Australian immigration consultants regulated by MARA

As of July 2009, the new Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) is responsible for regulating the migration advice profession in Australia. Up until then, and since 1998, the activity had been regulated by the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).

The decision to change bodies of regulation was announced in February 2009 by Senator Chris Evans, Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, after a review showed dissatisfaction amongst consumers, as well as potential conflicts of interest under the old arrangements.

With this newly created authority, the government hopes to provide migrants with appropriate protection and assurance.

“Unprofessional and unethical behaviour by migration agents can seriously impact on the lives of people using their services and bring the profession into disrepute,” commented the minister, adding that “it is important that the community has confidence in the professionalism and integrity of migration agents”.

The MARA is led by Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) senior executive Christine Sykes and supported by an advisory board that includes a representative of MIA, the Law Council of Australia (LCA), the community and a consumer advocate.

For more information, visit www.mara.com.au