My name is Dan Thi Tran, and I am the proud owner of Mekong Vietnamese Restaurant in Launceston, TAS. In two months, my children, Lam, Linh and Dat, and I are on the brink of losing our home, our business, and our place in a community we've come to love deeply.

We are seeking your urgent support to prevent the devastating consequences of a mistake made by our previous migration agent, who failed to properly inform us about our visa application process. We took our case to the Tribunal to raise the migration agent’s negligence. They empathised with our situation and referred the matter to the Minister, for which we are grateful.

Since 2018, Mekong Vietnamese Restaurant has been more than just a business to us; it's a testament to our dedication, and love for the Launceston community. The journey hasn't been easy. I lost my marriage in the process. I have poured my heart, soul, sweat and tears into growing this business. My children have also worked tirelessly to make our restaurant a much-loved establishment in the Launceston community. The locals say that nobody can make a pot of pho like I can. The restaurant is a real labour of love and we have won the Australian Good Food Guide Reader Choice Award 3 times in 2019, 2020 and again in 2023.

We've built relationships, supported local businesses, and provided employment opportunities for the youth in our community.

Despite the challenges we've faced, from personal hardships to the global pandemic, our commitment to serving quality Vietnamese food at affordable prices has never wavered. We've become an integral part of the Tasmanian community, receiving nomination support from the state government for our contributions to Tasmania's tourism, economy, and community. Our restaurant is more than just a place to eat; it's where we've built our lives, and forged deep connections, and lasting friendships.

The thought of being uprooted from our home in Launceston is unbearable. We have no prospects in Vietnam, and my children, especially my youngest, who has spent most of his life in Australia, would face cultural shock and displacement. We are not asking for sympathy but for fairness. We should not be penalised for a mistake we did not make.

Please help us urge Minister for Immigration, The Hon Andrew Giles, to intervene and grant our visa. We've built a life here in Australia, and with your help, we can continue to call it home.