Annual Report 2007–08 Annual Report 2007–08 © Commonwealth of Australia 2008

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney-General’s Department, Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, Canberra ACT 2600 or posted at www.ag.gov.au/cca.

Contact: National Communications Branch Department of Immigration and Citizenship PO Box 25 Belconnen ACT 2616

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.immi.gov.au

Annual report: www.immi.gov.au/about/reports/annual/2007-08

ISSN: 1835-1700

ISBN: 978-1-921446-83-2

How to use this report The Annual Report 2007–08 sets out to not only meet the parliamentary reporting requirements but also to meet the information needs of the community as a whole.

Overview The first section of the report, the overview, introduces the department and the year’s activities. It comprises a review by the secretary; a description of the portfolio, department and its responsibilities; and a summary of statistical information.

Report on performance The sections focusing on Outcome 1, Outcome 2 and their administered items provide a detailed report on the department’s core business and its performance in relation to targets set by the 2007–08 Portfolio Budget Statements and Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements.

Management and accountability The management and accountability section provides information about the department’s corporate governance, the management of staff and the department’s performance against its client service charter. This section also includes the department’s audited financial statements and appendices containing additional information. At the end of the report, there is a comprehensive alphabetical index, glossary of acronyms and a compliance index, which lists the reporting requirements and associated sections. For more information, visit the department’s website at www.immi.gov.au.

iv Annual Report 2007–08 Contents Overview 1 The year at a glance 2 The secretary’s review 4 Portfolio and departmental overview 16 Executive 18 Organisational structure 20 Outcome and output structure 22 Summary of financial performance 24 Outcome 1 27 Overview 28 Output 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 34 1.1.1 Economic migration 37 1.1.2 Family migration 42 1.1.3 Special eligibility 46 1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 47 1.1.5 Students 57 1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) 63 1.1.7 Temporary residents (non-economic) 70 1.1.8 Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status 71 Output 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 74 1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 78 1.2.2 Protection visas (onshore) 88 Output 1.3 Border security 91 1.3.1 Borders 97 1.3.2 Identity 102 Output 1.4 Compliance 109 1.4.1 Detection onshore 115 1.4.2 Status resolution 119 1.4.3 Removals 122 Output 1.5 Immigration detention 124 Output 1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management 132 Output 1.7 Safe Haven 134 Output 1.8 Systems for People 135

v Administered items—Outcome 1 139 Allowances for persons on temporary visas in the Humanitarian Program 140 Secretariat for Inter-Governmental Consultations on asylum, refugee and migration policies—membership contribution 141 Initiatives to address the situation of displaced persons and promote sustainable returns 143 International Organization for Migration—contribution 145 Joint Commonwealth–state research program for the payment to the Australian Population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program 147 Offshore management of asylum seekers 148 Payments to the Australian Red Cross Society for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme 150 Payments under section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 151 Refugee, humanitarian and assisted movements—passage and associated costs 152 Reintegration allowances 153 Management and care of irregular immigrants project in Indonesia 154 Safe Haven allowances 156 Special appropriation—statutory self-regulation of migration agents 157

Outcome 2 159 Overview 160 Output 2.1 Settlement services 165 2.1.1 Settlement planning and information delivery 166 2.1.2 Humanitarian settlement services 168 2.1.3 Support for community services 170 2.1.4 Adult Migrant English Program administration 171 2.1.5 Free translating and interpreting services 172 Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services 173 2.2.1 Document translating 174 2.2.2 Telephone interpreting 175 2.2.3 On-site interpreting 178 Output 2.3 Australian citizenship 179 2.3.1 Decisions on citizenship status 181 2.3.2 Promotion of the value of Australian citizenship 183 Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society 186 Output 2.5 Systems for People 190

vi Annual Report 2007–08 Administered items—Outcome 2 193 Adult Migrant English Program 194 Assistance for former child migrants 198 Grants for Living in Harmony 199 Grants for migrant community services 200 Multicultural affairs (grant to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia) 201 National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—community engagement 202 National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—state/territory government partnerships 203 National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters—contribution 205 Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009—contribution 206 Welfare of humanitarian minors without parents in Australia 207

Management and accountability 209 Governance 210 Reports by the Auditor-General 215 Client service excellence 217 External scrutiny 222 Managing people 227 Asset management 245 Purchasing 246 Consultants and consultancy services 247 Financial statements 253 Appendices 319 Appendix 1: Classifications and salary rates 320 Appendix 2: Freedom of Information 325 Appendix 3: Advertising and market research 327 Appendix 4: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance 329 Appendix 5: Discretionary grants 331 Appendix 6: Membership of non-statutory bodies 332 Appendix 7: Citizenship statistics 333 Appendix 8: Compliance with legal services directions 341 Appendix 9: Correction of material errors 342 Glossary 344 Compliance index 348 Index 352

vii Tables Table 1: Snapshot of activity in 2007–08 2 Table 2: Summary of financial performance 2007–08 25 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information 29 Table 4: Economic migration program outcome—Skill Stream 39 Table 5: Distribution of state-specific and regional migration 40 Table 6: Economic migration—performance information 41 Table 7: Economic migration—performance against the service standards 41 Table 8: Numbers admitted under the Family Stream by category 42 Table 9: Family migration—performance information 43 Table 10: Family migration—performance against service standards 45 Table 11: Numbers admitted through the Special Eligibility Stream by category 46 Table 12: Special eligibility—performance information 46 Table 13: Special eligibility—performance against service standards 46 Table 14: Visitors and working holiday visas—performance information 47 Table 15: Visitors and working holiday visas— performance against the service standards 48 Table 16: Visas granted to offshore applicants by categories 49 Table 17: Countries where highest number of offshore visitor visas granted 51 Table 18: Trends in visitor visa approval rates 51 Table 19: Countries with high eVisa take up rates 52 Table 20: Types of short stay business visitor visas granted in 2007–08 54 Table 21: Main source countries for short stay business visitor visa grants 54 Table 22: Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas granted to applicants by top countries 56 Table 23: Total student visa grants (onshore and offshore) 57 Table 24: Total student visas granted by citizenship for the top ten countries 2006–07 58 Table 25: Total student visas granted by citizenship for the top ten countries 2007–08 58 Table 26: Total student visas granted by subclass 59 Table 27: Student visas—performance information 59 Table 28: Number of people on student visas in Australia 60 Table 29: Number of students in Australia as at 30 June each year, 2006–08, by citizenship 61 Table 30: Offshore eVisa grants in Assessment Levels 2–4 trial countries 62 Table 31: Offshore eVisa percentage take-up rates for Assessment Levels 2–4 trial countries from 2005–06 to 2007–08 62

viii Annual Report 2007–08 Tables continued Table 32: Temporary residents (economic)—performance information 63 Table 33: Temporary residents (economic)— performance against the service standards 64 Table 34: Temporary skilled migration (subclass 457)—performance information 66 Table 35: Subclass 457 monitoring performance 67 Table 36: Subclass 457 visa grants endorsed by regional certifying bodies 67 Table 37: Permanent and provisional visa grants where the person last held a subclass 457 visa 68 Table 38: Temporary residents (non-economic)—performance information 70 Table 39: Temporary residents (non-economic)— performance against the service standards 70 Table 40: Number of Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status 72 Table 41: Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status—performance information 72 Table 42: Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status—performance against service standards 72 Table 43: Offshore Humanitarian Program—performance information 78 Table 44: Humanitarian Program visa groups 79 Table 45: Protection visas—performance information 89 Table 46: Protection visa grants 2007–08 89 Table 47: Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme activity 90 Table 48: Borders—performance information 97 Table 49: Entries and departures 99 Table 50: Identity—performance information 102 Table 51: Detection onshore—performance information 116 Table 52: Status resolution—performance information 121 Table 53: Removals—performance information 123 Table 54: Immigration detention—performance information 124 Table 55: Offshore asylum seeker management—performance information 132 Table 56: Systems for People—performance information 137 Table 57: Allowances for people on temporary Humanitarian Program visas— performance information 140

ix Tables continued Table 58: Contribution to the Secretariat for Inter-Governmental Consultations on asylum, refugee, and migration policies—performance information 142 Table 59: Initiatives to address the situation of displaced persons and promote sustainable returns—performance information 144 Table 60: International Organization for Migration—contribution— performance information 145 Table 61: Joint Commonwealth–state research program for the payment to the Australian population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program— performance information 147 Table 62: Offshore management of asylum seekers—performance information 149 Table 63: Payments to the Australian Red Cross for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme—performance information 150 Table 64: Payments under section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997—performance information 151 Table 65: Refugee, humanitarian and assisted movements—passage and associated costs—performance information 152 Table 66: Management and care of irregular immigrants project in Indonesia— performance information 155 Table 67: Outcome 2—performance information 161 Table 68: Settlement services—performance information 167 Table 69: Humanitarian settlement services—performance information 169 Table 70: Support for community services—performance information 170 Table 71: Adult Migrant English Program—performance information 171 Table 72: Translating and interpreting services—performance information 172 Table 73: Document translating—performance information 174 Table 74: Telephone interpreting—performance information 177 Table 75: On-site interpreting—performance information 178 Table 76: Decisions on citizenship status—performance information 182 Table 77: Outcomes of citizenship applications from 2005–06 to 2007–08 182 Table 78: Promoting the value of Australian citizenship—performance information 184 Table 79: Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society— performance information 189 Table 80: Media coverage of Harmony Day 2007–08 189 Table 81: Systems for People—performance information 191

x Annual Report 2007–08 Tables continued Table 82: Adult Migrant English Program tuition, accommodation and related expenses—performance information 197 Table 83: Adult Migrant English Program tuition, accommodation and related expenses—further information 197 Table 84: Assistance for former child migrants—performance information 198 Table 85: Grants for Living in Harmony—performance information 199 Table 86: Grants for migrant community services—performance information 200 Table 87: Multicultural affairs (grant to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia)—performance information 201 Table 88: National Action Plan to Build Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—community engagement—performance information 202 Table 89: National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—state/territory government partnerships—performance information 204 Table 90: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters— contribution—performance information 205 Table 91: Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009—contribution— performance information 206 Table 92: Welfare of humanitarian minors without parents in Australia— performance information 207 Table 93: Handling of ministerial, parliamentary and cabinet business 226 Table 94: Staffing levels by location (headcount) 228 Table 95: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2008 229 Table 96: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2007 231 Table 97: Senior Executive Service as at 30 June 2007 233 Table 98: Senior Executive Service as at 30 June 2008 233 Table 99: Salary ranges for employees as at 30 June 2008 238 Table 100: Number of departmental staff on individual agreements as at 30 June 2008 (nominal) 239 Table 101: Employees by classification who received performance pay (nominal) 239 Table 102: Aggregated amount of performance payments by classification level (nominal) 239 Table 103: Average bonus payment and range of payments by classification level (nominal) 240 Table 104: Three-year summary of occurrences 243 Table 105: Three-year summary of incapacity 243 Table 106: Three-year summary of mechanism of injury 243

xi Tables continued Table 107: Three-year summary of Comcare premiums 243 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services 248 Table 109: Contracts in excess of $100 000 that do not contain the Australian National Audit Office access provisions 252 Table 110: Classifications and salary rates 320 Table 111: APS level and executive level employees 321 Table 112: Legal officers 323 Table 113: Public affairs officers 323 Table 114: Medical officers 324 Table 115: Freedom of Information documents maintained 325 Table 116: Expenditure on advertising and marketing 327 Table 117: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance 330 Table 118: Previous country of nationality or citizenship of people who were conferred in 2007–08 333 Table 119: Previous country of residence of people who were conferred in 2007–08 337

xii Annual Report 2007–08 Figures Figure 1: Organisational structure 20 Figure 2: Outcome 1 output structure 22 Figure 3: Outcome 2 output structure 23 Figure 4: General Skilled Migration outcomes 1996–97 to 2007–08 38 Figure 5: General Skilled Migration 2007–08—top ten nationalities 38 Figure 6: State-specific and regional migration visas from 1996–97 to 2007–08 40 Figure 7: Ratio of family migration visa grants 2007–08 43 Figure 8: Trends in Visitor and Working Holiday offshore visa grants, other than ETAs 49 Figure 9: Trends in Approved Destination Status scheme grants 53 Figure 10: Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas granted to applicants by main source countries 56 Figure 11: Student visa grants—top ten countries 58 Figure 12: Student visa holders in Australia as at 30 June each year, 2003–08 60 Figure 13: Trend for subclass 457 visa grants since 1 July 1997 66 Figure 14: Percentage contribution of ASCO major groups 67 Figure 15: Trend for permanent and provisional visa grants where the person last held a subclass 457 visa 69 Figure 16: Humanitarian Program visa grants 2007–08 83 Figure 17: Humanitarian Program visa grants under the offshore component compared to total grants 84 Figure 18: Humanitarian Program visa grants compared to available places 84 Figure 19: Humanitarian Program Woman at Risk grants 85 Figure 20: Humanitarian Program Woman at Risk grants 2007–08— top five countries of birth 85 Figure 21: Humanitarian Program visa grants offshore by region 2007–08 86 Figure 22: Humanitarian Program visa grants offshore—regional trend 86 Figure 23: Humanitarian Program finalisation times offshore 87 Figure 24: Humanitarian Program applications for offshore places 87 Figure 25: Infringement notices issued to airlines from 1999–2000 to 2007–08 100 Figure 26: People taken into immigration detention from 2004–05 to 2007–08 125 Figure 27: People entering immigration detention by arrival type in 2007–08 125 Figure 28: Population in immigration detention from 1 December 1989 to 8 August 2008 126 Figure 29: People in immigration detention by arrival type at 30 June 2008 127 Figure 30: People in immigration detention by location at 30 June 2008 128 Figure 31: People in immigration detention by period detained at 30 June 2008 128 Figure 32: Structure of the department’s key governance committees 2007–08 211

xiii Overview Overview The year at a glance The secretary’s review and departmental overview Portfolio Executive Organisational structure Outcome and output structure Summary of financial performance The year at a glance Table 1: Snapshot of activity in 2007–081 Migration and temporary entry Total permanent and temporary visas granted 4 637 259

