An RMA recently was refused an agent contract with the James Cook University (JCU) primarily due to the RMA's ‘focus on the Indian market’. The Migration Alliance wrote to the JCU for an explanation but they have avoided answering some key questions. The Migration Alliance would like feedback from other RMAs on this matter in order to properly consider further action if needed.

"After discussion with the agent review panel we have decided not to offer [the agency] an agent contract. This is primarily due to your focus on the Indian market, a market we are not looking to expand upon."

These were the words used in a letter from the JCU to an RMA recently when refusing the RMA's application for an agent contract with the JCU.

To help clarify the issue, the Migration Alliance requested that JCU address the concern as to how such a stated policy is not discriminatory.

Trade specific information sessions – Perth

Skills Assessments International – the Perth based office of the Victoria University Consortium will be hosting free trade specific information sessions. The aim is to provide information and assist with any technical enquires directly related to a specific occupation and Australian training package that you may have. These sessions will be hosted by industry experts and assessors.

Dates                                                    Locations
26 February 2.00 – 4.00pm           Polytechnic West – Balga campus

Are you already working with Bupa? Register today

Why Health Insurance?

Health insurance in Australia is no just a good idea, often is a mandatory requirement for working and non-working visas, but the benefits of health insurance extend beyond the legal requirements of any visa and can offer peace of mind, choice and an affordable way to help look after migrant health.

•    Reduce the financial impact of the unexpected including cover for emergency ambulance and repatriation
•    Receive treatment in a timely manner
•    Choice of doctor and where you receive treatment
•    Ensure that keeping healthy with regular checkups is made more affordable with the option to choose extras cover to help pay for services such as dental, optical and physiotherapy.

Assistant Immigration Minister Michaelia Cash is set to announce an inquiry into the sc457 visa scheme,  with a pledge to ensure the integrity of the program while scrapping any unnecessary red tape that holds business back, reports the Australian.

According to DIBP statistics, the number of 457 visa applications lodged in the year to December 31 fell 37.9 per cent to 23,420 compared to the previous year. Analysts put it largely to the previous government’s election tactics which tightened rules in order to appease union complaints about the scheme, which allows employers to bring in temporary workers from overseas.

The Australian however reports, “Employers will gain a new chance to scale back Labor's controversial limits on skilled worker visas when the Abbott government moves today to reignite a political row over the 457 visa program.”

The government is expected to name an expert panel to investigate competing claims that the 457 visa program is beset by rorts that punish workers and rules that hobble employers.

The report states that leading the review will be Australian National University professor Peter McDonald, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry policy director Jenny Lambert, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu partner John Azarias and immigration lawyer Katie Malyon. The terms of reference to be issued today highlight the importance of the program to employers that experience skill shortages and the potential of the workers to boost the economy.

Arrogance, mismanagement and foreign policy faux pas have been pointed out by Bruce Haigh, writing in the Sydney Morning Herald, as reasons why the DIBP Minister should resign, “He appears to understand nothing and listens to no one,” adding “Bully is a gentle word for Mr Morrison.” Haigh however doesn’t suggest who should take over.

In a strongly worded piece, the often quoted political commentator and former diplomat, Bruce Haigh said, ““The Minister for Immigration, Scott Morrison, should resign. He is not a fit and proper person to be responsible for vulnerable lives.”

Listing a litany of complaints, which could arguably apply to past heads of such portfolios, Haigh first pointed to the recent riots at the Manus Island detention camp caused likely by tension and frustration which then led to anger, physical violence from asylum seekers, one death and 70 injuries.

On the relationship with our giant of a neighbour, Indonesia, Haigh states, “Without any help, Mr Morrison has taken the relationship with Indonesia to its lowest point since the mid-1980s. He appears to understand nothing and listens to no one…"