Investigation finds DIAC failures

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Created on Thursday, 06 December 2012 16:14

Written by Editorial staff

The Department of Immigration and Citizenship has failed to be proactive and is perceived to be crisis prone.

That's the assessment of the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), which warned that the agency has only been marginally successful in creating protocols that reduce the possibility of future failures.

The report also found that the staff are proud of the fact they can weather the storm of a crisis but the review stipulated that they would not need to if they took the steps to mitigate those risks.

It also said that the DIAC has a reputation of being heavily laden in crises and is of great concern to the government.

The report read: "The review team encourages the department to embed a more analytical and sophisticated approach.

"In particular, the team suggests mobilising the intelligence of all 8,576 staff members in the risk scanning process, and providing more clarity throughout the department about when to inform, alert, or when appropriate, escalate risk-related decisions."

Acting DIAC secretary Martin Bowles told the ASPC that the department is trying to improve.

He mentioned: "While clearer guidance and escalation protocols are required for our decision-makers, we must also tackle the cultural issues that come from having operated in this manner for a number of years."

It comes as immigration minister Chris Bowen left Australia on Tuesday (November 4) for Papua New Guinea (PNG) for talks with the country's officials.

The discussions will be part of a ministerial delegation attending the Australia-PNG Ministerial Forum with the PNG prime minister and other members of his ministry.

Mr Bowen said that it's important the two countries sit down to discuss pressing issues for both nations, including immigration cooperation.

He went on to say that the commitment of both parties to annually meet and talk highlights their shared bond and historical ties between Australia and its closest neighbour.

The minister will also be visiting a processing facility on Manus Island while he is in the region.

He said: "Australia is committed to making these arrangements work through close cooperation with the PNG Government, Manus Province and key stakeholders there."

He added that his government was grateful to PNG for their continued cooperation regarding border protection and dealing with those who are trying to arrive on Australia's shores by boat, without immigration visas.