Tourist visa denied

With the honorable Australian Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs Mr Ruddock MP currently visiting Indonesia, I would like to pose a very simple question: Why?

My wife, an Indonesian citizen, recently applied for a tourist visa to accompany myself, an Australian citizen, on a short visit to Australia. The application was denied for health reasons, "suspected" tuberculosis, so she could not enter Australia until further tests were done, entailing a further wait of six months.

The policy of the Australian immigration department at present is that any Indonesian in a relationship with an Australian citizen must undergo medical tests before a visa can be issued. This is not a requirement for people who fall into the category of not being in a relationship with an Australian citizen. So, for these "other category" people an application can be lodged without the need for medical tests. This means an "other category" person could enter Australia with tuberculosis or any other disease.

It was suggested that this procedure was in place due to the likelihood that my wife, during her tourist visit to Australia, might apply for residency. If this were to happen would she not be required to submit other application forms to that effect? During that procedure one would assume the same medical tests would be a requirement.

I understand the concerns of the Australian government when it comes to health issues, and protecting Australians from certain health risks is very important. But why is there a stricter procedure for certain types of applicant and not others? Does this not constitute discrimination?

Mr. Ruddock, I would appreciate your comments, please!

FERAUD

Legian Kaja, Bali