Haneef could be ready for work next month
News.com.au
Article from: AAP
August 22, 2007 01:20pm
FORMER terror suspect Dr Mohamed Haneef could be re-registered to work in Queensland as early as next month, state Health Minister Stephen Robertson said today.
The Federal Court yesterday quashed a decision by Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews to cancel Dr Haneef's work visa.
The Government is appealing the decision.
Mr Robertson, whose department sponsored Dr Haneef to work at the Gold Coast Hospital, said he would be happy to have the Indian-born doctor back.
“We've made it clear that we are prepared to accept Dr Haneef back if that is the outcome of the extraordinary processes that he's been put through by an increasingly incompetent federal minister,” Mr Robertson said.
Mr Robertson said he understood Dr Haneef could be re-registered in September.
Although, he said: “That would be a matter for the medical board to determine”.
Mr Andrews cancelled Dr Haneef's visa on the grounds the doctor had failed a character test because he had an association with alleged criminals – his second cousins, UK terror suspects Kafeel and Sabeel Ahmed.
Earlier today, Dr Haneef's family said he was prepared to go all the way to the High Court to get his Australian work visa back.
Imran Siddiqui, a cousin of Dr Haneef's wife, said the family realised yesterday's victory may be just a first step in a long legal battle.
“The family and Haneef are well prepared for further stages in that battle, if needed,” he said on ABC radio from Bangalore.
“We do have a very strong faith in the Australian judicial system and we are well prepared to go to the High Court as well.”
Mr Siddiqui said he hoped the minister would consider all the circumstances which have changed since he made his original decision, including the dropping of the charge against Dr Haneef, a former Gold Coast Hospital registrar.
He said it was very important for the family to win the case.