Total visitor visas granted offshore2 3 609 928

Electronic Travel Authority grants 2 776 386

Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visas granted 157 574

Student visas granted 278 184

Temporary residents (other) visas granted 39 686

Temporary Skilled Migration visas granted 110 570

Family Stream outcome 49 870

Skill Stream outcome 108 452

State/Territory or Employer Sponsored visas granted 31 290

Total Migration Program outcome 158 630 Refugee and humanitarian entry Humanitarian Program visas granted 13 014 Border security Passenger and crew arrivals and departures 25 700 000

Immigration clearances refused at airports 1 189

Immigration clearances refused at seaports 424

Unauthorised boat arrivals (people) 25 Compliance Percentage of temporary entrants and permanent visa holders who complied with their 99% visa conditions

Unlawful non-citizens located 10 722

Notices issued to employers of illegal workers 750

Removals and departures 8 404 Detention Illegal foreign fishers taken into detention 1 232

Visa overstayers taken into detention 1 283

Total number of people taken into detention 4 514

Total number of people released or removed from detention 4 601

Illegal foreign fishers in detention as at 30 June 2008 26

Visa overstayers or people who breached visa conditions in detention as at 30 June 2008 323

Total number of people in detention as at 30 June 2008 402

1 Rounded numbers may differ from numbers appearing elsewhere in the report. 2 This is inclusive of Electronic Travel Authority grants.

2 Annual Report 2007–08 Settlement Refugees who arrived and received help through the Integrated Humanitarian 9 556 Settlement Strategy

Migrant community service grants managed through the Settlement Grants Program 332 and Community Settlement Services Scheme Citizenship Number of people conferred Australian citizenship at ceremonies 121 221

People approved as Australian citizens by conferral, descent and resumption 107 662 Overview Calls to Citizenship Information Line 612 218 Multicultural affairs Event registrations for Harmony Day 388

Living in Harmony website hits 202 370

People participating in Living in Harmony partnership activities 163 000 Client contact Calls to Sydney and Melbourne contact centres 1 731 995

Telephone interpreting calls 615 477 Litigation Matters resolved in courts and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal 4 302

Percentage in favour of minister (that proceeded to defended hearing in court) 95% Staff National Office (Canberra) 2 978

New South Wales 1 386

Victoria 974

Queensland 437

South Australia 466

Western Australia 406

Tasmania 142

Northern Territory 59

Australian Capital Territory and region 103

Overseas (Australia-based employees) 137

Airline Liaison Officers 18

Total number of Australia-based staff 7 106

Overseas (locally engaged employees) 1 000

Total staff as at 30 June 2008 8 106

The year at a glance 3 The secretary’s review Since its inception more than 60 years ago, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and its predecessors have been central to Australia’s economic development. Our role as a nation-builder has enriched Australia through the entry and settlement of nearly seven million people. By this measure, the 2007–08 reporting year was a successful one, with the delivery of the largest ever skilled migration program. This was in addition to our ongoing work in the areas of permanent migration and temporary entry, refugee and humanitarian entry, citizenship, multicultural affairs, settlement, border security, immigration compliance and immigration detention. We directly support major areas of people-to-people contact, and foreign exchange revenue from two of the largest industries in Australia—the overseas students program and inbound tourism. Our Systems for People program has now reached the halfway mark, with substantial improvements to decision making and record keeping, particularly focusing on the department’s compliance, case management and detention operations. A focus on tight fiscal management was particularly evident this year, with the completion of a Financial Health Review resulting in a review of every function in the department to generate efficiencies required and improve the way we do business. The department reported a modest operating surplus at the completion of the financial year. Our 8000 staff members located in Australia and many countries overseas (including 1000 overseas locally engaged staff) worked to three strategic themes of: • being an open and accountable organisation • having fair and reasonable dealings with clients • having well trained and supported staff. In this review, I will outline some of the highlights and key developments that I consider to be of particular importance. Change of government, new minister and parliamentary secretary On 3 December 2007, following the election of the Rudd Labor Government, Senator Chris Evans was appointed as Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, with Laurie Ferguson MP appointed as Parliamentary Secretary. They replaced the Hon. Kevin Andrews MP and the Hon. Teresa Gambaro MP. The department has worked closely to support the new minister and parliamentary secretary, and responded quickly to the new government’s preferred direction and approaches, including an emphasis on evidence-based policy and decisions, and high performance in delivery of client service.

4 Annual Report 2007–08 Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman’s reports on the 247 referred cases In mid-2005, in light of the Palmer and Comrie inquiries into the detention of Cornelia Rau and Vivian Alvarez Solon, the government referred 247 cases which may have involved wrongful detention to the Commonwealth and Immigration Ombudsman for review. My predecessor and I have both apologised fully and frankly for those mistakes. The department has worked closely with the Ombudsman and his office, and other accountability bodies and stakeholders over the past three years to ensure major changes and improvements are made to our systems and processes. We will Overview continue to strongly focus on this major reform program. The department has actively sought to resolve the immigration status of those individuals within the 247 referred cases who remain in Australia. During 2007–08, a number of high profile people within this group, including Cornelia Rau and ‘Mr T’, were compensated following out of court settlements. The department strove to reach these settlements fairly and reasonably. This year marks a further milestone in the department’s reform process with the completion of its assessment of all 247 referred cases. These assessments are guiding the department’s remedial action in relation to internal systems, records changes and the offering of compensation and other remedies to the affected people. The completion of the assessments is a significant achievement as it

demonstrates the strength of the department’s commitment to remedying past review The secretary’s wrongs suffered by individuals. Migration program The outcome for the Migration Program was 158 630 places in 2007–08, the largest since the late 1960s. This included a Skill Stream of 108 540 places, which was expanded by the incoming government by 6000. The balance of the program was made up of 49 870 Family Stream places and 220 Special Eligibility places. These programs are critical given our short-term shortages of skilled labour, and our longer-term demographic and economic challenges. The program met the government’s objective of aligning the Skill Stream more closely with the needs of Australian industries and employers. Almost 72 per cent of the Skill Stream outcome was made up of applicants under targeted categories, including those who were sponsored by either an employer or state/territory government, or who had an occupation listed as being in high demand. The record number of places in the permanent skilled migration program will help ease Australia’s skills shortages and fight inflation. The program will also help to maintain growth in Australia’s working age population. Temporary work visas During 2007–08, 110 570 subclass 457 visas were granted to temporary skilled workers and their dependants, compared to 87 310 in 2006–07. Over 80 per cent of primary visa holders were employed in professional and highly skilled jobs.

The secretary’s review 5 A comprehensive reform process was initiated by the government to ensure that the 457 visa program responds better to the needs of business, and protects the employment and training opportunities of Australians as well as the rights of overseas workers. In response to the report of the business-led 457 External Reference Group, three ‘centres of excellence’ were created on 1 July 2008 in the department’s offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to streamline application and approval processes. Ms Barbara Deegan, an industrial relations expert appointed by the minister in April 2008, will report to government on ways to improve the integrity of the program. During the year, the department provided advice to the government on a possible Pacific seasonal worker pilot scheme (which has been adopted as policy and formally announced on 17 August 2008). World Youth Day The department worked closely with the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event organisers to facilitate the visa processing, entry and stay of an estimated 100 000 international pilgrims representing some 170 countries for a week of celebrations from 15 to 20 July 2008. Over 70 000 visas were granted and processed specifically for World Youth Day with the busiest day for border staff on 14 July 2008, when an extra 8000 arrivals passed through immigration clearance at Sydney airport. Systems for People Systems for People (SfP) is the department’s major business transformation program which commenced in July 2006 in response to the Palmer Report. It is currently at the halfway mark of the four year program. The first areas of priority for SfP have been the department’s compliance, case management and detention operations. New business processes have been introduced to improve consistency and quality of decision making and record keeping. Case management has been implemented for all people in immigration detention and other vulnerable clients. These new services and processes have been enabled through the introduction of ‘portals’ tailored to the roles performed by staff. Substantial progress has been made in providing staff with a single view of all of the department’s interactions with individual clients through the Client Search Portal. Much of this work will be completed in the coming year. Through SfP, a number of major improvements have been made to the department’s border security processes this year. For example, the implementation of the Central Movement Alert List and the Maritime Crew visa, the expanded use of biometrics, and the further development of the Identity Services Repository. At the same time, substantial changes have been implemented to the department’s underlying technology platform to improve system performance, stability and provide for greater agility in the future. Taking into account reports from external advisers, considerable emphasis has been placed on strengthening the department’s ICT capability, project and program

6 Annual Report 2007–08 management and governance. This will help to ensure the success of a program as large and complex as SfP and continuously improve the quality of our overall ICT services. As we pass the halfway mark of the program, emphasis is shifting into the visa and client services area of departmental operations. For the next two years we will strive for major improvements in the simplicity and efficiency of our visa processes, and improved services for our clients. Border security

There were a range of successful border security initiatives in 2007–08, including Overview the Maritime Crew visa, the Identity Management Strategy and the Security Referral Service. The Maritime Crew visa (MCV) was a new requirement for foreign crew of non-military ships from 1 July 2007. The visa was introduced to ensure that the application and security checking requirements for foreign sea crew aligned with the requirements for other temporary visitors. From July 2007, crew, or third parties acting on their behalf, have been able to apply for the MCV through the department’s website although it did not become mandatory until 1 January 2008. The MCV allows the department to improve border security by undertaking a pre-arrival check of sea crew. The MCV has an extremely high compliance rate, largely due to its ease of access.

More than 350 000 visas were granted in 2007–08, with 150 000 of these granted review The secretary’s before its use became mandatory. The online visa has been a success story for cross-agency cooperation through our partnership with the Australian Customs Service and working with industry peak bodies. The Identity Management Strategy developed by the department in 2006–07 has continued to be implemented. Biometric quality facial images and finger scans are now being collected and matched with people in immigration detention. A complete identity management process, including the collection of biometric quality facial images and verification of proof of identity documents was introduced with the citizenship test during the year. The Identity Services Repository, the cornerstone of the department’s identity management system, continues to grow in terms of records and users. It is the database of record for 16 million travel documents, more than one million facial images and nearly 135 000 scanned proof-of-identity documents. The repository manages up to 500 000 transactions each day. The introduction of the first phase of the Security Referral Service allowed the department to automate the process of referring national security requests to an external security agency, before granting a client’s visa. This further example of cross-agency collaboration has proven to be a major improvement on the previous security checking process, which involved a significant amount of manual data entry.

