A group of crossbenchers in parliament – led by independent senator David Pocock and independent MP Allegra Spender – are now demanding Immigration Minister Andrew Giles expedite the process and provide a permanent pathway for people like Piume.
"A lot of these people have made a big contribution … a lot of them came as young seven, eight, nine or 10-year-olds, they see themselves as Australian," Spender told SBS News.
"I think it's time to get them out of the slow lane. Let's make decisions and let everybody get on with their lives."