To the Honourable President and members of the Senate in Parliament assembled:

The petition of the undersigned shows the community's overwhelming support for positive action to be taken to allow the Zimbabwean family—the Watson Family and Pat Mansill—to gain residency in Australia.

We consider this family to be an integral part and an asset to our remote rural community in south west Queensland. John is a skilled farmer and works on a mixed farming operation owned by the Henwoods. The children, Thomas, Lorraine and Victoria attend the local primary school and their mother, Laura, is President of the Toobeah Kindergarten Association as well as a supply teacher to local State Schools.

Laura's mother, Pat, has lived with the family for more than nine years. Last year, she was diagnosed with cancer. She had treatment for this in London. After chemotherapy and radiation therapy, Pat is currently not on medication and only requires regular check-ups which she is prepared to have overseas.

Due to Pat failing the medical test associated with seeking residency the Watsons have been told they either have to abandon Pat, or leave Australia.

It is skilled immigrants like the Watson Family who are willing to live and work in remote areas that we most need in Australia. They are an educated, responsible and loving family unit and they have not been given the fair go that we, as Australians, would expect. We would like them to remain intact as a close-knit family unit and make their home here. We are sure that you will consider this appear sympathetically.

Your petitioners ask the Senate to use its discretion to allow this family to be granted permanent residency. The community looks forward to your response on this public appeal.