A man who tried to light himself on fire outside Parliament House has spoken publicly for the first time.
After receiving psychiatric care at Canberra Hospital, Marat Aminov has explained how he wanted to make public his migrant parents decade-long struggle for permanent residency.
"I went to buy petrol because I wanted to, you know, to bring attention."
Flanked by his mother and father Samil - who slit his wrists while at the hospital - the 28-year-old says he did not know about the actions of a Labor MP who photographed his protest.
James Bidgood has been in the firing line today for taking the photo and for selling it to the media - despite intending for the money to go to charity.
Mr Aminov says the politician's actions are his own business - but despite their son's indifference family spokesperson Jamal Daoud from the Social Justice Network says his parents are appalled.
"It is not only insensitive, it’s a disgrace."
He says the family is yet to receive an apology, and the Prime Minister must also say sorry for the photograph - and for the family's long-term battle with the immigration Department.