Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution (CISSR) – Terms of Reference

The Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution (CISSR) is established as an independent advisory group to the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship to:

• provide independent advice to the minister on policies, processes, services and programs necessary to achieve the timely, fair and effective resolution of immigration status for people seeking migration outcomes in Australia. This includes people whose immigration status is unresolved residing either in the community or in any form of detention. In particular, the Council will provide advice on:
  • policies, services and programs designed to support the timely resolution of immigration status outcomes
  • the appropriateness and adequacy of services available to assist people whose immigration status is unresolved
  • detention matters including, but not limited to, the suitability of facilities, accommodation and service arrangements.

In addressing these issues, the CISSR will:

• develop a work program, agreed with by the minister, identifying priority issues to be addressed over the term of the Council's appointment
• respond to specific issues identified as a priority by the minister and provide advice accordingly
• liaise with relevant non-government and intergovernmental organisations statutory bodies and detention service providers on a regular basis
• regularly visit the range of detention facilities in operation to obtain information on the suitability, environment and operation of each facility
• contribute to and provide advice about areas of research, that would aid in the improvement of policies, programs and services in areas directly related to the Council's terms of reference
  and
• provide reports on the activities of the council to the minister on a regular basis.