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Agents of concern: the names on the DIBP blacklist
I just received this link:
THIS LINK IS NOT HOSTED OR CREATED BY MIGRATION ALLIANCE. WE CANNOT TAKE THE LINK DOWN AS WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE SITE THE LIST IS HOSTED ON.
As predicted the list has now surfaced.
Try opening the link above and see whether your name is on it.
I am going to contact every person who's name is on it and ask them what they are going to do about it.
This is not some DIBP 'mistake'. This is the specific targeting of RMAs through their clients which is a complete outrage and disgrace.
Two of the agents of concern have already contacted me to get advice about a class action.
Comments
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Thursday, 21 August 2014Sam Issa is a hard working and honest family man. He introduced me to the Migration industry and I would not have my own practice now, if it weren't for him. He is a person of true integrity and it is disgusting his name is being tarnished like this. This is his 20th year of Registration and the only reason I can think of that they are concerned about him, is that he has a greater understanding of the laws/regulations than they do.
If MARA has never seen fit to refuse/cancel the listed agents, why are they on this list??? -
Thursday, 21 August 2014
thanks Anthony and all those fellow migration agents/solicitor who supported me. True if I or any other agents who are on the list have done anything wrong then we deserve to be sanctioned/or licence revoked, but to put on a list like this can only mean one thing, that we have a high volume of clients and know the laws/regulations too well.
I think the rest of you aspiring agents should try to get on this list asap.· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Tips- how to get on the list-
step 1- Know the laws/regs very well
Step 2- have a large volume of clients
Step 3- have a high success rate
These three easy steps can have you on the black list in no time at all.
If you need any further clarification/ advise please contact me or I can send you an easy to follow do it yourself manual.· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Sam agents all say that people on the list challenge the DIBP stupidity too often. To agents this means you are our hero. I wish I was on the list.
· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
I can vouch for Sam and most of the people on the list..but wait for it one of the DIBP victims (an RMA) got their Solicitor to write me a letter threatening me with legal proceedings. My reply said in effect, this is not my list, I didn't create it, if you want to sue somebody ..sue DIBP.
· Liana - Allan likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
Yes I got one of those nasty letters threatening to sue me too, because IMMIGRATIONews published the list after it came out in the public arena.
I agree with Chris, we didn't create the list, those who feel offended because they are on the list, take it up with the DIBP as to why they created it and why peoples names are on.
I know one thing for sure, IMMIGRATIONews and I'm sure Migration Alliance as well, are not going to threatened into silence or opologise to those on it.
The list is in the public domain and we reserve the right to create a debate over why its there and why are peoples names on it. What is the criteria for its creation by the DIBP?
As far as I am concerned those on the list are the hero's of the RMA's.
As you all know, I am jealous too, I want to be of concern. I want the DIBP to be very, very concerned about what I write about them as the Editor of IMMIGRATIONnews and about how I stand up for my clients as a RMA. I want DIBP case officers to feel week at the knees when I get them on the phone. I want the DIBP to feel stressed when they get one of my formal complaints. I want to keep the bastards honest.
The mere existence of this list means we need good RMA's to stand up to the DIBP more often like Liana and Chris. No list, No Bullshit, should be the motto of all RMA's.
For those people who are on the list, don't forget we are fighting on your side, not against you.· Liana - Allan likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
I have just been provided with a copy of the following message from the MIA.
"Message from MIA National President
Dear Members
Recently, there has been much media around alleged behaviour of some (named and unnamed) registered migration agents and officers of the immigration department. This has caused distress to some of our members. The Migration Institute of Australia is greatly concerned about the way this information has been published as it has the potential to damage the reputations of our members. This is not an appropriate way to deal with important issues around standards of professional conduct and provides no opportunity for rebuttal or defence that ensures accountability and fairness. The Migration Institute of Australia will not be republishing this information or any related links to it.
There have also been media reports about “Blacklists” issued by the immigration department to which the Migration Institute of Australia has responded (see here; here; and here for examples).
I have been in discussions with the immigration department on this matter and they have assured me that the only list which now exists is one which contains the names of those agents who have current OMARA sanctions on the register or are deceased. They will also be undertaking an audit of their systems, twice a year, to ensure that this list is restricted to this information only.
The Migration Institute of Australia will continue its active dialogue with the relevant government departments and agencies to seek a resolution of this matter in a way which ensures fairness and equity for all our members. If any members have concerns about this matter, please contact Kevin Lane, MIA Chief Operating Officer or Bronwyn Markey, MIA Professional Support Manager, for a confidential discussion.