The secretary’s review 7 Offshore Processing Centres in Nauru and Manus Province in Papua New Guinea were closed on 31 March 2008, which represented a significant milestone in implementing the new government’s policy to end the previous government’s ‘Pacific Strategy’. The cases of the remaining 89 residents of the Nauru OPC were quickly resolved, with the last group of refugees departing Nauru for resettlement in Australia in early February 2008. The government has indicated that any further unauthorised boat arrivals at excised offshore places (which include Christmas Island and Ashmore Reef) will still be subject to mandatory detention for health, identity and security checks. Immigration compliance and detention During 2007–08, the department continued to deliver an appropriate balance between facilitation, prevention, deterrence and enforcement activities to support the overall integrity of Australia’s immigration programs. Our aim is to promote voluntary compliance with immigration rules; support and assist clients to resolve their status in a timely and appropriate manner, while effectively dealing with fraud and misuse of programs; and focus enforcement actions such as detention and removal on those who present a serious risk to the Australian community. The employer sanctions amendments to the Migration Act 1958 took effect on 19 August 2007. It is now a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly employ an illegal worker or to refer an illegal worker for employment. The department works closely with industry peak bodies, trade unions, licensing authorities, employers and ethnic communities to promote this understanding. The use of the department’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online service to check the immigration status of non-citizens increased by 97 per cent in 2007–08, with more than 245 000 checks being completed. The number of people in immigration detention has decreased significantly. There were approximately 1000 people in immigration detention at the beginning of 2005. As at 30 June 2008, the number was at its lowest level since July 1998, with 402 people in immigration detention. Valuable advice and counsel continues to be provided by the Immigration Detention Advisory Group and the Detention Health Advisory Group, as well as our various accountability bodies and numerous stakeholders. The use of detention as a means of resolving a client’s immigration status has also declined significantly over the last three years. The percentage of unlawful non-citizens now detained following their location by the department has halved to 15 per cent. Compliance officers actively engage with case managers and detention service providers to ensure that people who are detained are placed in the least restrictive detention environment appropriate to their circumstances. With fewer people in immigration detention facilities, the department closed the Baxter immigration detention centre and the Port Augusta immigration residential housing, disposed of the Woomera immigration detention centre and leased out the immigration detention facilities at Port Hedland. Christmas Island now has a range of immigration detention facilities for use if required. From April 2008, the new immigration detention centre at North West Point on Christmas Island became available to the department. The overall range of

8 Annual Report 2007–08 facilities on Christmas Island provides flexibility to respond to the individual needs of unauthorised boat arrivals, including unfenced community-based accommodation. The government has made it clear that no children will be held in an immigration detention centre. High profile cases/Clarke Inquiry Given the nature of the department’s work involving the visa status of non-citizens in Australia, a number of cases each year attract significant public interest. Most high-profile this year was the case of Dr Mohamed Haneef, an Indian doctor in Australia on a subclass 457 visa, whose visa was cancelled by the former minister on character grounds following information provided by the Australian Federal Police. Overview The cancellation decision was reviewed by the Federal Court, with the court both at first instance and on appeal, establishing a new understanding of the legal test to be applied under the relevant provisions and reinstating Dr Haneef’s visa. The current government established the Clarke Inquiry into the case of Dr Haneef in early 2008. The department has been fully cooperating with the inquiry and continues to do so. Litigation As at 30 June 2008, the portfolio’s active litigation caseload had decreased to 1247 matters, the lowest since 2001–02. This continuing trend is due, in large part, to the significant collaborative effort between the department, the Attorney-General’s Department and the courts to clear the backlog of migration matters in the courts. This is a pleasing result that will assist in further reducing the time taken to resolve review The secretary’s cases for our clients. The minister’s ‘success’ rate of defended matters in the courts remains very high. Humanitarian Program Australia continues to be one of the top three refugee resettlement countries in the world. The department is proud to be Australia’s premier refugee agency. Our offshore humanitarian resettlement program continues to demonstrate our commitment to working with our international partners to help those most in need. During the reporting year, 13 014 visas were granted under our Humanitarian Program with 10 799 of these granted under the offshore component. Our offshore resettlement activities took place in some of the most troubled regions of the world, with our intake coming from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. We continued to work closely with our international partners, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, on the resolution of protracted refugee situations. This year we have resettled around 2900 Burmese people from camps on the Thai-Burma border, Malaysia and India. We have also begun the resettlement of Bhutanese refugees from Nepal. The minister has announced that the Humanitarian Program has been increased to 13 500 for 2008–09. This will include 6500 refugees, of which 500 places will be for people affected by the conflict in Iraq. In addition to these places, Iraqi employees who have supported the Australian Defence Force in Iraq have been resettled in Australia in recognition of the personal security situation they would face as Australia withdraws its combat forces from southern Iraq.

The secretary’s review 9 Abolition of Temporary Protection visas On 13 May 2008, the minister announced the government’s decision to fulfil its commitment to providing fair and certain outcomes for asylum seekers by abolishing the Temporary Protection visas (TPVs) and Temporary Humanitarian visas (THVs). In future, all initial applicants for a Protection visa who are owed Australia’s protection will receive a permanent visa. The minister also announced that people currently holding TPVs and THVs would be eligible for a Resolution of Status visa without the need to reassess their protection claims. This permanent residence visa allows TPV and THV holders access to the same benefits and entitlements as Permanent Protection visa holders. Settlement and refugee support initiatives In March 2008, the government approved the appointment of members to the Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council. The council provides high quality policy advice on the settlement of newly-arrived humanitarian entrants and migrants. The council, now chaired by the Hon. Bruce Baird, met with both the minister and parliamentary secretary in May 2008 to exchange ideas and to discuss priorities for the future. The department would like to acknowledge the leadership of the out-going Chair, Major General Warren Glenny AO RFD ED (Rtd) and is looking forward to working with Mr Baird and the new council. A formal review of the Adult Migrant English Program commenced in February 2008. The review is considering all aspects of the program and its future as a contemporary English language tuition program. The review is due for completion in October 2008 and its outcomes will inform the tender process. New contracts are expected to commence in 2010. The department conducted a Request for Tender to establish a Humanitarian Services Panel. The role of the panel is to deliver services under the Complex Case Support program. The program will provide specialised and intensive case management services for recently-arrived humanitarian entrants who have special or complex needs beyond the scope of existing settlement services. The program will be implemented progressively in each state and territory from early 2008–09. Additional ‘in-kind’ assistance for refugees was also introduced under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy. This helps humanitarian entrants with issues such as rent and public transport tickets in their first month after arrival. These initiatives deliver significant additional support to newly-arrived refugees. Australian citizenship, integration and cultural diversity Landmark legislative changes came into effect on 1 July 2007 when the new Australian Citizenship Act 2007 replaced the Australian Citizenship Act 1948. The new Act improved the structure of citizenship law and made it easier to understand. The main amendments include changes to the residence requirement for Australian citizenship, provisions for people not previously eligible to apply for resumption of citizenship, and special provision for children adopted in accordance with the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption.

10 Annual Report 2007–08 On 1 October 2007, further changes were introduced by way of a citizenship test. On 28 April 2008, the minister announced the appointment of an independent Citizenship Test Review Committee, chaired by Mr Richard Woolcott AC, to examine the operation of the citizenship test after its first six months. The committee explored ways to improve the effectiveness of the test as an important step on the pathway for residents to become Australian citizens. The department’s strong promotion of Australian citizenship continued throughout 2007–08. Highlights included special citizenship ceremonies to mark the introduction of the new Act on 1 July 2007, Citizenship Day on 17 September 2007 and Australia Day, when over 14 000 people made the citizenship pledge, showing their

commitment and loyalty to Australia and a desire to share in the nation’s common Overview future. Further celebrations will take place with the 60th Anniversary of Australian Citizenship in 2009. Our close relationship continues with the National Australia Day Council, of which I am a director. The department played a key role in countering isolation and marginalisation through the National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security, in consultation with the community and agencies at all levels of government. A total of 55 partnerships and projects increased public understanding of Australia’s cultural and religious diversity. The Living in Harmony program continued its work by funding 65 community projects and partnerships addressing issues of community harmony, participation and cultural diversity. For example, a partnership with the Family Court of Australia aimed to help new and emerging communities learn about Australian family law and enhanced The secretary’s review The secretary’s the Family Court’s capacity to understand and engage more effectively with new communities. Freedom of Information I am very pleased to note that significant improvements were made to the department’s processes for handling Freedom of Information (FOI) requests over the past year. A sizeable backlog of requests was substantially reduced. In November 2007, there were more than 8000 FOI requests, of which about 2800 were overdue. By 30 June 2008, this had been reduced to about 500, with only about 310 more than 30 days overdue. In April, the department implemented a 24 hour, 30 day case management model. A focus on reducing unnecessary requests has resulted in significant client service improvements, with clients able to obtain their international movement records outside the FOI process, following changes made to the Migration Act. Increased international engagement Throughout the year, the department took advantage of a number of opportunities to reinforce the government’s objective of greater engagement with the multilateral system. The government was also keen to demonstrate a continued commitment to strengthening existing bilateral and regional relationships. Upon assuming his portfolio, one of Minister Evans’ first activities was to meet with Mr Andi Mattalatta,

The secretary’s review 11 his Indonesian counterpart, to renew and confirm the commitment of the Australian and Indonesian governments to work together to strengthen our borders against people smuggling, terrorism and other forms of transnational crime. The meeting resulted in new immigration cooperation initiatives between Australia and Indonesia, including English training for immigration staff at Jakarta and Bali airports, and immigration data analysis and reporting training. Client services Our focus on improving client service continued to deliver pleasing results in 2007–08. We have been actively listening to clients in a range of fora to better understand their service needs and expectations, and to inform a series of ongoing improvements across the department. We conducted our first client satisfaction survey in June 2007, with 79 per cent of almost 1900 respondents satisfied or very satisfied with services provided. Another survey conducted in 2008 showed that 82 per cent of almost 3400 respondents were satisfied or very satisfied, up 3 per cent on the 2007 result. We have also been listening to clients and stakeholders by conducting focus groups, client reference groups and improving feedback management through our Global Feedback Unit (GFU). In the past year, the department has worked hard to ensure it understands and hears the views of its clients and stakeholders on what it is doing right and where it can improve. I am particularly pleased that the GFU has developed into a resource that allows the department to identify and respond to problems. The GFU has enhanced its data collection processes which have enabled the department to better identify systemic issues and trends, service shortfalls and overcome blocks to achieving good client service outcomes within established service standards. The department is also able to undertake significant and enhanced performance reporting based on volume, feedback types, issues raised, specific business areas, access to feedback channels and resolution time, and use it to improve service delivery and organisational processes. Stakeholder engagement I place enormous importance on relationships with our stakeholders and believe effective stakeholder engagement is crucial to our business. Our stakeholders are highly valued and essential in providing the advice and debate which informs the government’s policies and for the department to achieve community confidence in our work. During the past year, the department continued its commitment to strengthening stakeholder engagement practices through a number of initiatives. I launched the Stakeholder Engagement Practitioner Handbook to staff in May 2008. The handbook is intended as a tool for staff to ensure their engagement is well considered and as productive as possible for all parties. It was developed in consultation with staff and external stakeholders. The handbook is widely available and can be found in the stakeholder section of the department’s website. Putting theory into practice, the year commenced with a series of Stakeholder Practitioner Information Forums held across the country. They provided the opportunity for dialogue between senior staff and the stakeholders who work directly with our clients.

12 Annual Report 2007–08 Our National Communications Branch continued its proactive approach to media management and liaison in 2007–08, through engagement with journalists, commentators, opinion leaders and stakeholders. Improved financial management A key focus for 2007–08 has been the improvement of our financial management skills, processes and systems. Early in the year, we commissioned an extensive review of the department’s financial management to develop a comprehensive plan to redress identified shortcomings. This work was a key input into the department’s Financial Health Review, led by Dr Neil Johnston AO and under the direction of the Department of Finance and Deregulation. Overview The review commenced in October 2007 and provided its final report in March 2008. The findings were considered in both the 2007–08 Additional Estimates and the 2008–09 Federal Budget, with additional funding provided for financial management staff, training and systems to supplement our financial resources as we implemented measures to respond to the Palmer and Comrie reports, and other changes required. In addition, the government agreed to changes to the department’s funding model which will provide greater stability and certainty to future revenue streams, improving our ability to effectively plan the strategic management of our resources to support future financial sustainability. Sound financial management will continue to be a priority in 2008–09 as we

implement the recommendations of the reviews, building on the improvements review The secretary’s delivered to date. The department’s National Office has been restructured, and staff numbers reduced, as a consequence of these measures. Well trained and supported staff The ongoing development and delivery of accredited College of Immigration training programs for staff in key operational roles has been the major area of focus for training in 2007–08. Training for existing compliance, detention and investigation officers has largely been completed and training courses for airport entry officers, seaport entry officers, removal officers and case managers have been piloted. The college has worked in partnership with departmental business areas to develop and deliver accredited and role-based training in high priority programs for the department, such as the citizenship decision maker course, subclass 457 monitoring officer course and community liaison officer course. The department has also continued to deliver and refine a range of general capability and leadership development programs, including the national induction course, graduate development program, overseas training course, executive leadership program and fundamentals of supervision course. An intensive three to four month leadership development course for high potential executive level staff was successfully piloted in early 2008 and is currently being evaluated. The department has expanded on the earlier success of the Immigration Dilemmas: Ethics, APS Values and Leadership program though the development of a suite of new scenarios. The issues targeted in the new scenarios were identified through an independent evaluation and the results of the 2007 Staff Survey.

