The family of a woman with Down's syndrome are celebrating today after the Australian Government changed its mind and agreed to grant her a tourist visa so she can visit her father in Perth.

Prior to this morning, Australian officials had insisted that Ashleigh Callaway, 24, would have to undergo a thorough medical examination before they would even consider granting a visa.

But her mother Karen Tweedie heard today they have changed their mind - after Ashleigh's case was publicised on KentOnline.

She said: "It's very good news, and we're grateful for the help of KentOnline.

"However, the Australians have still not apologised - and we do wonder whether Ashleigh will have to go through the same hurdles again next time she wants to go there."

Mrs Tweedie is divorced from Ashleigh's father Darren Callaway.

Ashleigh, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Sittingbourne run by Symbol Family Support Services, is due to fly out on May 3 for a four-week visit.

Her family were indignant when she was instructed to undergo the medical exam. Mrs Tweedie said: "It's disgusting they thought that was okay. You or I wouldn't be asked to undergo a medical. This was only because she has Down's."

Ashleigh had suffered medical problems in the past as a result of her condition.

She's had a heart operation and has two metal rods in her back to correct a problem with sclerosis, but she is not currently needing any medical treatment.

"The Australians have still not apologised and we do wonder whether Ashleigh will have to go through the same hurdles again next time she wants to go there" - Karen Tweedie

Mrs Tweedie said: "If she does need any attention while she's out there, it's not as though she will be burden on Australia - she will have medical insurance."

The family has had repeated difficulties with the Australian authorities. They had hoped to move to Australia permanently and stayed there for 11 months on a 12-month visa in 2003.

But the Australian Government said they would not renew Ashleigh's visa, although Karen, her then husband and their other child were granted permission to stay.

Instead, Ashleigh and her mother returned to the UK.

Since then, Ashleigh's parents have both divorced and found new partners, but Ashleigh still likes to visit her father, brother, step-sister, uncle and 82-year-old grandfather who all live in Australia.

She has made several holiday trips in the past, but it has always been a struggle to obtain a visa.

Her case was supported by Carol Boys, chief executive of The Down's Association, who said: “We are delighted to hear that the requirement for Ashleigh to have a medical examination has been waived and her tourist visa has been granted.

"This is a human rights issue. Ashleigh was clearly being discriminated against because she has Down’s syndrome.

"People with Down’s syndrome should have the same opportunities as everyone else, in every area of life, including international travel."