For as long as I can remember MA has been agitating for the removal of the "overseas agent" as an authorised person on the form 956 along with a prohibition on non registered agents acting for applicants in matters before immigration.

Following representations made directly to the relevant Minister by Liana Allan for and on behalf of MA it looks like there is finally movement on this front.

Yesterday I received an email which states as follows: 

"In response to concerns raised by the migration advice industry, I wanted to update you on the  change we have made to Form 956A “Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient”.   

Form 956A “Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient” has now been amended to remove the reference to “Offshore Agent ID number” under Question 11.  This follows similar amendment to Form 956 “Advice by a registered migration agent/exempt person of providing immigration assistance” earlier this year. 

Please note this email has been sent to all registered migration agents"

I personally believe it is only a matter of time before Australia in its dealings with applicants will fall in line with the Canadians and the New Zealand Government that do not permit unregistered agents to purport to act for clients.

This is, at last, a genuine reform which will protect vulnerable consumers and is welcomed by the profession generally.

Thank you Liana for all of your hard work on behalf of MA and to all our colleagues who have been working very hard behind the scenes to staunch this festering wound.