The secretary’s review 13 Virtual classroom technology and a range of e-learning products have been introduced to provide distance education in corporate and specialist areas for overseas and onshore officers. The technology enables a number of overseas posts and state offices to take part in classroom style training from their home locations. Internal communications with the department’s staff in more than 100 locations was managed using an advanced digital platform including podcasts, vodcasts, ‘town hall’ addresses streamed to desktops, the Our People TV-style news program, training videos and corporate presentations. Coronial Inquest into the loss of the Malu Sara During 2007–08, the Queensland Coroner conducted an inquest into the tragic loss in the Torres Strait of the Malu Sara (an immigration response vessel) in October 2005. The department has provided extensive information to, and fully cooperated with, the Queensland Coroner during his inquiry into the matter. We have also fully cooperated with other inquiries into the tragedy. As at 30 June 2008 the coroner had not yet handed down his findings, which are expected in the first half of 2008–09. The department has implemented substantial changes to our operations in the Torres Strait since this tragic occurrence and made numerous other changes to departmental practice and procedure in areas such as training and procurement. Once the coroner’s findings are known, the department will review what further steps, if any, need to be taken. Caring for our Colleagues In May 2008, I launched Caring for our Colleagues, an innovative and far reaching policy aimed at assisting our people dealing with or caring for people with life threatening illnesses. This initiative has been widely promoted within the department, as well as across the Australian Public Service, and is seen as an example of best practice in demonstrating our corporate values at times of greatest need for our employees. Charitable and community activities A measure of a healthy workplace is the extent to which we recognise our obligations as part of the wider community and support charitable organisations. I am very proud of the extent to which the staff of the department support and promote a range of good causes in the community. The department continues to be highly ranked against other organisations for Red Cross blood donations, with another ‘win’ for the highest number of donations in the public sector in Canberra during 2007.

14 Annual Report 2007–08 The department’s Black and White Ball raised $16 000 for OvCa Australia, the National Ovarian Cancer Network. We raised more than $29 000 for men’s health with ‘Movember’, and we raised over $20 000 for the Leukaemia Foundation through participation in the ‘World’s Greatest Shave’. Our Workplace Giving Program raised more than $91 000 for 19 organisations selected by our employees in 2007–08, including World Vision, Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), Oxfam and the RSPCA.

I continue to proudly be a White Ribbon Ambassador, with the responsibility to Overview encourage other men to speak out for the elimination of violence against women. Conclusion Many of the reforms to departmental operations, adopted to address the major issues identified in 2005 by the Palmer, Comrie and other reports have now been implemented, with not one part of the department remaining untouched. The feedback received from clients, stakeholders and staff indicates that the changes have been positive and effective and that the department is now a significantly transformed organisation. However, there is always more to do. The staff of the department are undertaking their many duties with enthusiasm and commitment. I wish to again place on the

record my sincere appreciation for their continuing efforts. review The secretary’s

Andrew Metcalfe Secretary

The secretary’s review 15 Portfolio and departmental overview

The Immigration and Citizenship portfolio The department is responsible for the comprises the department, the Migration following two outcomes to government and Review Tribunal and the Refugee Review the Australian community. Tribunal. The tribunals provide independent 1. Contributing to Australia’s society and merits review of departmental decisions to its economic advancement through the refuse or cancel migration, temporary entry lawful and orderly entry and stay and protection visas. The tribunals report of people. separately. 2. A society which values Australian The department is tasked with managing citizenship and social cohesion, and the: enables migrants and refugees to • entry and stay of people through participate equitably. the migration, temporary entry and humanitarian programs Strategic priorities • proper and timely resolution of the The DIAC Plan 2007–08 outlined the immigration status of people department’s strategic priorities which • security of Australia’s borders included: • strengthening of integrity and effective • supporting the government in delivering compliance with our programs including its key policy initiatives the control of fraud • transforming its business through • appropriate management and support implemetation of: of people in immigration detention »» Systems for People improvements • delivery of settlement services, including »» Client Services Improvement adult English language training, refugee Program settlement support, and translating and »» Palmer Plus change and interpreting services improvement program • promotion of Australian citizenship to • strengthening and sustaining eligible non-citizens, focusing on its stakeholder and community acquisition and value engagement • promotion of the value of cultural • strengthening leadership capability. diversity and increasing understanding of Australia’s democratic values to Over the next three years, the department’s ensure our progress as a united, policies and practices will continue prosperous and safe society. to reflect, and be responsive to, the government’s requirements to positively Role and functions influence living standards and quality of life The Department of Immigration and in Australia. Citizenship is a policy, program and service delivery agency. Its services are delivered The DIAC Strategic Plan 2008–11 is a through offices in every state and territory blueprint of how the department intends and more than 60 countries. to manage its policies, programs and service delivery over the next three years. The department’s purpose is ‘to enrich It is a key document in outlining how the Australia through the well managed entry department will work with stakeholders and and settlement of people’. the community.

16 Annual Report 2007–08 Major areas of focus over the next three • Aliens Act Repeal Act 1984 years include: • Australian Citizenship Act 2007 • positioning migration, both permanent • Australian Citizenship (Transitionals and temporary, as one of the keys and Consequentials) Act 2007 to Australia’s prosperity and social cohesion • Immigration (Education) Act 1971 • creating a simpler and more responsive • Immigration (Education) Charge Act client focused migration and 1992 humanitarian system • Immigration (Guardianship of Children) Act • maintaining public confidence in border 1946 management • Migration Act 1958 Overview • enhancing the delivery of humanitarian • Migration Agents Registration settlement, Australian citizenship and Application Charge Act 1997 cultural diversity programs • Migration (Health Services) Charge Act • continuing to develop a highly 1991 productive performance focused • Migration (Sponsorship Fees) Act 2007 workforce • Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act • managing the department’s resources 1997. strategically and with integrity. As many of the government’s policy settings Change of government need to be reflected in legislation, there is a On 3 December 2007, the Rudd Labor relatively high rate of change and Government was sworn in. Senator amendment. Two Bills went before Chris Evans was sworn in as Minister for Parliament when it was prorogued in Immigration and Citizenship. October 2007. Two Bills were introduced and one was passed during the 2007–08 Mr Laurie Ferguson MP was sworn in period. In the same period, a total of 14 as Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural legislative instruments were made to amend Affairs and Settlement Services. regulations. They replaced the Hon. Kevin Andrews MP, These Acts and associated regulations are the former minister, and the Hon. Teresa available on the ComLaw website, Gambaro MP, the former assistant minister. administered by the Attorney-General’s Department at www.comlaw.gov.au. Advisory and consultative bodies Several non-statutory bodies advised the portfolio during 2007–08, including the: • Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council • Immigration Detention Advisory Group • Detention Health Advisory Group. Legislation The department administers the following Acts, which provide a legislative framework for its functions and services:

Portfolio and departmental overview 17 Executive

Andrew Metcalfe, Bob Correll PSM, Secretary Deputy Secretary

Andrew Metcalfe is Secretary of the Bob Correll is Deputy Secretary responsible Department of Immigration and Citizenship, for the Borders, Detention and Technology responsible for its administration and Group. He transferred to the department strategic direction. He provides senior from the position of Deputy Secretary of policy counsel on major and sensitive policy Workforce Participation at the Department issues to the minister. of Employment and Workplace Relations in July 2005. He was appointed in July 2005 after serving for three years as a deputy secretary in He has a degree in Business Management the Department of the Prime Minister and and was awarded the Public Service Medal Cabinet, where he was responsible for in 2005 for his contributions to employment coordination of policy advice to the Prime and workforce participation. Mr Correll Minister on counter-terrorism, security, has over 20 years experience in policy, border protection, law enforcement, program and operations management in defence, intelligence, foreign affairs and the employment and social welfare areas machinery of government issues. He also of government administration. chaired the National Counter-Terrorism He has overseen the development and Committee and the Australian Government implementation of the outsourced public Counter-Terrorism Policy Committee. employment services in Australia, called Prior to this, he held a series of senior Job Network, and has a strong background positions with the Department of in the use of information technology to Immigration and Citizenship and its support and enable improved business predecessors. operations. Mr Metcalfe has also been a member of the Administrative Review Council since 2003, a board member of the National Australia Day Council since 2002 and was an ex-officio member of the Council of the Order of Australia.

18 Annual Report 2007–08 Carmel McGregor, Peter Hughes PSM, Deputy Secretary Deputy Secretary Overview

Carmel McGregor is Deputy Secretary Peter Hughes is Deputy Secretary responsible for Client and Corporate responsible for the Migration, Refugee, Services. Citizenship and Compliance Group. Prior to joining the department in November He has extensive experience across a 2005, Ms McGregor held several senior range of issues within the immigration positions at Centrelink, including leading portfolio, including migration, refugees, the implementation of the Welfare to Work settlement, citizenship and multicultural reform. She joined Centrelink in 1997 from affairs. Mr Hughes has implemented the Department of Employment, Education, immigration and refugee resettlement Training and Youth Affairs where she had programs with the department in Asia worked in many areas of labour market and Europe and has been closely involved programs, vocational education, CES in Australia’s international engagement on management and corporate improvement people movement and protection issues programs. in global multilateral fora, regionally and bilaterally. From 1999 to 2001, she worked as a consultant in Paris for the Public Before August 2006, he was head of the Management Service of the Organisation for department’s Refugee, Humanitarian and Economic Co-operation and Development, International Division, which included with key involvement in international fora on responsibility for Australia’s offshore refugee modernising government. resettlement program. Mr Hughes was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2005 for contributions to Australian citizenship, multicultural harmony and the settlement of refugees.

Executive 19 Organisational structure

Figure 1: Organisational structure

Secretary Andrew Metcalfe

Deputy Secretary Peter Hughes PSM

Citizenship, Settlement and Multicultural Affairs Kate Pope

Multicultural Affairs Citizenship Settlement IHSS AMEP Review Les Hetherington A/g Renelle Forster Alex Foulds A/g Kate Wallace A/g Paula Kansky A/g

Refugee, Humanitarian and International Arja Keski-Nummi

Humanitarian Onshore Protection International Cooperation Judith O’Neill John Matthews Ondrae Campbell A/g

Migration and Temporary Entry Peter Vardos PSM

Migration Temporary Entry Business Program Support Greg Mills PSM Kruno Kukoc Yole Daniels Stephen Wood

Compliance and Case Management Lyn O’Connell

Compliance Strategy Compliance Character Compliance Compliance Case Compliance Robert Illingworth Resolution Assess. and War Business Management Operations Lynne Gillam Crimes Screening Transformation Kylie Jenkins A/g Kaye Yen A/g Laura Angus A/g Sally Babbage

Deputy Secretary Bob Correll PSM

Border Security Todd Frew

Entry Policy and Procedures Identity Border Security Systems Border Intel and U/A Arrivals John Rees A/g Tracy Ballantyne A/g Jenny Bell A/g Robert Hoitink

Detention and Offshore Services Dermot Casey A/g

Detention Services Detention Operations Detention Resources Detention Health Detention Policy and Monitoring and Client Services and Development Emma Rooney A/g Services Tender Jan Tankiang Lucy Bitmead Warwick Lavers A/g Vanessa Horton A/g

Business Transformation Services Division Anthony Parsons

SfP Program Communication and Visa, Border Security, Corporate, Client, Visa Services Management Change Taskforce Citizenship and Case and Services Transformation Program Nico Padovan Frances Finney A/g Settlement Tim Drury A/g Mary-Jane Jones Phil Thurbon

Systems Division Peter McKeon

Integration Security and Visa and IT Program Border and Information and IT Sourcing and Business IT Production Citizenship Office Corporate Communication and Information Intelligence Paul Cross and Settlement Joe Gunning Systems Tech. Services Management Michael Minns Systems Cathie Flynn Colin Haughton Tony Judge Matt Kennedy A/g

Deputy Secretary Alison Larkins A/g

Ministerial and Parliamentary Services Governance and Assurance Nhan Vo-Van Borko Vlatkovic

Client Services Jamie Fox

Client Service Channel Property and Business Service Delivery Client Service Strategies Management Continuity N e t w o r k O p e r a t i o n s Christine Sykes Mary O’Neill A/g Steve Ingram Deborah Lewis

People Services, Values and Training Steve Dreezer A/g

People Services Values and Standards Training (NTM) Craig Farrell Christine McPaul Liz Quinn A/g

