6:14pm 5 September 2014: Breaking news from DIBP: 

The disallowance motion in the Senate was scheduled for consideration on 2 September but Senator Hanson-Young has postponed it until 24 September.  The Parent and Other Family visas remain closed and it is not possible to make an application for these visas.  If the disallowance motion is successful then the visas will reopen from that date only. The disallowance motion in the House of Representatives on 15 July was defeated by the Government. 

Regards

“I encourage young people from across China and NSW to get involved in this exciting new initiative,” Mr Baird said.

“A new initiative will bring together 100 young innovators from China and match them with 100 bright young minds from Australia for a five-day innovation workshop as part of CAMP,” he said.

“This initiative reflects the essence behind the Vivid Ideas program, which promotes ideas, discussion and debate.“Successful applicants will be asked to work together to consider challenges common to both countries before being given an opportunity to pitch their ideas to compete for grants, venture capital, and consideration in the Premier’s Innovation Initiative" Mr Baird said.

Calls for expressions of interest from Chinese and Australian innovators aged 18 – 35 are now open at www.australiachina.org. Express interest today or share this email with those who might be keen to.

A new single visa will be in place for travellers to Australia and New Zealand for the 2015 Cricket World Cup. The event which is expected to involve14 countries playing a total of 50 matches which will just about be equally split between Australia and New Zealand will be held between 26 January and 5 April 2015.

Tourism bodies claim that have had to lobby for this arrangement and finally managed to get a deal where only eligible Australian visa holders are allowed automatic entry into New Zealand for a 3 month period.New Zealand visa holders do not have the same right. They will have to apply for an Australian visa using the usual channels.

Some key points of caution for current Australian visa holders is that if you hold an Australian visa that is not included in this arrangement you will need to apply separately for a New Zealand visa. See: New Zealand's entry requirements.

Another important consideration is that your Australian visa must, allow re-entry to Australia after your trip to New Zealand. Thus single-entry and some bridging visa holders must get relevant re-entry approval prior to departure from or re-entry into Australia.

Australian visa holders also should take note that while New Zealand will grant a visa for up to 3-months for the event, the visa will not have similar rights as their current Australian visa.

The tribunals have developed a series of videos to cater to the information needs of applicants and the general public.

            Video guides for applicants

The tribunals have developed a series of videos to cater to the information needs of our applicants and the general public. The videos may be a helpful resource for migration agents preparing clients for hearings and for explaining other aspects of the tribunals’ work. 

The signing of a reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement between Australia and Spain will give young people from both countries a unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy of each other's culture, Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, the Hon Scott Morrison and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Senator the Hon Michaelia Cash said in a media release.

The arrangement, signed at Parliament House yesterday, means young people from Australia and Spain will have the opportunity to experience short-term work and study arrangements in each other's country.

Minister Morrison said the agreement will facilitate cultural exchange between the two countries, both in terms of the once–in–a–lifetime experience for the individuals involved, and in terms of the insights they will bring back to their home countries.

'The reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement fosters people–to–people links between the two countries, bolstering our already close and positive relationship,' Minister Morrison said.

Minister Cash said the agreement will enable up to 500 young adults from Spain and 500 young adults from Australia to enjoy a holiday in each other's country, during which they may engage in short-term work and study.

'This agreement is a testament to the constructive relationship between Spain and Australia, to the benefit of young adults seeking a unique cultural experience,' Minister Cash said.