DIBP admits that it has used an RMA secret list in the allocation of applications to case officers but makes no apology for the use and insists that it has been for the purpose of ‘triaging’ applications.

In a recent statement DIBP says that the “list was previously used within the temporary or provisional Partner visa caseload to help triage and streamline the allocation of applications to officers of appropriate seniority, depending on the complexity of the case.”

The statement suggests that right up to October 2013, applications for partner visas were allocated to case officers according to the list. According to the statement the list was ‘removed from use between August and October 2013’.

This contradicts a news report that quotes an email from the director of the department's Migration Agents Policy section in March to a concerned migration agent that said "Lists A and B go back nearly 10 years so it is unfortunate that this has been dragged out again as they are really old ...".

The statement contends that, “Triaging applications based on complexity did not impact on visa decision-making”.

Australian legislation explicitly defines who is permitted to provide advice on matters governed by Australian Migration Law.

The specific law governs ALL visas.

The transfer to and entry into Australia is only permitted by holding a valid visa.

6:14pm 5 September 2014: Breaking news from DIBP: 

The disallowance motion in the Senate was scheduled for consideration on 2 September but Senator Hanson-Young has postponed it until 24 September.  The Parent and Other Family visas remain closed and it is not possible to make an application for these visas.  If the disallowance motion is successful then the visas will reopen from that date only. The disallowance motion in the House of Representatives on 15 July was defeated by the Government. 

Regards

“I encourage young people from across China and NSW to get involved in this exciting new initiative,” Mr Baird said.

“A new initiative will bring together 100 young innovators from China and match them with 100 bright young minds from Australia for a five-day innovation workshop as part of CAMP,” he said.

“This initiative reflects the essence behind the Vivid Ideas program, which promotes ideas, discussion and debate.“Successful applicants will be asked to work together to consider challenges common to both countries before being given an opportunity to pitch their ideas to compete for grants, venture capital, and consideration in the Premier’s Innovation Initiative" Mr Baird said.

Calls for expressions of interest from Chinese and Australian innovators aged 18 – 35 are now open at www.australiachina.org. Express interest today or share this email with those who might be keen to.