Legal Division Robyn Bickett

Litigation Legal Framework Legal Coordination and Review Coordination Jackie Davis A/g Vicki Parker Procurement Louise Smith Chris Hodges

Financial Strategy and Reporting (CFO) Marilyn Prothero

Business Management F i n a n c i a l O p e r a t i o n s Financial Reporting and Analysis Financial Strategy and Martin Rowe A/g Michael Fileman James Mazilani Budgets Steve Biddle

20 Annual Report 2007–08 National Communications Financial Health Check Strategic Policy Group Principal Adviser to the Branch Implementation Team Des Storer Secretary Sandi Logan Carmel McGregor Des Storer Policy and Strategic Services David Wilden Deb Jacka

Joanne Verikios Implementation Services and Stakeholder Engagement Jim Williams Fran Parker Rocio Trapaga-Saul Special Counsel Ian Deane Overview

Overseas regions State and territory offices

North Asia ACT and Regions John Moorhouse John Eyers

South Asia New South Wales Paul Windsor Gavin McCairns Deputies Middle East and Africa Jose Alvarez PSM Janet Mackin Julie Keenan A/g Europe David Walsh Linda Mortensen PSM Northern Territory South East Asia Annette Keenan Jim O’Callaghan Queensland South Pacific Damian Carmichael David Stewart South Australia United Kingdom and Greg Kelly European Union Liaison Tasmania Steve Davis Doug Walker Americas Victoria Vincent Giuca John Williams PSM Deputy Christopher Callanan

Western Australia Paul Farrell

Organisational structure 21 Outcome and output structure Figure 2: Outcome 1 output structure

Portfolio outcomes

Outcome 1 Contributing to Australia’s society and its economic advancement through the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people

Outputs

Output 1.1 Output 1.2 Output 1.3 Output 1.4 Output 1.5 Output 1.6 Output 1.7 Output 1.8 Migration Refugee Border Compliance Detention Offshore Safe Haven Systems and and security asylum for People temporary humanitarian seeker entry entry and management stay

Major components

1.1.1 1.2.1 1.3.1 1.4.1 Economic migration Offshore Borders Detection onshore Humanitarian Program 1.1.2 1.3.2 1.4.2 Family migration 1.2.2 Identity Status resolution Protection visas 1.1.3 (onshore) 1.4.3 Special eligibility Removals

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers

1.1.5 Students

1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic)

1.1.7 Temporary residents (non-economic)

1.1.8 Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status

22 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 3: Outcome 2 output structure

Portfolio outcomes

Outcome 2 A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

Outputs Overview Output 2.1 Output 2.2 Output 2.3 Output 2.4 Output 2.5 Settlement Translating and Australian Promoting the Systems for services interpreting citizenship benefits of a People services united and diverse society

Major components

2.1.1 2.2.1 2.3.1 Settlement planning Document translating Decisions on and information citizenship status delivery 2.2.2 Telephone interpreting 2.3.2 2.1.2 Promotion of the value Humanitarian 2.2.3 of Australian citizenship settlement services On-site interpreting

2.1.3 Support for community services

2.1.4 Adult Migrant English Program administration

2.1.5 Free translating and interpreting services

Outcome and output structure 23 Summary of financial performance

The department’s budget was increased The financial statements show a surplus of in 2007–08 to allow for the processing of $35 million for the 2007–08 financial year. an increased number of visa applications This follows a loss of approximately and the continuation of the reform agenda $40 million in both the 2006–07 and following the Palmer and Comrie reports. 2005–06 financial years. This enabled continued emphasis on client The department’s balance sheet as at service, supporting our staff and the second 30 June 2008 shows current assets of full year of the delivery of the Systems for $355 million ($169 million in 2006–07) People program. against current liabilities of $275 million The department has an agreed funding ($264 million in 2006–07). The current model with government which provides assets figure includes $334 million in cash, additional funding for both growth in appropriation and other receivables, while workloads and verifiable increases in the current liabilities include $160 million the cost of services we deliver. The accounts payable and the balance relates to department and the Department of Finance leave provisions. These figures are a major and Deregulation are currently finalising improvement on the 2006–07 position and adjustments to the department’s funding in have strengthened the financial sustainability 2008–09 and forward years, resulting from of the department. The surplus is primarily 2007–08 activity and cost movements. attributed to: Increased expenditure in 2007–08 • unspent funds for quarantined activities, compared to 2006–07 related to: predominantly related to lower than • growth in the number of students forecasted activity levels in offshore entering the country detention • an increase in the volume and • a series of management initiated complexity of the migration caseload productivity savings across National relating to family and skilled migration Office and the service delivery network • an increase in the proportion of difficult to enable the department to manage and complex cases in the refugee effectively with reduced resources caseload. • late commencement of some new Recognising ongoing financial pressures policy initiatives during 2007–08. on the department, the former government The department’s fixed assets have initiated a Financial Health Review of the increased from $528 million in 2006–07 to department. The outcomes of the review were considered by the government in the $887 million in 2007–08. The growth is context of the 2008–09 Federal Budget and attributable to: this saw several measures announced. • the transfer of approximately $317 million relating to the Christmas Additionally, the department put in place a Island Detention Centre from number of internal measures to minimise the Department of Finance and expenditure in 2007–08. The measures Deregulation resulted in the delivery of an operating • approximately $97 million capitalisation surplus for 2007–08. of the 2007–08 expenditure on software development for Systems for People and other projects.

24 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 2: Summary of financial performance 2007–08 Budget ($’000s) Actual ($’000s) Outcome 1: Contributing to Australia’s society and its economic advancement through the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people

Total administered expenses (including third party outputs) $86 324 $83 012

Price of departmental outputs

Output 1.1 Migration and temporary entry $481 590 $482 391

Output 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay $95 715 $84 166

Output 1.3 Border security $202 818 $192 313 Overview Output 1.4 Compliance $117 624 $117 289

Output 1.5 Detention $139 462 $139 030

Output 1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management $62 998 $62 439

Output 1.7 Safe Haven $315 $0

Output 1.8 Systems for People $71 209 $91 733

Total Outcome 1 $1 171 731 $1 169 361

Revenue from government (appropriation) for departmental outputs $1 138 778 $1 137 589

Revenue from other sources $32 953 $31 772

Total price from outputs $1 171 731 $1 169 361

Total for Outcome 1 (total price from outputs $1 258 055 $1 252 373 and administered expenses)

Outcome 1 2007–08 average staffing levels 6 187

Outcome 2: A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

Total administered expenses (including third party outputs) $205 710 $196 779

Price of departmental outputs

Output 2.1 Settlement services $116 786 $117 874

Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services $18 161 $17 420

Output 2.3 Australian citizenship $77 664 $78 161

Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society $15 414 $15 510

Output 2.5 Systems for People $13 855 $13 927

Total Outcome 2 $241 880 $242 892

Revenue from government (appropriation) for departmental outputs $221 588 $222 777

Revenue from other sources $20 292 $20 115

Total price from outputs $241 880 $242 892

Total for Outcome 2 (total price from outputs and administered expenses) $447 590 $439 671

Outcome 2 2007–08 average staffing levels 1 020

Summary of financial performance 25 Overview Output 1.1 Migration and temporary entry Output 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay

Output 1.3 Border security Outcome One Output 1.4 Compliance Output 1.5 Detention Output 1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management Output 1.7 Safe haven Output 1.8 Systems for People Administered items

Outcome One

27 Overview

Contributing to Australia’s society and its economic advancement through the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people

There are eight outputs under Outcome 1: • delivering on Australia’s commitment to Output 1.1 Migration and temporary entry border protection by screening those who are not entitled to enter Australia Output 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and detecting and detaining and/or and stay removing those who do not have lawful Output 1.3 Border security authority to be in Australia • delivering major IT enabled business Output 1.4 Compliance transformation through the Systems for Output 1.5 Immigration Detention People program. Output 1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management Output 1.7 Safe Haven Output 1.8 Systems for People. Activities under this outcome include: • facilitating the permanent entry or stay of skilled migrants and close family members; and managing the temporary entry or stay of people with identified skills or for the purposes of study, tourism, working holidays or to take part in other specialised activities • managing the government’s Humanitarian Program offshore and onshore by providing protection in, and resettlement to, Australia to those in humanitarian need • providing a temporary safe haven in Australia for people displaced by upheaval in their home country

28 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information

Measure Result

The extent to which Australia is economically, socially and culturally enriched by migration and temporary entry

The extent to which entry of Modelling by the Productivity Commission and Econotech confirms migrants results in a positive the positive impact on living standards of additional skilled migration. impact on living standards The Treasurer’s 2007 intergenerational report also noted that as measured by models ‘because the proportion of migrants of prime working age is higher of the economic impact of than for the resident population, an increase to migrant numbers immigration leads to a rise in gross domestic product per person.’

The extent of positive impact Recent modelling confirms that migrants contribute significantly to on the Federal Budget from the Federal Budget. Continuation of the Migration Program at the immigration including long 2007–08 level is estimated to contribute to about $856 million in term entry as measured the first year of their arrival. This contribution increases to about by models of the impact of $1.4 billion in the 10 years after arrival1. immigration on the Federal Additionally, continuation of 2007–08 Temporary Business Entry

Budget migrants intake is estimated to contribute about $1.4 billion in the first Outcome One year of their arrival and a cumulative benefit of about $7.5 billion in the 10 years after arrival1.

The Migration Program In 2007–08, the migration program outcome was 158 630 places is delivered in line with which is 0.1 per cent less than government planning levels. government planning levels

The proportion of skill In 2007–08, 65.95 per cent of skill stream principal applicants stream principal applicants either had occupations tested against the MODL or were employer with either an occupation sponsored. This is an increase from 60 per cent in 2006–07 and tested against the Migration 51 per cent in 2005–06. Occupations in Demand List (MODL) or who are employer sponsored

The extent to which visiting Tourism and international education remain the two largest service overseas students and export industries in Australia. The international education industry tourists contribute to growth contributed $12.5 billion in export income to the Australian economy in education and tourism in 2007, up 17 per cent from the previous calendar year. service industries Student visa holders are the largest group of temporary residents in Australia. During 2007–08 there was a 21.69 per cent increase in student visa grants compared to the previous program year. Initiatives implemented by the department are aimed at supporting these industries by exploring and instigating client service improvements, especially eVisa, which allows clients to apply online. The overall volume of the student program presents an ongoing challenge to the department to maintain an appropriate balance between facilitating access for genuine students and preventing abuse of the provisions.

1 Estimates based on ‘Migrants Fiscal Impact Model: 2008 Update’ report dated 11 April 2008 by Access Economics.

Performance infomation 29 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information continued

Measure Result

The extent to which Australia is economically, socially and culturally enriched by migration and temporary entry

The extent to which visiting During 2007–08, the department continued to support the tourism overseas students and industry by facilitating the entry of genuine visitors to Australia. There tourists contribute to growth were 3 609 928 visitor visas granted offshore in 2007–08, a slight in education and tourism decrease on 2006–07. Another important milestone was reached service industries by the Approved Destination Status scheme with more than 97 113 Chinese citizens granted visas. The approval rate for offshore tourist visas remained high at 98.07 per cent, with a non-return rate of only 1.31 per cent. The department continued to support growth in both industries by developing new modes of service delivery, such as enhanced electronic lodgement processes, and engaging service delivery partners to increase the number of locations for lodgement of visa applications. The department works closely with other government agencies and the bodies that represent both the tourism and international education industries in developing and enhancing client services.

Diversity of nationalities as Through the 2007–08 Migration Program, the department issued 100 measured by the number of or more visas to people from 76 different nationalities while through countries with more than 100 the Humanitarian Program, the department issued 100 or more visas visas under the Migration and to people from 17 different nationalities. Humanitarian programs

The extent to which there is adherence to Australian entry and stay requirements

Decrease in unauthorised In 2007–08, there was a 14 per cent decrease in air arrivals refused arrivals over time as a immigration clearance at airports despite a five per cent increase in proportion of total passenger air passenger and crew arrivals. The decrease indicates the success and crew arrivals of Australia’s layered approach to border processing, particularly the Airline Liaison Officer network and the Advance Passenger Processing System.

Proportion of overstayers The proportion of overstayers against temporary visa grants remained against temporary visa grants less than 1 per cent in 2007–08. decreases over time

Number of cancellations for In 2007–08, the department cancelled visas for a variety of reasons, breaches of visa conditions the majority under section 128 of the Migration Act 1958, cancellation of visas of people outside Australia.2

Median period of overstay During 2007–08, about 50 per cent of people self-resolved their of those located is reduced immigration status by voluntarily leaving Australia within three to four over time months of becoming overstayers. This reflects the department’s focus on the promotion of voluntary compliance, early intervention and resolution of cases.3

2 A breakdown of visa cancellations by breaches and other reasons is not available at the time of publication. 3 The median period of overstay for those located by the department is not available at the time of publication.

