An email was received from an RMA today which sets the 'reality' tone:

"I am looking at MARA and its functions due to a client who has become somewhat of a nuisance. The complaint was dismissed by MARA.

The client since has posted several claims online, shifted his claim to another issue etc.

Focus on a Migration Alliance Member and Registered Migration Agent: Prakash Srinivasan

YML Migration Services provides expert visa and immigration advice. Immigration can bring new opportunities but often, the legal systems involved can be complicated and time-consuming. Let Prakash's business, YML Migration Services assist you.

YML Migration Services delivers affordable and convenient immigration solutions using advanced internet technologies designed to provide you with direct access to expert immigration advice and assistance at a fraction of the cost of using a traditional legal service.

YML Migration Services has proven successes in:

• ENS/RSMS Applications
• GSM Applications
• Student Visas
• State Sponsorships
• Partner Visas &
• MRT Appeals

Australia welcomes skilled professionals.  Apply for a PR and make the right choice...Leave the stress to YML. DO IT NOW

Visit www.yml.com.au

(MARN 0960121)

Please find today's response from the Office of the MARA regarding the monitoring of RMAs:

"Thank you for your email of 13 March 2015 to the Office of the Hon Michaelia Cash concerning monitoring activities being conducted by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).  I have been requested to reply on her behalf.

As you are aware, the OMARA undertakes monitoring as part of its consumer protection mandate and in its role as regulator of professional standards for registered migration agents. Monitoring the conduct of registered migration agents is one of the OMARA’s functions under S.316 of the Migration Act 1958 and S.317 provides the authority to do all things necessarily or conveniently done for, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.

Hugh Ford, Immigration Solicitor, kicks off as a CPD presenter in 2015 with his debut in Canberra on 10 April 2015.

Legal Training Australia has managed to secure Hugh Ford as one of their speaking talents and is very excited to have him on board as part of the team.  Hugh joins Christopher Levingston and Michael Jeremy as one of LTA's permanent  CPD speakers.   Mr Ford is currently planning to take trips to other cities across Australia to educate RMAs.

Hugh Ford attended Sydney Grammar. He then attended the Australian National University where he completed a degree in Arts/Law. He then completed a Graduate Diploma in Legal Studies and Public Law at the ANU. More recently, Mr Ford completed a Masters Degree in Law at the University of North Queensland.

Mr Ford also worked for 16 years in the Department of Immigration in the Litigation, Legal Policy and Privacy Area.

Mr Ford is a keen runner. He is also a DJ on the weekends as a hobby.

Ms Dora Chin Tan (pictured far left) is now the acting CEO of the Office of the MARA.

Please scroll down to the bottom of the DIBP's top structure chart to view her name and position:

http://www.immi.gov.au/About/Documents/portfolio-structure-chart-02032015.pdf