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OVERVIEW:
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF 2009-10
In February 2009, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced changes to the arrangements for the regulation of migration agents.
This followed the 2007–08 Review of Statutory Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession (the review), which was released in December 2008. The review found consumer dissatisfaction and potential conflicts of interest with the Migration Institute of Australia Limited (MIA) operating the MARA function. A key finding was that the government should discontinue statutory self-regulation.
The Office of the MARA was established as an independent office attached to DIAC. It formally commenced operations on 1 July 2009. The Office of the MARA is headed by a CEO who reports directly to the Secretary of DIAC (the secretary).
Transition to the Office of the MARA
The Office of the MARA was fully operational on 1 July 2009 and the focus in the first months was to ensure continuity of its regulatory functions. Strategies were put in place to minimise disruption to consumers and registered migration agents.
This included ensuring that the database and communications channels were operational. A transitional Office of the MARA website was deployed to replace the previous MARA website, which was found to have significant security, privacy and accessibility issues. The transitional website was replaced on 21 December 2009 by an enhanced website which complies with government security standards, and has an increased amount of essential information for registered migration agents and consumers.
Some former MARA staff were employed on non-ongoing contracts and additional staff were seconded from DIAC. In the first weeks of operation, staff were provided with appropriate induction training.
