General News
22 September, 2021
Concerned son denied Italy trip
A LOCAL man has delivered an impassioned plea imploring the Australian Government to allow him to travel to Italy to visit and take care of his sick elderly parents who are both aged in their early 90s.
A LOCAL man has delivered an impassioned plea imploring the Australian Government to allow him to travel to Italy to visit and take care of his sick elderly parents who are both aged in their early 90s.
After three failed exemption application attempts Enrico Tallarico said he remains bewildered as to why he hasn’t been granted an exemption on compassionate grounds to leave the country as needed between August 30 to January 6, 2022 to fulfill his family obligations.
Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic only those with important and critical reasoning to travel abroad from Australia are having their submissions approved. Despite that and to Mr Tallarico’s best knowledge, he has met and supplied all required paperwork to be considered a suitable exemption candidate however the Australian Department of Home Affairs – for a third time – thinks otherwise.
“I have considered your request and, as an authorized decision maker, determined this travel is not exempt from the travel restrictions,” written correspondence from Department of Home Affairs advised Mr Tallarico on August 8.
“Your request has been assessed against all outward travel exemption categories, including but not limited to business travel, compassionate and compelling reasons and travelling for Australia’s national interest.
“If you are able to provide more information, or if circumstances change, please submit a new request.” Mr Tallarico, a dual Australian and Italian passport holder said he has more than a legitimate reason for wanting to secure the overseas exemption grant.
“As I say I need to visit Italy and stay a few months because my mum and my father who are both quite old need assistance,” Mr Tallarico explained.
“My father is very ill and needs assistance because he’s about to have surgery; I’m more than happy to comply with all of the required conditions including staying for a term of three months.
“I genuinely feel I’ve provided the required paperwork they need for me to visit them in Italy. It’s very frustrating and confusing that they feel otherwise.”
As Mr Tallarico continues to look at his options in a bid to make the dash across to Europe, it is understood another possibility for him could be to travel using his Italian passport to freely leave Australia.
