12 October 2009

Australian immigration advisory council announced

The new Australian immigration advisory council, which will inform and advise the government, has been announced by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Senator Chris Evans.

The Council for Immigration Services and Status Resolution will provide independent advice on the implementation of measures associated with Australian immigration policy initiatives.

"The Government's focus is on resolving the immigration status of people quickly and fairly while ensuring they are treated humanely and with dignity and respect," Senator Evans said.

The council will meet for the first time on October 21 to identify priority issues to be addressed over the next two years.

The new council will also advise on the suitability of facilities and service delivery arrangements but its major focus will be on assisting the department with strategies to resolve a person's Australian immigration status in a community setting rather than in a detention centre provided they pose no risk to the community.

 

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 The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people emigrating to Australia and their Australia visa applications.