26 May 2009

DIAC releases Australian immigration plan

A three-year plan for Australian immigration officials has been released by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC).

The plan for Australian immigration officials now has a six-point strategy that focuses on management, protection and settlement programs for people emigrating to Australia.

"The DIAC Strategic Plan 2009-12 is a framework written for all people in the department," DIAC Secretary Andrew Metcalfe said.

"It will guide the work we all do in our nation-building role, serving as a reminder that the work the department does today will have ongoing economic and social benefits that will grow and develop over many years.

"The plan reinforces the importance of our DIAC values, ensuring that all staff act on these with colleagues, clients and stakeholders," Mr Metcalfe said.

The government is introducing these measures to ensure that DIAC maintains its integrity as a government department.  In June this year, the government will also be taking over the function of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) so that it can have more control in regulating the migration consultant industry.

---

The Australian Visa Bureau is an independent consulting company specialising in helping people with emigrating to Australia.