Australian Immigration Daily News

Following a strong email from Christopher Levingston this morning to MIA members asking them "what value are you getting from the MIA?", members of the MIA have started confirming that they will no longer be renewing their memberships with the MIA.   

This follows the sudden recent 'resignation' of Maurene Horder as CEO and conflicting messages from various persons responsible for the MIA.  I have tried to make contact with Maurene Horder via LinkedIn and will continue to try and find a way to contact her to find out what really happened.

Email messages have started streaming in to Migration Alliance today as MIA members become fed up.  Examples (minus the identifiers) are as follows:

I would like to let Migration Alliance members know there's at least one set of errors in the new visa pricing table at http://www.immi.gov.au/fees-charges/_pdf/visa-pricing-table.pdf

The contributory parent visa (143) is still listed as $2060 as the initial payment, and $42,220 as the second payment (refer to 19j in the table).

This hasn't changed from the original pricing, so I've cross checked the Sch1 release for 1st Sep and it should be $2370 and $48550.

We have notified DIAC of the errors. 

Dear Members

Migration Alliance is in receipt of an email from Jacqui Ure, MIA State President, Western Australia dated Fri, Sep 6, 2013 at 2:41 PM.

It looks like there is a connection between the current financial position of MIA and Maurene's departure.  The email infers that Maurene was pushed rather than volunteered to fall on her sword or simply "resign".  What is worrying is that the MIA seems to want to "restrict" Maurene's access to the staff and to members...... this all sounds very unhappy.  I hope she doesn't sue them for unfair dismissal.

Kevin Rudd has experienced an awkward moment singing the Australian National Anthem.  Note the underlined verse below (Verse 2).   When he sings 'for those who've come across the seas' does he think about PNG and Malaysia (no solution)? 

Verse 1
    Australians all let us rejoice,
    For we are young and free;
    We've golden soil and wealth for toil;
    Our home is girt by sea;
    Our land abounds in nature's gifts
    Of beauty rich and rare;
    In history's page, let every stage
    Advance Australia Fair.
    In joyful strains then let us sing,
    Advance Australia Fair.

Verse 2
    Beneath our radiant Southern Cross
    We'll toil with hearts and hands;
    To make this Commonwealth of ours
    Renowned of all the lands;
    For those who've come across the seas
    We've boundless plains to share;
    With courage let us all combine
    To Advance Australia Fair.
    In joyful strains then let us sing,
    Advance Australia Fair.

The Migration Alliance RMA conference has kicked off in Perth successfully today.  So far, key note speakers have been Bruno Delfante from the WA State Government who is speaking on State Sponsored Migration. 

Bupa are providing massages for Registered Migration Agents today at the conference to keep them all relaxed and happy during the event.  Below is a picture of the Bupa massage team.