I remain somewhat bitter about the process I endured to migrate to Australia.

This is despite it being nearly 30 years ago, and my ongoing gratitude for being allowed to live in this most amazing, peaceful country, having escaped my conflict-torn place of birth (Northern Ireland).

I first came to Australia in 1992 on a temporary visa, under which I was ‘allowed’ to do the worst job of my medical career: after-hours home visits in Brisbane.

Having fulfilled my tortuous visa work obligations, I travelled to Far North Queensland, ticking ‘diving the Great Barrier reef’ off my bucket list while falling in love with this amazing tropical paradise.