Palmer Progress Fact Sheet

Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs College of Immigration

This fact sheet is also available in PDF format.
See: College of Immigration (241KB PDF file)

The opening of the College of Immigration on 3 July 2006 marked the beginning of a systematic and rigorous new approach to training at DIMA, building on improved interim training that had been running since late 2005.

The college is part of a $57 million investment over five years to improve the quality and standard of training. The teaching methods at the college are flexible and involve a combination of e-learning, classroom teaching and on-the-job training.

The first intake of 20 compliance staff is undertaking intensive training involving 12 weeks of classroom work and three to six months of work in the field. Students are being taught the key aspects of being compliance officers but are also being encouraged to consider their role and the environment in which they operate.

In time, all staff will have the opportunity to study at the college but the initial focus will be on providing training in the key areas of compliance, investigations, detention management, intelligence and border security.

Evaluation of the college's training will be ongoing. A board, chaired by Mick Palmer and largely comprised of members from outside the department, has been established to scrutinise the curriculum and the performance of the college. The department is currently working towards a partnership with an external institution for delivery, accreditation and certification of training.

The next course, in detention management, will start in October 2006 with more classes to follow.

More information is available.
See: Palmer Progress Update: September 2006