Petition to the Hon. Tony Burke MP, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration

Australia has always prided itself on fairness, compassion, and giving families the opportunity to build stable and meaningful lives. Today, we ask the Minister for Immigration, the Hon. Tony Burke MP, to personally intervene in the case of Gomathy Sivasi and Raj Paramanandan, who face the devastating possibility of being removed from the country they now 

Gomathy and Raj are Malaysian Tamils who came to Australia in 2012 and 2013 (respectively) seeking safety for themselves and their family. At the time they left Malaysia, they feared for their safety and future due to the discrimination and insecurity they experienced there.

After arriving in Australia, they were placed in immigration detention for more than a year before eventually being released on bridging visas. Over the following years, they continued to comply with all immigration requirements while building their lives in Australia, working hard, contributing to the community, and raising their family here.

When their subsequent visa application was refused, they exercised their legal right to appeal the decision. That appeal process took approximately seven years to be assessed, leaving the family living in prolonged uncertainty despite having established deep roots in Australia.

The government’s current position is that Malaysia is now considered safe enough for the family to return to. However, for Gomathy, Raj, and their children, Australia has become their home after more than a decade of living, working, studying, and contributing to the community here.

Gomathy and Raj have built their lives in Australia and are valued members of their community. They work hard, contribute positively, and have formed strong ties through friendships, schools, and community involvement.  

Their family includes two children whose lives are deeply connected to Australia. Their child, Shamakh was born in Australia  and  is an Australian citizen, and their younger son, Lithin, was born in Australia , neither has known  another country as home. Removing this family from Australia, or forcing them to live apart, would have profound emotional and practical consequences for both children.

Many Australians are increasingly concerned that compassionate and humanitarian circumstances are no longer receiving sufficient consideration within the immigration system. While laws and policies are important, there must still be room for humanity, fairness, and common sense when families with strong community ties and children rooted in Australia are involved.

The family is currently pursuing all lawful avenues available to them, including an appeal process and an application for Ministerial Intervention. We respectfully ask Minister Tony Burke to consider the human impact of this case and allow this family to remain together in Australia where they have built their family life  with friends and community. 

This is more than an immigration matter -  it is about keeping a family together and ensuring compassion remains part of Australia’s values.

We call on Minister Tony Burke to:

Exercise Ministerial Intervention powers for Gomathy Sivasi and Raj Paramanandan
Allow this family to remain in Australia
Keep Shamakh and Lithin with their parents, schools, and community
Recognise the family’s contribution and strong ties to Australia
Ensure compassion and fairness remain part of Australia’s immigration system

Please sign this petition and stand with this family in asking for compassion, fairness, and the chance to remain together in Australia.

Many Thanks 

Jane