Mornington family say they have been put in ‘impossible situation’ after son’s right to attend school is revoked
A MORNINGTON chef fears his family will be left in the lurch due to a dispute over his son’s schooling.
South East
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AN ITALIAN chef fears his family will be left in the lurch due to a visa dispute.
Alessandro Bombonati, who lives in Mornington and works at an Italian restaurant in Rosebud West, said his family had been placed in an impossible situation.
Mr Bombonati, wife Genni de Benedetto, and 14-year-old son, Paolo, have been on a series of visas — including temporary work visas — since arriving in Australia in 2012.
But after Mr Bombonati failed several mandatory English tests, the family was granted 12 month tourist visas with working rights.
The latest visas remove Paolo’s right to automatically attend secondary school.
Ms de Benedetto said she feared they would have to take their son back to Italy so he could continue studying.
Mr Bombonati said: “I’m very upset because of the situation. It makes no sense for my son not to study.”
Paolo, who wants to pursue a career in zoology or marine biology, said he was desperate to continue attending school.
Lawyer Joseph Italiano, who is assisting the family, said the uncertainty had been stressful.
Restaurant owner Michelle Loielo, who employs Mr Bombonati at Unica Cucina e Caffe, said he was a vital part of her business.
Ms Loielo said Mr Bombonati’s work was pivotal, particularly after her husband and head chef, Antonio, succumbed to cancer — leaving her to raise three young daughters and run the restaurant.
Dunkley federal Liberal MP Chris Crewther declined to comment because it was an ongoing visa matter.
In response to a query from the Leader, the Department of Home Affairs said it did not comment on individual cases.
“If a person wishes to remain in Australia beyond the validity of any current visa, it would be open to them to apply for a further visa,” the statement said.
“Individuals may also consider seeking advice from a registered migration agent if families do not want to complete and submit the application themselves.”
Government sources told the Leader that Mr Bombonati could apply for a different visa that would enable his son to continue studying.