30 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information continued

Measure Result

The extent to which public health and safety are protected through immigration screening

The incidence of tuberculosis The table below demonstrates Australia’s low rate of incidence of relative to the percentage tuberculosis (TB) compared to the size of the overseas-born (o/s) of overseas born in the population. This indicates the success of Australia’s health screening Australian population procedures for prospective migrants. compared to the same ratio for other major developed

1

countries 3 (cases 4 population 2 percentage TB cases per 100 000) TB cases as a of percentage (o/s) population reported TB rate (000s) 2006 o/s Country Population

Australia 20 605 23.8 1 329 6 0.027

Canada 32 623 19.1 1 678 5 0.027

France 61 353 8.1 8 630 14 0.174 Outcome One

Germany 82 368 12.9 5 370 6 0.051

New Zealand 4 141 19.4 352 9 0.044

Sweden 9 081 12.4 549 6 0.049

UK 60 587 9.7 9 358 15 0.159

USA 299 398 12.9 13 148 4 0.034

Sources: 1 OECD, statistical data: www.oecd.org/topicstatsportal. 2 Numbers of foreign born population in selected OECD Countries in International Migration Outlook 2007 edition. OECD: www.oecd.org. 3 Global tuberculosis control, 2008 Surveillance Planning and Financing: World Health Organisation. 4 WHO Global Tuberculosis Database (TB figures for 2006) available at www.who.int.

Number of persons removed The total number of persons removed whose visas are cancelled or whose visas are cancelled or refused under section 501 of the Migration Act was 65. refused under s. 501

Performance infomation 31 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information continued

Measure Result

The extent to which Australia contributes to international efforts to address the plight of refugees and other people of concern and meets its international protection obligations

Levels of support Australia continued to play a major role in key international fora in for the international promoting practical solutions to international protection problems, protection framework as and in seeking solutions for refugees that support managed measured by the level of humanitarian movement where possible. Australia was represented at Australia’s contribution to senior official level at the Executive Committee of the United Nations international resettlement, High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), in bilateral dialogue Australia’s representation on these issues with like-minded countries and with the European in key international fora Commission. Australia was also represented at senior official level in and effectiveness of a range of other UNHCR fora and at meetings of bodies such as the implementation of domestic Inter-Governmental Consultations on Asylum, Refugee and Migration protection legislation Policies and the Asia Pacific Consultations on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Migrants. Australia continues to administer one of the three largest humanitarian resettlement programs in the world and maintains an effective onshore protection system.

The Humanitarian Program A total of 13 014 visas were granted against a planned program of is delivered in line with 13 000 new places and 11 399 nominally available places4. In the government planning levels refugee category, 6004 visas were granted against 6085 available places. In the Special Humanitarian Program category, 7010 visas, including 2215 visas under the onshore component, were granted against 5314 places.

4 Humanitarian Program places can be managed flexibly across program years with places able to be carried over to, or brought forward from, the next program year. The 11 399 places available for use in 2007–08 were made up of 13 000 new places minus 1703 places brought forward for use in 2006–07, plus 94 places for offshore visas granted in 2005–06 but not taken up, plus eight places re-credited to the program due to holders of temporary protection and humanitarian visas departing Australia during 2006–07.

32 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 3: Outcome 1—performance information continued

Measure Result

The extent to which the detention of unlawful-non citizens is lawful, appropriate and humane

No children detained in No children are held in immigration detention centres. Should children immigration detention centres come into immigration detention, they are initially placed with their families in immigration residential housing or alternative detention arrangements are made while their case is referred to the minister who decides on placement in community detention (residence determination).

Appropriate placement of People were appropriately placed in the immigration detention people in the immigration network following assessment and regular review. detention services network

Individual health The management of the health and wellbeing of those in immigration management strategies detention requires a person-centred approach which recognises available for all people in that each individual has unique health and wellbeing requirements. immigration detention Each person has a health assessment when they enter immigration detention and their health needs are individually managed according Outcome One to the clinical recommendations of the health care provider.

People detained for shortest On 31 July 2007, the average time spent in detention was 418 days. possible time This had decreased to 308 days by 30 June 2008. There was a reduction of 26 per cent over this period. Average time spent in detention is reduced over time

The extent to which persons in offshore processing centres are provided with appropriate care and accommodation and the opportunity for any asylum claims to be considered

Maintain government The requirement to sustain a total capacity of 1500 places in agreed capacity at Offshore OPCs in Nauru and Manus Province, Papua New Guinea (PNG) Processing Centres (OPCs) was maintained until the government’s decision to end the ‘Pacific Strategy’ and close the OPCs.

Operational readiness Operational readiness was maintained in accordance with MOUs (including facilities) is with the governments of Nauru and PNG until the government’s maintained in accordance decision to end the ‘Pacific Strategy’ and close the OPCs. After the with the Memorandums of closure of the OPCs on 31 March 2008, the MOU with Nauru, which Understanding (MOUs) with governs Australia’s development assistance program, was amended Nauru and PNG to remove any reference to the OPC and the MOU with PNG was allowed to lapse.

Performance infomation 33 Output 1.1 Migration and temporary entry Overview Highlights This output has eight components: Skilled migration 1.1.1 Economic migration The Skill Stream planning level in 2007–08 was initially set at 102 500 places and then 1.1.2 Family migration increased by a further 6000 places in early 1.1.3 Special eligibility 2008 (to 108 500) places to help address skill shortages. Priority for these places 1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers was given to employer sponsored visas, 1.1.5 Students state and territory sponsored visas, and occupations in national demand. The Family 1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) Stream planning level remained at 50 000 1.1.7 Temporary residents (non-economic) places. 1.1.8 Resident return visas, Australian The Migration Program planning levels were declaratory visas and certificates of met, with 158 630 people granted migration evidence of resident status. visas, comprising 68.42 per cent under the Skill Stream, 31.44 per cent under the The overall objectives of the migration and Family Stream and 0.14 per cent under the temporary entry programs are to contribute special eligibility component. This outcome to Australia’s economic, demographic and represented a variation of only 0.1 per cent social well-being by facilitating: from the revised planning level. • the permanent entry or stay of skilled migrants who have the skills and The volume of employer sponsored visas characteristics that will enable them to continued to increase through 2007–08 integrate readily into Australia’s skilled with an outcome of 23 760, an increase labour market of 43.2 per cent over 2006–07. • the permanent entry or stay of close The outcome for visas granted under the family members including the partners suite of visas known as state specific and and children of Australian citizens and regional migration visas was 26 162 or permanent residents and other close 24 per cent of the Skill Stream overall. family in defined circumstances The proportion of primary applicants in • the temporary entry or stay of skilled the Skill Stream who had occupations on people who will contribute to Australia’s the Migration Occupations in Demand List economic growth by working in increased to a record 54.5 per cent. Australia under employer sponsored arrangements These outcomes support the broad government objective of using immigration • the temporary entry or stay of people for to help meet the needs of an expanding the purposes of study, tourism, working economy and a tight labour market at a holidays or a range of more specialised time of record low skilled unemployment. activities which further Australia’s social, The level of targeting within the Skill Stream cultural, economic and international continued to increase in 2007–08 with the relations. objective of giving a relative advantage to skilled migrants whose skills are most in demand.

34 Annual Report 2007–08 The Temporary Skilled Migration Program in Australia for a further 12 months on a continued to show strong growth with second Working Holiday visa. 110 570 subclass 457 visas granted, over 58 000 to primary applicants. Students From 26 April 2008, student visa The department’s Regional Outreach processing was streamlined to include Officers continued to play an integral role all entitlements in the initial student visa in promoting and supporting regional grant. While the visa entitlements remained migration initiatives, working directly with the same, this change removed the need regional employers. Industry Outreach for a second application by students to Officers worked with peak industry access their work rights. This change bodies to promote mechanisms for the has cut red tape for students and was entry of skilled migrants to employers. welcomed by the international education The department continued the Australia industry. The change was made possible Needs Skills expo program, holding one through improved system links between the overseas expo in London and one in Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Sydney, helping to connect employers with the Department of Education, Employment skilled migrants. Both expos were well and Workplace Relations and education attended and received favourable feedback providers. from employers and state and territory Outcome One governments. The department also expanded visa label-free arrangements to further groups Temporary entry of students. Label-free arrangements During 2007–08, the department continued were extended to countries in the to design and strengthen internal systems Assessment Level 2–4 eVisa trial, namely to improve the security and integrity of India, Indonesia and Thailand. These Australia’s border. The development of arrangements mean that students do not more efficient visa application facilities for have to obtain a visa label and can instead clients was also implemented. The online rely on the Visa Entitlement Verification tourist visa service (e676) autogrant, which Online (VEVO) service to check visa enables quicker decision making and information and entitlements. label-free travel, was expanded. The facility A communications strategy targeting was released to Cyprus in July 2007, students through campus information Slovakia in March 2008 and Poland, campaigns and seminars has been used Romania and Bulgaria in June 2008. This to encourage label-free travel and the use means that all European Union nationals of VEVO to check visa information and now have access to autogranted tourist entitlements. This campaign has resulted in visas when applying to visit Australia for a significant increase in its use. up to three months. The Working Holiday and Work and Holiday Research and publications visa programs continued to experience In 2007–08, independent research strong growth in 2007–08, with commissioned by the department 157 574 visas granted, onshore and confirmed the significant long‑term offshore. This was underpinned by contribution of permanent and temporary promotional activities, expansion of business entry migrants to the Federal reciprocal Work and Holiday visa Budget. This research by Access arrangements to include the USA, and an Economics is available on the department’s increasing number of people staying on website.

1.1 Migration and temporary entry 35 The department also commissioned Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme research to analyse Australia’s future In March 2008, the department led an population directions and labour supply, interdepartmental committee that included and to examine the role of immigration in the Department of the Prime Minister meeting future labour force needs. This and Cabinet, Department of Education, research should be completed in 2008–09. Employment and Workplace Relations, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants Treasury, Department of Finance and to Australia Deregulation, Department of Agriculture, The Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Fisheries and Forestry, and AusAID to Australia is a survey of approximately develop a pilot program for seasonal 10 000 primary applicants from the workers from Pacific island countries. Family and Skill streams who have been The government was considering a pilot surveyed in two waves. Wave one was run to examine whether a seasonal worker approximately six months after arrival or program could contribute to foreign aid grant of visa onshore and wave two was objectives and also assist Australian run 12 months later. employers. A delegation of senior The survey found that the unemployment government officials, led by the secretary, rates of primary applicants fell substantially travelled to New Zealand in May 2008 to over time and that migrants with good learn more about its Recognised Seasonal English language skills had the best Employer Scheme. Consultations with key employment outcomes and their earnings stakeholders were also undertaken to test were higher. This report can be found on the the demand for labour and receptiveness to department’s website. a pilot program. The Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme Special activities was formally announced by the government Throughout 2007–08, the department on 17 August 2008, with the pilot likely to worked closely with World Youth Day commence in late 2008. organisers in Sydney and group leaders around the world to facilitate the entry of international pilgrims for the event. The usual application fee for tourist visas was waived for pilgrims. Those eligible for an Electronic Travel Authority could register to attend World Youth Day and apply for their visa at the same time. During 2007–08, the department granted 64 525 visas for World Youth Day. A large number of other pilgrims obtained their visas independently through the department’s other services.

36 Annual Report 2007–08 1.1.1 Economic migration Objectives Regional migration continues to be a priority under the Skill Stream. Through This component aims to: their sponsorship of skilled migrants, state • strengthen the economic and budgetary and territory governments have a direct benefits from granting permanent influence on the number and skills sets of residence visas to skilled and business migrants who settle in their jurisdictions. migrants There were four visa categories included in • address key and emerging skill this group—Skilled Independent Regional shortages, particularly in regional visas, State and Territory Nominated Australia visas, Skilled Sponsored visas and Skilled • expand business establishment Regional Sponsored visas. The number and investment. of visas granted to people sponsored by states and territories was 7530 in 2007–08. Description Under this outcome, the department General skilled migration manages the entry of skilled and business A major package of reforms to General migrants. State-specific and regional Skilled Migration (GSM) was implemented Outcome One migration programs help employers and on 1 September 2007. The reforms were state and territory governments fill skill partly in response to the evaluation of shortages that cannot be filled locally. These GSM categories which was conducted programs are targeted to address existing by a number of prominent academics and and projected skill shortages and help in submitted to government in early 2006. the development of local communities. Key features of the reforms are a Performance restructure of the points test (the core selection mechanism) to give greater Table 4 shows the broad categories of Skill emphasis to skilled work experience Stream entrants and compares 2007–08 as a selection factor, an increase in the outcomes with those of the previous year. threshold requirements for English language In 2007–08, the department issued 108 542 proficiency and rationalisation of the GSM Skill Stream visas, compared to 97 940 in visa structure. 2006–07. Overall processing times were affected by Regional migration and state-specific a large volume of applications received in initiatives now account for 24 per cent August 2007, prior to the GSM changes of the Skill Stream of the Migration taking effect. Processing was also affected Program. The Australian Government by substantial integrity concerns in both the works with state and territory governments offshore and onshore caseloads. to encourage Australian employers and potential overseas applicants to use Figure 4 overleaf shows the growth in these programs. general skilled migration since 1996–97. During 2007–08, the department issued The increased proportion of the caseload 26 162 state specific and regional migration from countries traditionally viewed as ‘high visas, an increase of 1.01 per cent over risk’ has lengthened processing times in the previous year. Since the introduction of this part of the program. these programs in 1996, a total of 135 854 visas have been issued.

