Australian Immigration Daily News

Australia’s largest and most representative business network, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has renewed its call to accelerate action through the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) to boost falling apprentice and trainee numbers, following the release of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) latest results today.

Apprentices and trainee commencements fell by 3.3 percent to 35,280 in the June quarter 2018, compared to the same quarter in 2017, according to the Apprentices and Trainees 2018 June quarter estimates.

Source: SAF-needs to Accelerate action.pdf

I believe that the Greens have got it wrong in opposing the Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents Bill) 2018 which would remove unnecessary restrictions on the migrant advisory profession. 

The Migration Amendment (Regulation of Migration Agents) Bill 2018, which was debated in the Senate earlier this week, would implement changes recommended by the 2014 independent review, the 'Kendall Review', of the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).

The bill would bring into law recommendations of the OMARA review that lawyers who hold practising certificates are removed from the regulatory system that governs migration agents.

Migration Alliance has recently teamed up with Facebook Group "Support Network for MARA Agents". 

This is a dedicated and purpose-built group just for Australian Registered Migration Agents.

This Facebook group is appealing because it is a closed group.  It has recruited the right people to administrate the posts, and it has clear guidelines about the type of conduct that is appropriate for members.   

Strong leadership of the group is provided by the Founder, RMA, Johanna Barnard.  

CONDITIONS OF DISTRIBUTION This is an uncorrected proof of evidence taken before the committee. It is made available under the condition that it is recognised as such.

The following persons have been witnesses:

BIGIRIMANA, Ms Melita, Assistant Director, Overseas Students Ombudsman Team, Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman

VETASSESS OFFICE CLOSURE

During the festive season, VETASSESS offices will close from Friday 21 December 2018 and will reopen, Wednesday 2 January 2019.

SUBMITTING NEW APPLICATIONS
Please note the revised time frames for submitting new applications prior to this period: