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.