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Immigration Daily News President of MIA in WA, Jacqui Ure notifies Migration Alliance about HorderAustralian Immigration Daily News
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President of MIA in WA, Jacqui Ure notifies Migration Alliance about Horder
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.
Copy of email below:
Hi from sunny Scotland. Tuesday saw the hottest September day on record - I was at an oil show under canvas with no air conditioning! Thought I may die of heat exhaustion. In Scotland!
I can see everyone's point of view here. I am receiving lots of emails with requests for information. I can't see the point of actually telling lies to any members. Better to have no or little comment and it would not be appropriate fir Queensland members to be misled with statements that we cannot support.
In addition, as soon as our financial results are released, members will be able to draw conclusions. So will the Migration Alliance. But in a couple of months it will all be forgotten if we do not fuel the fire.
I note we have retained access to Maurene so that we can request information as appropriate and restricted her contact with staff. I think we should also restrict her contact with members.
Kind regards
Jacqui Ure
Sent from Jacqui's iPad
Comments
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Tuesday, 10 September 2013A professional body, in its present status, should and must be managed by professional from the industry and not plucked from outside based on "favours owed". I fully support Mark's views. The CEO should have many years of experience IN the profession as a practitioner, will not become subservient to pressures from adversarial parties, fully conversant and in total empathy with the problems and needs of MARA agents and the clients they serve. It is a leadership role and not merely an administrative position involved mainly in fund raising.
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Wednesday, 11 September 2013
Message from the National President sent to members of MIA Tuesday, 10 September 2013 5:40 PM
Following the resignation of CEO Maurene Horder, which was announced to our members on 30th August 2013, the MIA would like to reassure its members that all operations and activities of the Institute are continuing as normal. The National Board, along with Acting CEO, Kevin Lane and the extremely hardworking and loyal staff, are working to ensure that our strategic planning best meets the needs of our members.
It is of concern that some members have received messages alleging that the MIA is in financial difficulty and that Ms Horder left under mysterious circumstances. The decision was a personal one, discussed and agreed upon between Ms Horder and the Board. The MIA again wishes to thank Ms Horder for almost five years of dedicated service.
With total assets (independently and fully audited as per ASIC requirements) of more than 3 million dollars (including the recently purchased new National Office), the value of which will increase over time and total equity of over 1.5 million dollars, the MIA is in a strong financial position. The relationships with our sponsors continues to be strong and ongoing.
The Migration Institute of Australia Limited is fully compliant with its legal and governance obligations and is fully accountable to its members.
The Board and staff of the MIA have been heartened by the good wishes which have flowed in recent days following Ms Horder’s resignation.
It is clear from the number of membership renewals, which are stronger than ever, that the manifold benefits of membership of the MIA are understood and appreciated by an increasing number of Registered Migration Agents.
The MIA CPD programs, in a variety of formats and with a large array of expert speakers, are constantly updated to meet RMA’s professional needs. Our very active professional support through the MIA Forum, the National Office and a network of very experienced and committed members is second to none.
The MIA is extremely active in representing members’ issues and concerns and is regularly invited by government departments, organisations and media for its authoritative opinion. In recent weeks the MIA was invited to give evidence before a NSW Government enquiry into the State’s skills needs, and has been invited to consultations for its views on Labour Market Testing. As National President I have spoken on behalf of RMAs at numerous national forums and events on migration matters during the past month.
Many members cite benefits such as our timely legislation and policy updates, along with the free travel insurance for members and their immediate family members, as being worthwhile and far more valuable than the cost of their annual membership renewal.
As a new Government is ushered in, the MIA continues to be the definitive voice representing Professional Registered Migration Agents in Australia and oversees and looks forward to working closely with the incoming Government and Minister in the best interests of its membership.
Angela Chan
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Immigration blog
This email certainly seems to raise more questions than it answers - hopefully some clarification will be coming soon. In times like this, openness and transparency must prevail - if there is to be an open and fair process for selecting a new MIA CEO, then let's see the rules published widely, let's give everyone a chance to put their hat in the ring should they choose to, and let's let some sunshine in on the process and conduct it openly and fairly. In my view the position should be open to ALL industry leaders who have the experience, time and resources and are inclined to give of themselves to help the industry. To the extent that this selection process is some sort of a back-room, closed door deal between "pre-selected" people based on politics, personal relationships/favours owed, or any of that kind of thing, only diminishes the process and the organisation. The stakes are simply too great for RMA's, and the issues too important (for instance, the upcoming mandatory IELTS for agents) for us as an industry to have anyone but the most motivated, qualifed, energised people possible at the helm of the organisations that represent our professional interests.