Hope in chef drama

LUCIANO Gandolfo is the beloved Italian chef who fears deportation and wants only to become an Australian permanent resident.

His story, revealed in the Addy, has struck a chord with Geelong.

And now it may have struck a chord with important people in Canberra who have the ability to do something about his situation.

Luciano came to Australia on a 457 visa in his 40s with a hope and plan to stay for good.

Poor written English made him ineligible to apply for permanent residency and now he has turned 50 he is further ineligible because of his age.

He can only remain in his adopted community by reapplying every couple of years for temporary skilled work visas.

This puts him, his wife and daughter in a terrible state of uncertainty. If there were to be changes to the business he works for or his corporate sponsorship he would not have his visa and he and his family would be deported.

But as we are thrilled to report today the nation’s Citizenship Minister Alan Tudge and local MP Sarah Henderson have now taken an interest in Luciano’s case.

Mr Tudge has said he had sought further advice on the case and would look at the matter closely.

This is a refreshing approach in a world where politicians sometimes react to reports of imperfections in the system with defensiveness.

Luciano is a good man, an excellent chef and restaurateur and a well loved local.

He and his family are deserving of Mr Tudge’s personal intervention.

We hope the minister will urge the bureaucracy to find a solution — a creative one if necessary — to help Luciano have a secure and worry-free future as an adopted Australian.

The Government has made all the right moves since their case came to prominence.

A good man and his family stand in the balance.

We will keep reporting on this case and keep pushing to have Luciano’s wish to become an Aussie come true.