Best wishes
Angela Chan, FMIA
National President"
I fully support Angela in these general comments. However, nothwithstanding her discussions and active dialogue with DIBP. I think, it is fair to say that DIBP "assurances" are not something to be taken at face value. The FOI requests and my observations concerning what those documents disclose suggest that DIBP assurances should be taken with a grain of salt.
http://migrationalliance.com.au/immigration-daily-news/entry/2014-08-dibp-safeguard-profiles-and-agents-of-interest-july-2014.html
As I understand it the MARA list was created in 2007 to 2009 when the MIA/MARA self regulation model was in place. It is that list, the "Agents of concern" list, that is creating all of the damage to our colleagues. The admission by DIBP that the current list "Agents of interest" does not appear to line up with the "assurance" of DIBP to the effect that it will only contain a reference to sanctioned agents, if that were the case I would assume that the title of this weeks list would be " Sanctioned Agents". My experience tells me that what DIBP says and then does are 2 different things.
If fairness and equity is in the mix, perhaps what DIBP should consider is writing to all RMAs who are on the list explaining why their name was recorded on it in the first place, how the list has impacted on their clients claims, why the RMA was denied natural justice and a sincere apology and perhaps some financial settlement for the injurious falsehood
I have written to my local Federal member Craig Laundy asking him to raise the matter directly with The Minister and to have the matter referred to a Senate standing committee so that we can get to the bottom of it. If you want to write to Craig Laundy and ask him to help here, is his email address: Craig.Laundy.MP@aph.gov.au
Craig Laundy supports the important work done by RMAs. He will raise this with the Minister and the ball will start rolling. Action is what is needed now, not active dialogue and assurances.
In the meantime, I have launched my FOI request and I received an acknowledgement of that request yesterday.
Finally, I note that Angela is a little quiet about who created the original list.
Perhaps there will be another "Message" soon.
I hope so. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
Not the same but: I called the general number recently. I had lodged a Partner Application on line and one of the links did not connect, no matter what I did. I could not see anywhere to call so I did as above and explained my problem. The lady asked if I was a RMA (I had announced that I was when she first answered) She asked for my number, I asked why, was she going to report me. She said yes as I was supposed to know these things. I told her to get fu%&^$ (Actually I only though it) and refused to give my number, so she hung up. I though this silliness had ceased.
· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
I am troubled about all the NASTY things being said against DIBP. They exist to help people and probably paid a tidy fee for a PR company to come up with PEOPLE OUR BUSINESS. So we should take that little ditty at face value and place our trust and devotion in them. After all our good Minister, Morrison, is a devote and practicing Christian!!! (Perhaps he needs to practice a little more)
· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
Karl,
As the recipient of the same letter from the Solicitors acting for that RMA, I guess your wish has come true. You are on the shit list of the RMA. Welcome! It is a bit like shooting the messenger isn't it?· Christopher Levingston likes this comment. -
Friday, 22 August 2014
Chris, shooting the messenger? Now where have I heard that before? Let me see.
Oh, must have been when I had the entire Victoria police out for blood, mine that is. Brings back fond memories of where freedom of speech triumphs over those who want information hidden from view.
If I recall it cost the Victoria government millions of dollars fighting me and after 10 years they gave up. What a complete waste of taxpayers money that was, all because they didn't like what the messenger had to say.
Hey but if some disgruntled RMA wants to take a shot at me instead of the DIBP, go ahead, make my day.
Hey I think that rhymes
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Friday, 22 August 2014
I have never been sanctioned , so why am I on the list.
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Friday, 22 August 2014
Hi Mr Morrison MP, I am a practicing Christian too, but I have not read anywhere in the Bible or heard a sermon where it says, if your a Minister you can trash people's lives and reputation at a whim.
You must adhere to a form of narcissistic/malevolent Christianity. -
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Just download the file, but there s only one page?
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Sunday, 24 August 2014
Would anyone advise what was the role of MIA/MARA in the creation of this list.. What was MIA's subsequent role when it was made aware of the existence of this practice of lisitng of the agents. I have no doubt my name would have been there for I have crossed sword with some MIA/MARA Board members during my 22 years of practice and I am still happily get clients.
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Monday, 25 August 2014
Christopher,
Just writing to request you and Liana to take off the link to the list from the MA blog. It is certainly giving negative publicity to those listed on the blacklist. I know that it it not created by MA but the presence of it on MAs blog is acting as fuel to the fire. It is out there on the internet but most did not know about it until it was published on MAs blog.
I have no doubt about your, Liana's or MAs intentions. I know that you are fighting for RMAs and have always acted in their best interest. However, if you think from the perspective of the RMAs who's names are on the list which is public, it will be perceived as defamatory. The RMA's know that this categorisation by DIBP is unfair but the clients do not understand it. It will reflect on the blacklisted RMAs credibility and RMAs on the list will loose business in the process.
Is it critical to keep the list on MAs blog? Is it so critical for MA to be a party in publicising the names to carry on with our fight against DIBPs unfair practice? Even if it does, why at the cost of the blacklisted RMAs.
It is just a request. Please give it a thought.
Immigration blog
Dear Guest,
Who are you? Did you put this list up?
You seems to be pretty 'involved' in something that is unlikely to impact on you.
Are you DIBP?
Are you an RMA?
MIA? CIA? DPP, ACCC? or maybe just a bystander "rubber necking" a car accident.
What is your interest?