Petition to the Minister for Home Affairs: A compassionate review of our case considering the contributions we have made to the Australian economy for nearly a decade!

We are Rob O’Leary and Jessica Mathers, a hardworking British couple who met and fell in love in Sydney in 2017 and have made it our home ever since. We are skilled migrants, taxpayers, and contributors to Australian society. Yet, due to the outdated Migration Act 1994, we face the possibility of deportation from a place we call home. This is because Jessica was diagnosed with a health condition in 2020, and Australia has since decided they don't want to continue to cover her medical expenses under the Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement with the UK. An arrangement where Australians would receive the same in the UK. Since then, we’ve been left in a state of uncertainty, despite our continued contribution to the economy.

We have been living in limbo since 2023, awaiting our appeal before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) after our Permanent Residency application was rejected. This decision came despite Rob’s successful construction business, our many years of paying taxes, and Jessica’s proven track record of contributing to both the local economy and the arts community. Our appeal has since been rejected by the member and are relying on Ministerial Intervention. 

Our Contributions to Australia

Rob O'Leary: 

• Owner of O’Leary Cranes & Construction Pty, a successful and in-demand construction business focusing on carpentry and crane work.
• Has worked across Australia as a Carpenter and in the crane industry, contributing to Australian infrastructure projects and the booming construction economy.
• Faces challenges in expanding his business due to visa restrictions, which prevent him from working with banks.

Jessica Mathers: 

• A Marketing Professional, Digital Project Manager and DJ under the name "Jess Herself," nominated for Bondi Creative Woman of the Year in recognition of her contributions to the arts community.
• A passionate advocate for MS research and awareness, raising funds annually through the May 50k and participating in clinical trials to advance treatment.

"We’ve built our lives here—our friends have become our family, we’ve established and grown our careers and businesses, and we are deeply embedded in the community. We’ve contributed significantly in taxes and have been actively involved in supporting MS charities, raising awareness, and funding research. This is our home."

Why Our Residency Was Denied

Once eligible, we applied for Permanent Residency. This process took longer than expected due to visa legislation changes, occupation list updates, employer insolvencies, and, of course, the pandemic. Despite our dedication, our PR application was rejected based on perceived future healthcare costs due to Jessica’s condition, Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Jessica was diagnosed in Sydney in 2020. Thanks to regular treatment under the Reciprocal Health Care Arrangement, her condition remains stable with no progression shown in MRIs since diagnosis. MS is not what it used to be—advancements in treatments have transformed its management. Jessica is on Ocrevus, a highly effective therapy, and research into even better treatments and a cure is advancing rapidly. MS Australia alone has committed over $54 million to research this year.

“Jessica built her life here well before her diagnosis. To now be told she has to leave because of her condition feels discriminatory. It’s as if all of her contributions are suddenly irrelevant because of a health condition that is being successfully managed.”

The Impact of This Decision

• Uncertainty for years: We have been stuck in limbo, having appealed with the Administrative Appeals Tribunal in 2023, unable to plan for our future or make long-term career and business decisions.
• Career limitations: Jessica has struggled to secure stable employment, often working in temporary roles due to the uncertainty of our visa status.
• Business growth restrictions: Rob cannot secure financing or expand his business while on a bridging visa.
• Unrealistic alternatives: Sponsorship is not a viable option due to the requirement to apply offshore, which would mean giving up our home and belongings with no guarantee of return.

What We Are Asking For

We call on the Minister for Home Affairs to:

Intervene in our case so we can continue living, working, and contributing to Australia.

Ensure a fair, compassionate, and case-by-case assessment of visa applications, recognizing contributions rather than making decisions based on outdated assumptions about future health costs.

A System That Values Contribution Over Assumption

We respect that healthcare costs must be considered. However, the current system disproportionately punishes skilled migrants who actively contribute to Australian society. The system needs to recognise actual contributions over assumptions about future health costs.

“We’re not asking for special treatment—just fairness and a compassionate, case-by-case assessment.”

Our case is urgent, and we are running out of time. Please stand with us and help make Australia a country that values fairness, equality, and contribution above all else.

Sincerely,
Rob O’Leary and Jessica Mathers