Australian Immigration Daily News

Brendan Darcy, the outgoing Convenor of Migration Alliance has asked me to post up this report:

At the Annual General Meeting of the Migration Alliance, I announced that I would not be forwarding my name as its convenor.

As of the first month of 2014, I will be taking up a senior role in the new Federal Government. It will be a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the policy and program development and implementation in the Social Services portfolio.  The position necessarily requires that I unwind my migration practice and my advocacy role on behalf of Migration Alliance.

I have enjoyed the privilege of convening the Migration Alliance since May 2013. My short but eventful tenure occurred during a great deal of change for Migration Agents.

Not least among changes were the change of government and some key legislative changes.  Migration Alliance ran a very vigorous campaign to oppose the then Government’s changes for 457 visas  - the single largest visa category. Despite the change of government, red tape affecting Australian businesses, education providers and families poses a serious challenge to the efficiency of our world-class visa system.

I do not believe Migration Agents are yet treated as the valued partners they should be with the Department. Nevertheless the profession is heading in the right direction.

The reversal of the English language testing for long-standing and highly reputable Migration Agents is a notable triumph for the professional, testimony to the Alliance’s effectiveness and a personal victory for Liana Allan whose vigilance in this matter was breathe-taking.

The Migration Alliance is now standing as the undisputed leader in advocating for meaningful reform to the migration law and practice. It has the ear of government and it should audibly whispering the positive and constructive solutions its seeks.

I am confident it will play this role into the New Year and beyond.

My specific gratitude goes to Christopher Levingston, Holly Byrne and Liana Allan.

Adieu. 

Brendan Darcy

Outgoing Convenor