As a child of loving parents who now reside a continent away, my family's story is one shared by thousands of Australian residents. Growing up, my parents were my world, and moving to Australia was meant to be a new chapter, not a permanent separation. Yet, due to the restrictive and expensive parent and visitor visa system, it feels like the Australian Government has wedged a barrier between my family and millions of other migrant families.

Currently, the waiting time for a parent visa can exceed 30 years, with fees that can soar into tens of thousands of dollars. According to the Department of Home Affairs, the number of parent visa applications has increased dramatically, yet the disparity between applications and the number granted remains staggering. This unnecessarily burdensome system is not only financially crippling but also emotionally devastating for families who merely seek quality time with their loved ones. During 2022 alone, it's estimated that only a handful of the over 60,000 pending applications were actually approved.

The Australian Government proclaims its commitment to family values, yet the current visa regimes convey a contradictory message. When we migrate, it should be with the hope of enriching our lives and maintaining bonds with those we cherish. What we desperately need is a system that recognizes and supports the integral role of family in our society.

We propose several key changes:
1. Reduce waiting times for parent visas by allocating more resources and staff to process applications swiftly and fairly.
2. Introduce a more affordable, streamlined visa option for parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
3. Increase the quota for parent visas and establish a clear, transparent path to residency for parents.

These changes would not only align with Australia’s ethos of diversity and inclusion but also strengthen the social and cultural fabric of our cities and towns by allowing families to reunite and contribute meaningfully to society. Other nations, like Canada and the United Kingdom, have taken steps to improve their family reunification processes; Australia can and must follow suit, acknowledging the invaluable contribution of migrant communities.

Families thrive together, and it's time for Australia to lead with compassion and foresight. We urge the Minister for Immigration and each Member of Parliament to consider our petition and take decisive action for the thousands of families enduring prolonged separation.

Please sign this petition to advocate for a fair, inclusive, and family-friendly visa system in Australia.