In the media
Online lodgement pilot for Chinese
visitors
Minister Cash said that while the current trial was limited to low
risk cohorts to ensure programme integrity is maintained, the
Department is progressively extending online lodgement for visitor
(subclass 600) visas with the aim to extend to all nationalities by
the end of 2015 (18 December 2014). More...
Substantial penalty for underpayment of 457
worker
The substantial fine recently imposed against a Launceston
takeaway restaurant serves as a warning to employers that the
Government is actively pursuing businesses which deliberately
underpay foreign workers. The restaurant was fined $100,000 by a
Tasmanian court this week ($70,000 against the company and $15,000
against both owners) for underpaying its Chinese chef by $86,000
over four years (09 January 2015). More...
Unions slam short term mobility visa skilled worker
plan
The nation's peak union body has slammed a plan by the
Immigration Department to make it easier for skilled foreign
workers to come to Australia (07 January 2015).
More...
Growers, hostels, labour-hire contractors cautioned over
backpacker, seasonal worker entitlements
The Fair Work Ombudsman has issued a warning to growers, hostel
owners and labour hire contractors that it will not tolerate the
deliberate exploitation of backpackers and seasonal workers this
summer. The Agency has received fresh complaints about backpackers
being lured to regional centres by dodgy labour-hire operators (05
January 2015).
More...
Migration Institute urges Government to reconsider
dramatic Partner Visas fee increase
The Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), the professional
association for Registered Migration Agents (RMAs), is deeply
concerned about the 50% increase in the Visa Application Charges
for Partner visas, which is to take effect from 1 January 2015 (18
December 2014). More...
Law Council of Australia Submissions
5 January 2015: (2920).
More...
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