15 August 2006

Migration Institute of Australia announces new CEO

The peak industry body for migration agents, The Migration Institute of Australia Ltd (the MIA), has appointed Bernie Waters as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Mr Waters will oversee the operations of the company’s professional division and the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

MIA National President Richard Glazbrook congratulated Mr Waters on his appointment and says he looks forward to working closely with him.

“Bernie has extensive experience in the migration field, having worked for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs for more than 20 years, including as an Assistant Secretary,” Mr Glazbrook said.

“Bernie will be a strong advocate for MIA members and the profession as a whole.”

“His senior experience dealing with government departments, their heads, ministers and their staff will allow him to assist the MIA in our vision of leading professionalism in the migration field.”

“The MIA board is confident he will work towards improved and streamlined services for all agents from both the professional and the regulatory divisions of the MIA,” Mr Glazbrook said.

Mr Waters said that he is excited about his new role and understands “first hand the valuable contribution Australia’s 3,200 registered migration agents make to visa applicants and to the Government departments and agencies who process those applications”.

Prior to leaving the department earlier this year, Mr Waters has had extensive experience working closely with a wide range of employers and industry bodies.

Mr Waters commences his role with the MIA on Monday 21 August, 2006.