YES! MINISTER
Government pledges to look into the case of Geelong’s beloved top Italian chef who fears being deported
AUSTRALIA’S Citizenship Minister is personally looking into the case of a much-loved Geelong chef amid fears he and his family could soon be deported.
Italian national Luciano Gandolfo, a 50-year-old chef at Geelong’s Centra restaurant, this week raised concerns his pathway to permanent residency had been cut off, forcing him to reapply for temporary skills-shortage visas indefinitely.
The popular family man’s story struck a chord with the community, leading to Federal Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge deciding to step in.
AUSTRALIA’S Citizenship Minister is personally looking into the case of a muchloved Geelong chef amid fears he and his family could soon be deported.
Italian national Luciano Gandolfo, a 50-year-old chef at Geelong’s Centra restaurant, this week raised concerns his pathway to permanent residency had been cut off, forcing him to reapply for temporary skillsshortage visas indefinitely.
The popular family man’s story struck a chord with the community, leading to Federal Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge deciding to step in.
“I am very sympathetic to Mr Gandolfo’s cause,” Mr Tudge said yesterday. “Through discussions with his local member, Sarah Henderson, I understand that he is a well-liked and respected individual who works hard and contributes to his community.
“I have sought further advice, and I will look at this matter closely.”
Mr Gandolfo said he was very thankful for Mr Tudge’s assistance.
“This is exactly what we want, someone who can look after our situation,” Mr Gandolfo said. “We want to stay here, we don’t want to go away. I’d love to build a future here with my daughter and my family.”
Mr Tudge’s comments came amid an influx of support for Mr Gandolfo, including backing from handyman Alan Bayne who met the chef when called to work on his house.
“I met him about a year ago, he’s one of the loveliest people I’ve ever met,” Mr Bayne said.
“He is the perfect case for immigration in this country, and they want to toss him out? He’s the loveliest, nicest person of all time.
“He’s here paying taxes, his wife works and pays taxes — why on earth would you get rid of a person like him and his little family.”
Mr Gandolfo moved to Australia on a 457 visa with wife Mary Ann Torres and daughter Catherine in 2010, before receiving visa sponsorship from Centra Geelong restaurant owner Cameron O’Keefe three years ago.
Mr Gandolfo’s dream has been to achieve permanent residency in Australia, but he said multiple applications had been knocked back because he failed to pass a challenging English test six times.
“I want to do all I can to stay here in Australia,” Mr Gandolfo said earlier this week.