Omar ... "Australia has been bad luck for me..."

Omar Al Haddad, from Iraq, had significant cause for concern his life was threatened under the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein.

Leaving behind his practice as a Physiotherapist, family and friends in Baghdad, he escaped, searching for an opportunity of a safe and stable life. People smugglers took his money, assuring him he would be accepted in Australia.

They threw his documentation to “the bottom of the sea” before the boat was intercepted by Australian authorities.

Detained on Naru for two years Omar worked hard to make the most of his situation, using his physio skills in the hospital and assisting meal preparation for over 2000 people.

Omar was commended for his diligent assistance and wiling participation to help those detained on Naru by the Australian Government.

Finally gaining refugee status he moved to Brisbane and undertook a TAFE course, delivering Pizzas and driving a taxi.

However, he began falling over regularly and, with his medical training, realised something was wrong..

A diagnosis of spinal cerebella ataxia lead to 12 months treatment in PA Hospital.

Omar is unaware of any family history of the disability.

He believes his traumatic experiences and a chemical reaction to the phosphate on Naru where residents did not have footwear for many months may be a contributing factor to the continuing disability.

Omar was provided with a ground floor unit at Coorparoo, for which he remains very grateful.

He works limited hours at Mission Australia, packaging shampoo and giveaway products.

Omar desperately needs the support of his family.

His brother Baker, works in Germany in the computer industry, his sister, Huda, is a pathologist in Baghdad.

His parents have a medical practice.

Efforts to have the support of his local Griffith Electoral office have been unsuccessful.

Recent representations have not been acknowledged.

Senator Hogg’s office did make enquiries and advised Omar has a migration agent.

Omar seems unable to understand why his application, on compassionate grounds for a family reunion was rejected.

Senator Brett Mason’s office has given a commitment to raise Omar’s case with Opposition Immigration spokesman, George Brandis.

This week, Omar has 12 stitches after falling from a chair at his computer.

He spent two days in PA hospital as he has no family support to manage the wound and his condition.

Spending time in hospital and the lack of family support has Omar saying that “Australia has been bad luck for me.”

Issues …

1.     On compassionate grounds, Omar Al Haddad, as an Australian citizen, deserves the support of a family member.

2.     When the Labor Government introduces Pacific Island detention of desperate people seeking asylum they should commit to minimizing any possibility their health will suffer as a result of their experiences.

Background

My name is Phillip Young, I live at Mansfield.

I met Omar in 2007 while we were in Doctor Adel El Mesin’s waiting room

I have Omar’s verbal and written permission to tell his story, hoping it may help gain some assistance.

Due to Omar’s language, spinal condition and depression I have tried my best to ensure this is an brief, accurate representation of Omar’s experience.

Omar is grateful for all he has received from Australia but without the support of family, constantly feels distressed and overwhelmed.

I have found Omar to be a kind, generous and appreciative person.

He sold a car but after accepting a small deposit, the adult with a disability who purchased the car has not made any payment.

Omar refuses to feel bitter or take action to recover the debt, wishing the person well, even though they broke his trust.

He is currently trying to sell his car, in case he can visit his elderly parents.

I am aware Omar has had significant support from the Romero Centre but as their resources are limited, it highlights the need for Omar to have a family member supporting, protecting and helping him manage.