Australian Immigration Daily News

Migration Alliance attended the morning and afternoon sessions of the Department of Immigration and Border Protection's Migration Programme 2014-2015 Consultation in Sydney yesterday.

The attendees for the morning session on behalf of Migration Alliance were Michael Jeremy and me. 

The attendees for the afternoon session on behalf of Migration Alliance were Jennifer Fong and me.

The welcomes for both sessions were made by Mr Kruno Kukoc, Global Manager for Refugee and Humanitarian Visas, Global Manager for Family Visas and State Director of NSW.

The Hon Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Scott Morrison MP was in attendance at the morning session, Skilled Migration, and presented to the group at around 10:10am.  Mr Morrison spoke with the group as follows:

'My colleague, Minister Cash has attended similar meetings in Perth and Adelaide.   Australia is arguably the most successful immigration nation in the world today.  The government is positive about skilled migration as it creates jobs for Australians.  Necessary safeguards for our immigration programme are important.  The nature of movement of people from temporary to permament visas means that temporary mirgation is becoming a precurser to permanent migration.  By decision or circumstance it matters very little.  Frankly there is no better way to pre-qualify a person for Australian residency than to see that person's commitment prior to making an application for a permanent visa.

Australia needs to manage risk, whether it is parcels or people coming into the country.  The primary objectives prior to the grant of a visa involve the management of that risk.  The 'onshoring' of the visa programme has led to improvements in integrity.

We must deal with the shortcomings, put in necessary safeguards and re-inforce those parts that are working.  Integrity [.....]delivers to Austalia's prosperity'

Permanent uplift of people from one place to another in one step does not usually happen any more.'

Minister Scott Morrison went on to say:

'When people come to Australia, they can get a job, learn the language and integrate.  Today is a technical discussion not a political forum. 

Permanent entry cannot be planned without looking at the temporary scheme.'

Minister Morrison fielded questions from Jock Collins of the University of Technology in relation to 457s and international students.  Jock was also interested to learn which part of the migration programme was 'going to the bush'.  Minister Morrison outlined that the Regional Migration Agreements would be an important factor and confirmed that 'regional movement is important to us'.

Consult Australia (Engineers) put forward that business associations were concerned whether the 457 programme would be flexible enough to respond to business needs'.

Minister Morrison went on to say that the Immigration and Border Protection portfolio is essentially a 'Law Enforcement Portfolio'.

Minister Morrison emphasised that 'stablity and certainty in decision making are important'  Minister Morrison then outlined that 'Minister Cash is responsible for Visa Services and Delivery, Systems, Fees and Resources within the portfolio.'  Morrison confirmed that his role was in 'the policy environment'.

Katie Malyon, representing the Law Council suggested that South Australia and Tasmania accept $2-3 million instead of $5 million via the Significant Investor Visa Programme to increase population growth.

Minister Morrison responded that he was 'passionate in this area of immigration law and that he is still not satisfied with where it's at now.' 

He responded to Ms Malyon's suggestion to drop the investment amounts by saying that he is 'not a fan of dropping the amount for investment from $5 million and not interested in running a visa programme where visas are bought.'  Morrison confirmed that he is 'not looking for the $5 million. We are looking for the person and the intergenerational transfer of wealth.'  Morrison confirmed that the government 'is flexible about the primary SIV applicant in Australia, that we want the kids to go to Australian schools and universities'.  Morrison stated that 'the SIV served a much bigger national purpose' and that there is a 'national element to this programme'.