My interview of Mr Ronald Hartigan.

[Pete/London]

It sounds genuine in most respects. One problem I have is that he has 3 children from a previous marriage that he has lost contact with, why?

As a Father, I would never let that happen. Maybe he wants the kids with him to help with Benefit Claims, such as social housing etc.

[tiger31]

It sounds genuine in most respects. One problem I have is that he has 3 children from a previous marriage that he has lost contact with, why?

As a Father, I would never let that happen. Maybe he wants the kids with him to help with Benefit Claims, such as social housing etc.

Ok, from what I know, he lost touch with his kids after his divorce from his wife. The kids fell out with him for divorcing their mother - that is by most parts why they have lost contact. The daughter was delighted to have been contacted through facebook but not with the situation she has found him in in. The sons on the other hand have not tried to make contact for which they have their reasons. It,s not about benefits, it.s about giving the kids the best life he can before he dies because, if they are left in the Philippines, then they have no chance with very little family support - especially from the mother. Yes he has left it a bit late and has admitted he should have acted sooner to secure their passports and registration with the Aussie Government. Once they reach 18, they have an automatic right to live in Australia.

[tiger31]

On a side note, his ex wife in Aussie has been in touch and is concerned about his health. She has,nt bad-mouthed him - quite the opposite in fact. She said he was a good father and provider.