Australian Immigration Daily News

When it comes to migration agent CPD and attendance at online workshops, sometimes CPD providers are unable report CPD points to the OMARA due a migration agent's insufficient attendance.   

Remain in the activity for the duration of the activity

The policy is that migration agents must remain in each activity for the duration of that activity.  This means being in attendance from the start to the finish of the activity without logging out. 

If the activity is one hour then migration agents need to remain in the activity for one hour.   If the activity is two hours then the migration agent needs to remain in the activity for two hours.  There is no such thing as "being online for most of it" when it comes to the policy on attendance.

Part-points cannot be awarded

Agents cannot be awarded "part-points' for a CPD activity.  For example, if a migration agent stays in a 2 hour, 2 CPD workshop for 1 hour (50% of the time) that does not mean a migration agent is entitled to receive 1 CPD point for attending 50% of the workshop. 

Technology problems are not a valid excuse 

Migration agents must ensure that their technology is working. "Tech issues" are not considered an excuse for non-attendance, late attendance, or not being able to reconnect.    If migration agents are unsure about the reliability of their technology, then it is advised they ask their IT manager to be on standby before and during CPD events so that they can get online, and stay online without issues. 

Multiple agents watching from one device not acceptable for CPD point reporting

Attending online CPD events with multiple agents watching from one computer provides no evidence that each agent is actually in attendance at the workshop.  Each agent is required to interact in an online workshop. Attendance requirements cannot be met if each agent does not log on using their own device and interact in the workshop themselves.  A joint computer is not sufficient to meet attendance requirements.  Please use your own device, MARN and identifiers to attend CPD events online.  

Best practice

Get online, logged in and ready to go at least five minutes before the activity begins.  Stay online and participate until the very end.    

Author:  Liana Allan, Director of Legal Training Australia