CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

Chairman

Real economic growth is often said to be driven by the three Ps: population, participation and productivity. Migration is a major contributor to each of these measures.

Australia is fortunate to have one of the world’s most successful migration programs, which is a key driver of population growth and the development of our skilled workforce.

As a consequence, an active and effective regulatory framework for migration agents — the main facilitators of the migration process — is an important feature of Australia’s migration system.

The advisory board

The advisory board met four times in 2010–11.

The advisory board provided strategic advice to the Chief Executive Officer to assist in the implementation of the Office of the MARA’s reform agenda.

In particular, the advisory board:

  • finalised its advice on English language requirements for repeat registration
  • offered its views on the reform of the framework for continuing professional development
  • had input into the development of new entry requirement competency standards
  • supported proposed strategies for improved handling of client monies
  • assisted in the development of an ethics framework
  • commenced consideration of different ways to deal with consumer redress for inadequate service
  • investigated migration agent regulation systems in countries similar to Australia
  • provided initial views on the changes to the migration agents Code of Conduct
  • continued overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the 2007–08 Review of Statutory Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession
  • monitored the Office of the MARA’s regular operational reports, including complaints statistics.

Minister

The advisory board appreciated the opportunity to meet with the minister, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, soon after his appointment as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship in place of Senator the Hon Chris Evans.

At the meeting, the advisory board advised the minister of its activities to that point and heard his views on issues concerning the professional regulation of migration agents.

Thanks

My term as chair of the advisory board came to an end on 30 June 2011.

Over the last two years, I am confident that the advisory board has assisted the Office of the MARA to establish itself as a credible and effective professional regulator by providing the CEO and her senior officers with sound strategic advice based on the broad experience of the individual advisory board members.

I thank each member of the advisory board for their contribution to the activities over the year, including Stirling Henry, who also completed his term at the end of the year.

 

Signature

Mr Robert Cornall AO
Chairman