Jeanie Bruce
Director, Employer Compliance Section
Telephone: 02 6198 7923
Email: Jeanie.Bruce@IMMI.gov.au
Fax: 02 6198 7919

Further information is available.
See: Notice of Legislation Changes > 19 August 2007

Annette Keenan
Director, Seaports Section
Telephone: 02 6198 7439
Email: Annette.Keenan@IMMI.gov.au
Fax: 02 6198 7436

Further information is available.
See: Notice of Legislation Changes > 1 July 2007

Anthea Matis
Director (a/g), Legislation B Section
Telephone: 02 6264 2724
Email: Anthea.Matis@immi.gov.au
Fax: 02 6264 1818

Further information is available.
See: Notice of Legislation Changes > 1 September 2007

Ben Meagher
Assistant Director, Working Holiday Section
Telephone: 02 6264 4570
Email: Benjamin.Meagher@IMMI.gov.au
Fax: 02 6264 1399

Further information is available.
See: Notice of Legislation Changes > 1 July 2008

On 17 August 2008, the Government announced it would provide for a pilot scheme to allow for non-citizens from selected countries to undertake seasonal work in Australia.

These amendments to the Regulations facilitate the lawful entry to, and stay in Australia for these seasonal workers under the migration legislation. The Australian Government will negotiate Memoranda of Understanding, which will outline the terms of participation in the pilot, with participating overseas governments. 

Visa applicants will need to be invited by an Australian organisation who will enter into a special program agreement with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

Robert Day
Director, Pacific Seasonal Labour Section
Telephone: (02) 6264 2940
Email: Robert.Day@IMMI.gov.au

Further information is available.
See: Notice of Legislation Changes > 19 September 2008

1. introduce sponsorship as a criterion for grant, or to make a valid application, for certain temporary skilled work visas;
2. amend and insert new regulations for the sponsorship approval process in relation to temporary skilled work visas;
3. insert sponsorship obligations which must be satisfied by sponsors of certain temporary skilled work visas; and
4. insert and amend other regulations for the sponsorship framework such as regulations relating to information sharing and barring and cancelling sponsors.

On 14 April 2008 the government announced the establishment of an independent integrity review process to be conducted by industrial relations expert Ms Barbara Deegan, following concerns raised about the Subclass 457 visa program.

The department is providing secretariat support to the Review.  Three issues papers were released as part of the Subclass 457 Integrity Review –and each sought submissions from interested parties on the issues raised: Issues Paper no. 1 - Minimum Salary Level and Labour Agreements. Issues Paper no. 2 – English language requirements and Occupational Health and Safety issues. Issues Paper no.3 – Integrity and Exploitation issues.

The Skilled Migration Consultative Panel has been established to provide advice to the Government on proposals aimed at improving Australia's temporary skilled (457 visa) migration program.

Membership of the consultative panel comprises representatives of the New South Wales, Victorian, Queensland and Western Australian state governments; Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Australian Industry Group; Business Council of Australia; Australian Council of Trade Unions and the Minerals Council of Australia.

The consultative panel will also examine how the temporary 457 visa program can best integrate with the employer and state-sponsored permanent skilled migration program.

• consider and provide advice to Government on matters referred regarding possible skilled migration policy changes
• consider and provide advice on issues referred by industrial relations expert Barbara Deegan, who is conducting a review of the integrity of the 457 visa program (see entry above)
• provide informed feedback on reform proposals based on a sound appreciation of the issues and the impacts these issues have on business, the Australian workforce and the broader community.