1.1.1 Economic migration 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 37 Skilled Australian Sponsored Skilled Independent State/Territory Sponsored Visa Classes

Figure 4: General Skilled Migration outcomes 1996–97 to 2007–08

80 000 Skilled Australian Sponsored 80000 Skilled Independent

70 000 State/Territory Sponsored visa classes 70000

60 000 60000

50 000 50000

40 000 40000 Persons

30 000 30000

20 000 20000

10 000 10000

0 0 96/97 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08

1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Year

Figure 5: General Skilled Migration 2007–08—top ten nationalities

2% 3% 3% 22% 4% Indonesia 4% Bangladesh Indonesia 4% Philippines South Africa Bangladesh 5% Sri Lanka People’s Republic of Korea Phillipines Malaysia Korea, Republic of People’s Republic of China

13% United Kingdom India South Africa, Republic of 22% All others Sri Lanka

18%

Malaysia

China, Peoples Republic of 38 Annual Report 2007–08

United Kingdom

India

All Others In 2007–08, India was the single largest Business and investment migration source country for migrants under GSM, Overseas business people who have ahead of the United Kingdom and the successful business or investment People’s Republic of China. Figure 5 backgrounds can benefit Australia through shows a breakdown by nationality of job creation, capital transfers and exports. general skilled migration for 2007–08. State and territory governments play an active role in selecting business migrants Employer-sponsored programs through their sponsorship of 94.7 per cent Employer-sponsored programs include the of all applicants. This sponsorship supports Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS), the economic development in specific areas of Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme the sponsoring states or territories. (RSMS) and the Labour Agreement (LA) program. In 2007–08 there were 23 760 All business skills migrants have to visas granted (15 480 ENS, 5060 RSMS demonstrate a commitment to business in and 3220 LA) which was a 43.2 per cent Australia, and most applicants have up to increase from 2006–07 and represented four years on a provisional visa to establish 21.9 per cent of the total Skilled Migration a business. Some visa holders initially program. The main occupation sought granted permanent residence rather than through these programs was registered a provisional visa can be subject to visa Outcome One nurse, and the major source countries cancellation. In 2007–08, the department were India, South Africa and the granted 6565 visas under this category United Kingdom. and cancelled 624 visas. Table 4 shows the broad categories of Skill Stream More than 78 per cent of people lodging visas granted, while Table 5 shows the ENS applications were holders of distribution of state-specific and regional Temporary Business (Long Stay) migration. (subclass 457) visas, which provide pathways for temporary skilled workers seeking permanent residence.

Table 4: Economic migration program outcome—Skill Stream

Category 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Employer Sponsored 16 590 23 760 43.2%

Skilled Independent 54 180 55 890 3.2%

State/Territory Sponsored1 6 930 7 530 8.7%

Skilled Australian Sponsored 14 170 14 580 2.9%

Distinguished Talent 230 210 –8.7%

Business Skills 5 840 6 570 12.5%

1 November2 0 2 200.0%

Total 97 940 108 542 10.8%

Note: Numbers have been rounded and totals may not be the exact sum of the components. 1 Includes State/Territory Nominated Independent and Skilled Independent Regional. 2 Applications for 1 November 1993 visas closed on 1 August 1994.

1.1.1 Economic migration 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 39 Table 5: Distribution of state-specific and regional migration

State/territory 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

New South Wales 1 900 2 130 12.1%

Victoria 9 180 9 270 1.0%

Queensland 3 080 2 610 –15.3%

South Australia 7 160 7 040 –1.7%

Western Australia 3 030 3 170 4.6%

Tasmania 510 550 7.8%

Northern Territory 290 390 34.5%

Australian Capital Territory 650 860 32.3%

Total1 25 850 26 160 1.2%

1 Discrepancies between state/territory numbers and the total are a result of instances where the state/territory is unspecified.

Figure 6: State-specific and regional migration visas from 1996–97 to 2007–08 state% of skillspecfic stream migration

State-specific migration 30 30000000 60 Percentage of Skill Stream 60

25 25000000 5050 Percentage of Skill Stream 20 20000000 4040

15 15000000 3030 Persons

10 10000000 2020

5 0005000 1010

00 00 1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

1996–97 1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Year

40 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 6: Economic migration—performance information

2007–08 Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Percentage of applications finalised —1 —1 59.97% within service standards

Quantity

The skilled migration component of the Migration Program meets the planning level determined by government

Planned 97 500 97 500 108 500

Result 97 340 97 920 108 542

1 Not measured in previous years.

Table 7: Economic migration—performance against the service standards Outcome One Category Onshore clients Offshore clients

Low risk High risk Low risk High risk

Labour Agreement, Employer Nomination, Regional Sponsored Migration

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 5 months in 7 months in 5 months in 7 months

Result 73.43% 73.63% 81.26% 73.13%

Business Skills

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 9 months in 15 months in 9 months in 15 months

Result 76.97% 89.63% 67.49% 74.77%

General Skilled Migration

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 6 months in 6 months in 12 months in 15 months

Result 31.32% 34.09% 78.54% 60.46%

Skilled Independent—Regional (495) and Skilled Regional—Sponsored (475, 487)

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 5 months in 5 months in 7 months in 7 months

Result 15.29% 16.41% 43.38% 29.14%

1.1.1 Economic migration 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 41 1.1.2 Family migration Objectives There are two sub-categories: This component aims to: • Parent visas, which had 1000 places allocated in 2007–08 • facilitate the entry of close family members of Australian citizens, • Contributory Parent visas, which had permanent residents or eligible 3500 places allocated in 2007–08. New Zealand citizens including Other Family Stream visa classes cater for: spouses, interdependent partners, • children including natural, adoptive, fiancé(e)s and dependent children step-children and orphaned relatives • provide opportunities for other family • remaining relatives—people offshore members such as parents, aged whose close family members are all dependent relatives, carers and resident in Australia remaining relatives to join their relatives in Australia. • carers who migrate to care for relatives in Australia Description • aged dependent relatives. The Family Stream of the Migration Program contains a range of visa classes that meet Performance broad social and family reunion objectives. Table 8 shows the components of the Family Stream and the percentage change Approximately 80 per cent of the Family between 2007–08 and the previous year. Stream is comprised of partners of The total number of visas issued in all Australian citizens and permanent residents. categories for 2007–08 was 49 870, a The planning level for this group in 2007–08 decrease of 0.42 per cent from 2006–07. was 40 500 places. Parent migration was allocated 4500 places in 2007–08.

Table 8: Numbers admitted under the Family Stream by category

Category 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Partner 40 435 39 931 –1.25%

Parent1 4 500 4 499 –0.02%

Child 3 008 3 062 1.80%

Other family 2 136 2 378 11.33%

Total 50 079 49 870 –0.42%

1 Including 3499 grants in the contributory parent category.

42 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 7: Ratio of family migration visa grants 2007–08

4.8% 6.1%

9.0% Partners

Partner Parent Parent Child Child Other Other Family

80.1% Outcome One

Table 9: Family migration—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Percentage of applications finalised within N/A2 N/A2 73.84% service standard1

Quantity

The Family Stream component of the Migration Program meets the planning level determined by government

Planned 45 000 50 000 50 000

Result 45 291 50 079 49 870

Number of offshore applications 53 3593 60 0293 55 4233 (persons) finalised

Number of onshore applications 52 267 52 325 53 537 (persons) finalised

1 Family Stream performance information includes all family visa categories except Parent visas which have a fixed number of places allocated. 2 Service standards were calculated using the current indicators for the first time in 2007–08. 3 Applications processed in Taipei are not reflected in the applications (persons) finalised quantities.

1.1.2 Family migration 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 43 Family violence provisions Parent visas Australia’s Migration Program enables All 1000 places available in the parent people (generally those who are in Australia category were filled in 2007–08, along with on Provisional Partner visas) to apply to 3499 of the available 3500 contributory remain in Australia if a partner relationship parent category places. breaks down due to family violence. The The Contributory Parent visa category came family violence provisions were introduced into effect on 27 June 2003. This category in response to community concerns that was capped for the first time in June 2006. some partners might feel compelled to Due to high levels of demand and the fixed remain in abusive relationships rather than number of places available, this category end the relationship and be required to was also subject to queuing for the first leave Australia. On 15 October 2007, the time in 2007–08. migration regulations were amended to reflect amendments to theFamily Law There has been an increase in the Parent Act 1975. These amendments included visa allocation for 2008–09. There will updating the term and definition of be 8500 visa places available with 2000 ‘domestic violence’ to ‘family violence’. in the parent category and 6500 in the contributory parent category. Legislation introduced in July 2005 allows the department to refer doubtful claims of The increased number of available Parent family violence to an independent expert visas for the 2008–09 year will reduce with extensive expertise in family violence waiting times for applicants, and will restore matters to ensure that only genuine some balance to the structure of the claimants access the provisions. The Migration Program. opinion of the independent expert (currently The majority of Parent visa applications are gazetted as Centrelink) is binding on the processed at the Perth Offshore Processing immigration decision maker. These changes Centre. During 2007–08, the centre put in were developed in consultation with the place a number of revised management Office for Women and the Partnerships practices to improve processing, including Against Domestic Violence Task Force. restructuring the centre and introducing Departmental reports indicate that 502 streamlined processing methods to improve applications with claims against the Family productivity and efficiency. Violence Provisions were made during 2007–08. Child visas The department continues to work closely At 30 June 2008, there were 74 referrals to with state and territory adoption authorities Centrelink by departmental officers, a rate that manage intercountry adoption of less than 15 per cent of the total number programs in Australia. The adoption of applications with family violence claims. authorities are aware of the department’s Of the 61 referrals finalised by Centrelink up procedures and inform prospective to 30 June 2008, there were 40 findings of adoptive parents of visa requirements for family violence having taken place and their adoptive child. This process ensures 21 of no family violence. that cases managed by state and territory A further 49 referrals to Centrelink were adoption authorities are processed as made by the Migration Review Tribunal. expeditiously as possible. Of those finalised, there were 19 findings of family violence having taken place and 26 findings of no family violence.

44 Annual Report 2007–08 Amendments to the Onshore Child in Australia or are in other vulnerable (subclass 802) visa regulations were situations. As these children have no introduced on 26 April 2008 to cater for suitable family members willing to care for certain non-citizen, non-permanent resident them, a government welfare authority may children in state or territory government decide to support a permanent residence welfare authority care. The amendments visa application for the child. In 2007–08, are a targeted solution for situations where 3062 child stream applications were children of non-citizen, non-permanent granted. resident parents have been abandoned

Table 10: Family migration—performance against service standards

Category Onshore clients Offshore clients

Low risk High risk1 Low risk High risk1

Spouse and interdependent (temporary)

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 6 months in 6 months in 5 months in 10 months

Result 74.43% 65.38% 88.42% 85.99% Outcome One

Prospective Marriage

Target N/A2 N/A2 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 5 months in 10 months

Result N/A2 N/A2 88.62% 88.66%

Spouse and interdependent (permanent)

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised N/A3 N/A3 in 6 months in 8 months

Result 64.60% 61.70% N/A3 N/A3

Child

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 6 months in 7 months in 3 months in 10 months

Result 65.06% 64.94% 83.25% 81.73%

Contributory parent category4

Target 3 500 visas granted

Result 99.97%

1 High risk is defined as those nations for whom ETA is not available. 2 Not applicable/available in Australia. 3 Numbers statistically insignificant. 4 Performance of the Contributory Parent category has not been measured against service standards as it was capped at 3500 visa grants in February 2008. Note: The 75 per cent processing times are from application to finalisation.

