PM calls for ‘compassion’, won’t confirm train tragedy mum will remain in Australia

The Prime Minister says has refused to say if a woman whose husband and child were killed in an horrific train accident will be granted a visa to remain in Australia.

But Anthony Albanese says he expects the tragic situation will be treated with “compassion”.

Poonam Runwal and husband Anand, 40, stepped out of a lift at Carlton train station in Sydney’s south last Sunday when the pram carrying their twin daughters rolled onto the tracks.

Anand and one of the two-year-old girls were killed.

Ms Runwal, who was hospitalised alongside her second child, are reportedly at risk of deportation as her husband was in the process of trying to renew his working visa.

Asked on Thursday whether Ms Runwal would be allowed to remain in Australia, Mr Albanese said it was a decision for the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles.

“But it’s my view that matters like this should be dealt with the compassion that Australians would expect,” Mr Albanese said.

 

“This mother has watched as her husband and one of her twin children has tragically lost their life and I would have thought that we’re a generous country and that Australians’ hearts will go out towards this woman and her young child.”

The Daily Mail reported earlier this week that Ms Runwal’s employer had offered her assistance and that her husband’s visa, to which her right to be in Australia was tied, had been due to expire on August 1.