Dr. Bernhard Moeller moved with his family to Australia two years ago, in order to help solve the country’s shortage of doctors in rural areas. He found a home in the rural region of southeastern Victoria state, in the town of Horsham.

Immediately after arrival, Moeller became the only internal medicine specialist for a community of 54,000 people. The community got to know him, embraced him and his family, and became heavily dependent on his knowledge.

Moeller got a temporary residence permit until 2010. Earlier this year, he requested a permanent residence permit, because he and his wife enjoyed Australia and because the community needed them.

The request was denied, however. The reason: Dr. Moeller has a son with Down Syndrome. The federal government informed the family that the son did not meet the “health requirements.” As a result, the entire family will have to leave in 2010, and the community will be without a doctor.

The community is not accepting the way things have gone, however. Thousands of them raised their voice in anger, arguing that they need and want the Moellers to stay. Australian and international media jumped on the story, as did Virginia state politicians, all of whom have promised to talk to the federal government and immigration authorities in order to secure a permit for the family nonetheless.

In its decision, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship cited Lukas’ “existing medical condition,” saying it was “likely to result in a significant and ongoing cost to the Australian community,” according to a statement Thursday, as reported by CNN.

“This is not discrimination. A disability in itself is not grounds for failing the health requirement — it is a question of the cost implications to the community,” the statement said.

“They think he is a burden for the Australian community,” Moeller told Melbourne radio station 3AW. “But we are absolutely able to support him, and I don’t want him to rely on any government pension anyway. He’s well looked after. And actually, he can contribute to the community here. He already is contributing to it.”

He added that immigration officials “weren’t even interested in what we have done and are able to do for him.”

Moeller’s son Lukas attends a mainstream elementary school. He has an aide helping him out, receives speech therapy and plays soccer, cricket, golf and table tennis.

The Moellers come from Germany. The head of the Down Syndrome InfoCenter in Germany told CNN he considered the Australian decision “outlandish.”

“The case with the Australian authorities is disappointing and unacceptable, especially because Australia has very advanced programs for people with Down syndrome, far more than in Germany,” she said.

Another person working for a Down Syndrome organization, David Tolleson, executive director of the Atlanta, Georgia-based National Down Syndrome Congress added: “What is the cost implication to the community of a doctor shortage?” Tolleson asked. “I assume the son had the same costs for the last two years, and they were happy to have the family and use the dad as a doctor.”

It will be interesting to see whether reporters will ask Sarah Palin about this case. Her 6-month year old son, Trig, also has Down Syndrome. She, unlike 90% of the women in her situation, decided to give birth to him, and now often talks about helping families with Down Syndrome children, arguing that there is much the government can do to help these families out and to make such children “feel welcome.”

Whatever the case, the Australian government clearly does not welcome Lukas Moeller.