PARRAMATTA federal MP Julie Owens has appealed for Toongabbie couple Lizel and Michael Antonio and their baby son Marx to be allowed to stay in Australia.
Mrs Antonio, 30, is appealing against a decision to deport her back to the Philippines, despite her seven years' residence, nursing qualifications and work in aged care.
``I've asked the Immigration Minister [Chris Evans] to prioritise Lizel's case,'' Ms Owens said. ``Lizel has been working as a nurse and her employer wants her back; she is a great asset to Australia.''
Ms Owens said MPs sometimes did things which made an enormous difference to people's lives.
``I'd like to make a difference to the Antonios, because they're a nice little family,'' she said.