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Australia, August 18, 2009 – Following the establishment of the new Office of the MARA last July 1, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans, announced this week the appointment of an advisory board. The board is comprised of representatives form the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), the Law Council of Australia, community and consumer advocates.

The advisory board for the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) will be headed by former lawyer and secretary of the Attorney-General’s Department Robert Cornall. Joining him on the board are Jenni Mack of Choice Australia, Sonia Caton of Refugee and Migration Legal Services, Glenn Ferguson of Ferguson Cannon Lawyers, Robert Stirling Henry formerly of Stirnly Henry Migration Services, Andrew Holloway of Victoria University and former senator Jim McKiernan.

Christine Sykes, CEO of the Office of the MARA, and a representative from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will also be part of the advisory board. Other membership may be considered by the minister from time to time.

“I believe that Mr Cornall’s expertise and experience in both the public and legal sectors will be fundamental to the success of the board, which in turn will play a key role in the success of the new regulatory arrangements,” said Senator Evans of Cornall’s appointment.

The new Office of the MARA started operations to replace the system established in 1998, where MIA regulated the profession. It came after the recommendation of the 2007–08 Review of Statutory Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession. Studies found dissatisfaction among consumers and potential conflicts of interest in the past set up. “The new office will implement the relevant recommendations of the review, remove concerns about potential conflicts of interest and provide confidence in the regulation of the migration agent industry,” said the senator.

Source:
minister.immi.gov.au