

AAP General News (Australia)
04-04-2001
NT: Disabled Pakistani girl would cost $750,000 Ruddock

Immigration Minister PHILIP RUDDOCK says the disabled daughter of a Pakistani man who
set himself alight outside parliament house will cost the health system $750,000 if she's
allowed into Australia.

Mr RUDDOCK says he has to make a decision over whether compelling circumstances warrant
the Australian taxpayer carrying the cost.

The minister has told ABC radio, the costs have been assessed at $750,000.

He says he's insisted in recent years that all cases involving $200,000 or more in
costs should be considered by him personally to assess whether the Australian community
should shoulder that burden.

SHUHARYAR KIYANI, 48, remains in a critical condition after dousing himself with petrol
and setting himself alight on Monday after years of attempting to bring his wife and three
daughters to Australia.

Mr KIYANI'S brother and sister met with Mr RUDDOCK yesterday offering to cover the
costs of caring for the disabled girl if he allows the family to be together.

AAP RTV rmg/alt/jn

KEYWORD: BURN (DARWIN)

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