1.1.2 Family migration 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 45 1.1.3 Special eligibility Objective Performance This component aims to develop and In 2007–08, 220 visas were granted, as administer visa arrangements to facilitate detailed in Table 11. entry of former Australian permanent During 2007–08, the department granted: residents who spent nine out of their first 18 years in Australia and who have • 3 Resolution of Status (subclass 851) maintained close ties with Australia; and visas leaving only one case outstanding those who served in Australia’s armed • 208 Former Resident (subclass 151) forces. visas (a total of 186 applications were Description received, with 22 refused) Under this output component, the • 9 Close Ties (subclass 832) visas department administers visa arrangements from the residual caseload to facilitate the entry of people who meet (3 refused). special eligibility criteria. The department The total number of visa applications also seeks to resolve the status of certain finalised decreased from 297 in groups of people who have been allowed to 2006–07 to 262 in 2007–08. The total remain in Australia as long-term temporary includes those withdrawn, cancelled or residents for humanitarian reasons. otherwise finalised.

Table 11: Numbers admitted through the Special Eligibility Stream by category

Category 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Resolution of Status 7 3 –57.14%

Close Ties and Former Resident 192 217 13.02%

Total 199 220 10.55%

Table 12: Special eligibility—performance information

Measures Results

2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Percentage of applications finalised within service standards 75% 96%

Table 13: Special eligibility—performance against service standards

Category Onshore clients Offshore clients

Low risk High risk Low risk High risk

Other special eligibility

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 6 months in 9 months in 9 months in 12 months

Result 90% 100% 83% 100%

46 Annual Report 2007–08 1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers Objective which enable passport holders from 33 countries and regions to make Assist the entry of genuine tourists, short-term tourism and business visits business, family visitors and working holiday makers while minimising non-return rates • Tourist (subclass 676) visas for people and contravention of visa conditions. seeking to visit Australia for tourism • Sponsored Family Visitor (subclass 679) Description visas, which are specifically designed for Under this component, the department people seeking to visit family in Australia facilitates the entry of genuine tourists, • Business (Short Stay) (subclass 456) business and family visitors, working holiday visas and Sponsored Business Visitor makers and attendees at major international (Short Stay) (subclass 459) visas events in Australia by improving client for people wishing to make a short services and processing times. business visit to Australia Another major role is to minimise the • Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas potential for non-genuine visitors to enter, and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) or remain in, Australia or to contravene their visas, which provide opportunities for Outcome One visa conditions. Under this component, people aged between 18 and 30 to the department also collaborates with holiday in Australia and to supplement the Department of Health and Ageing to their travel funds through short-term develop policy advice on the administration employment of health requirements for temporary • Medical Treatment (Short Stay) entrants as well as migrants. (subclass 675) visas and Medical People who wish to visit Australia can apply Treatment (Long Stay) (subclass 685) for a range of visas, including, but not visas that enable people to travel to limited to: Australia for medical treatment or consultations. • Electronic Travel Authorities (ETAs) (subclasses 976, 977 and 956),

Table 14: Visitors and working holiday visas—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quantity1

975 000 applications (persons) finalised 848 245 964 781 1 095 064

3 321 000 ETA applications (persons) finalised 2 824 574 2 818 142 2 713 131

Quality

Percentage of visitors that apply for protection 0.07% 0.07% 0.06% visas remains low or declines

Percentage of applications finalised within N/A N/A See Table 15 service standard

1 Applications processed in Taipei are not reflected in the applications (persons) finalised quantities.

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 47 Table 15: Visitors and working holiday visas—performance against the service standards

Category Onshore Offshore

Low risk High risk Low risk High risk

Sponsored visitors

Target N/A N/A N/A 75 per cent finalised in 1 month

Result N/A N/A N/A 59.13%

Non-sponsored visitors (short stay)

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 1 day in 1 month in 1 day in 1.5 months

Result 47.46% 48.82% 99.07% 93.25%

Sponsored business visitors

Target N/A N/A N/A 75 per cent finalised in 1 month

Result N/A N/A N/A 82.77%

Non-sponsored business visitors

Target N/A N/A 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 1 day in 1 month

Result N/A N/A 98.32% 98.03%

Working holiday (initial)

Target N/A N/A 75 per cent finalised N/A in 6 days

Result N/A N/A 66.80% N/A

Working holiday (second)

Target 75 per cent finalised N/A 75 per cent finalised N/A in 21 days in 21 days

Result 20.59% N/A 75.52% N/A

N/A—not applicable

48 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 16: Visas granted to offshore applicants by categories

Categories 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage variation

Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) 2 892 904 2 776 386 –4.03% Visitors (subclasses 956, 976, 977)

Tourist (non–ETA) 518 035 604 188 16.63% (subclasses 676, 686)

Business Visitors (non–ETA) 199 516 207 054 3.78% (subclasses 456, 459)

Sponsored Family Visitors 14 123 19 686 39.39% (subclass 679)

Medical Treatment 3 225 2 614 –18.95% (subclasses 675, 685)

Total visitor visas 3 627 803 3 609 928 –0.49%

Working Holiday and Work and 130 106 148 742 14.32%

Holiday (subclasses 417, 462) Outcome One

Figure 8: Trends in Visitor and Working Holiday offshore visa grants, other than ETAs

800000 2005–06 2006–07 700700000 000 2007–08

600600000 000

2007-08

500500000 000

2006-07 400400000 000 Grants

300300000 000 2005-06

200200000 000

100100000 000

00 Tourist (subclassesTourist 676,686)Business Business(subclasses 456,459) SponsoredSponsored Family (subclassWorking 679) holidayWorking (subclasses Medical 417, 462)TreatmentMedical (subclasses 675, 685) Family Holiday Treatment

Visa

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 49 Table 16 details the following results on Visitor visas visas granted offshore from 2006–07 to In 2007–08, there were 3 609 928 visitor 2007–08: visas granted offshore, a small decrease of • Tourist visas have increased by 0.49 per cent from the 2006–07 figure of 16.63 per cent to over 600 000 grants 3 627 803. The highest number of offshore • Sponsored Family Visitor visas have visitor visas were granted to people from increased by 39.39 per cent to nearly the United Kingdom. Both Tourist visas 20 000 grants and Sponsored Family Visitor visas have increased on the previous period. The • ETAs have decreased by 4.03 per cent, number of grants of ETAs has decreased but are still the most popular form of by 4.03 per cent. Visitor visa approval rates grant with over 2.7 million grants have dropped slightly from the previous • Business visas have increased by period. 3.78 per cent and are now over 200 000 in total Improving access for clients • Medical Treatment visas have The Central Movement Alert List (CMAL) decreased by 18.95 per cent to 2614 was introduced to the Electronic Travel grants for the year Authority System (ETAS) on 21 April 2008. The CMAL changes to ETAS have been • Working Holiday and Work and Holiday designed to strengthen the security and visas have increased noticeably by integrity of Australia’s borders as well as 14.32 per cent. provide a more streamlined application Performance facility for airlines and the travel industry. Under the new process, ETA applications During 2007–08, the department continued are referred back to the department for to support the tourism industry by security analysis and processing. Highly facilitating the entry of genuine visitors to trained and specialised departmental Australia, through: analysts have been recruited to process • improving access to streamlined visa and analyse this data. processing by expanding access to autogrant facilities for online applications The rollout of ETAS continued on track, with all ETA nationalities being added to • reviewing integrity checks to minimise the CMAL system. By 29 June 2008, the risk of non-bona fide visitors being 61 883 ETAs were processed through granted visitor visas CMAL with only 140 resulting in client • promoting tourism to Australia through referrals to an Australian Embassy, less than targeted schemes such as the 0.5 per cent. This is a much lower referral Approved Destination Status scheme rate than under the previous Movement and the Preferred Aussie Specialist Alert List checking arrangements in ETAS. program • working cooperatively with other Commonwealth and state government agencies and peak industry bodies • providing assistance to the International Event Coordinator Network for key events such as World Youth Day.

50 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 17: Countries where highest number of offshore visitor visas granted

Country 2006–07 2007–08

United Kingdom 674 771 631 900

Japan 556 453 464 878

United States of America 385 384 400 906

People’s Republic of China 239 061 261 016

Republic of Korea 235 186 197 450

Germany 138 230 144 852

Malaysia 126 030 134 819

Singapore 128 422 129 364

Canada 101 276 114 457

France 101 505 112 143 Outcome One India 75 121 88 994

Taiwan 75 025 67 933

The e676 visa (the subclass 676 Tourist required, to be granted their visas within visa applied for online) can offer many of a matter of minutes. During 2007–08, the same benefits as the ETA, including e676 autogrant access was extended to electronic lodgement and payment, quicker a number of additional countries including decision making and label free travel. This Cyprus, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Poland and removes the requirement for applicants Romania. to either visit or post their passports to an In 2007–08, 48.29 per cent of offshore Australian diplomatic mission, often located granted e676 Tourist visas were in another country. autogranted compared with 46.45 per Some countries are also eligible for e676 cent in 2006–07. In coming years, the autogrant access. This allows the majority department plans to explore opportunities of applications from eligible passport to improve electronic visitor access for all holders, where the e676 application does visitors to Australia. not indicate that further assessment is Table 19 shows the countries with the highest eVisa take-up rates.

Table 18: Trends in visitor visa approval rates

Visa category Approval rate 2006–07 Approval rate 2007–08

Offshore visitor visas 98.57% 98.07%

ETA applications 99.98% 99.91%

Non-ETA applications 93.36% 92.40%

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 51 Table 19: Countries with high eVisa take Since its inception in August 1999, the up rates number of Chinese tourists has increased Country Percentage of 676 visa significantly, providing a substantial boost to applications through eVisa Australia’s tourism industry.

Slovenia 97.89% In 2007–08, 94 503 tourists arrived under the ADS scheme, compared with 81 495 Estonia 96.07% in 2006–07 and 55 487 in 2005–06. Since August 1999, a total of 399 005 tourists Kuwait 94.85% have arrived on ADS visas. Latvia 93.68% The ADS non-return rate decreased from Czech Republic 91.59% 0.40 per cent in 2006–07 to 0.29 per cent in 2007–08 due to increased integrity Lithuania 88.76% measures in the ADS scheme. This Malta 86.82% compares to the total visitor non-return rate of 1.31 per cent. Switzerland 85.94% The scheme has been extremely Bulgaria 81.82% successful, allowing a large number of Slovakia 80.60% tourists to visit, while ensuring high levels of integrity and compliance with visa Finland 80.12% conditions. Netherlands 80.12% There are 89 Chinese travel agencies Note: Countries have a minimum of 100 visas granted. and 54 Australian travel agencies now participating in the ADS scheme. Maintaining program integrity During 2007–08, the department Preferred Aussie Specialists improved access to visitor visas without Preferred Aussie Specialists (PAS) are compromising program integrity. The travel agents located in developing tourist department used tools such as the ‘no centres, selected to promote tourism and further stay’ condition, bonds, safeguard facilitate the processing of Australian visitor profiles and sponsor sanctions to maintain visa applications. The agents are trained integrity. by Tourism Australia to promote Australia as a destination and by the department in The number of visitor visa holders failing general visitor visa policy and assessing to leave Australia before their visas expired bona fides. PAS agents do not issue visas. was 1.31 per cent in 2007–08. Only 0.06 per cent of visitor visa holders The PAS scheme enables visas to be (2169 persons) applied for protection visas processed quickly and with greater integrity. after arriving in Australia during 2007–08, In 2007–08, the program continued to down on the previous year. operate in India and Russia and was extended to Mexico and Vietnam in Approved Destination Status scheme recognition of their importance as The Approved Destination Status (ADS) emerging tourism markets for Australia. scheme enables tourists from the People’s Republic of China to travel to Australia more The department has also been approached easily as part of organised tour groups. by Indonesia and countries in South America to consider expanding PAS into these regions.

52 Annual Report 2007–08 ADS arrivals

Figure 9: Trends in Approved Destination Status scheme grants

100100000 000

80 80000000

60 00060000 Visa grants

40 40000000 Outcome One 20 20000000 2001–022001-02 2002–032002-03 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08

Year

Tourism and Visa Advisory Group Cyprus, Slovakia, Romania, Bulgaria and The department continues to work closely Poland. On 1 July 2007, the requirement with key stakeholders in the tourism for EU visitors travelling to Australia for industry. The Tourism and Visa Advisory periods of three months or less to pay visa Group provides the main forum and application charges on Business (Short comprises representatives from Tourism Stay) (subclass 456) and e676 Tourist Australia, the Tourism and Export Council, (subclass 676) visas was removed. the Tourism and Transport Forum, Qantas, There was continued development of the Board of Airline Representatives a new electronic service, eVisitor, for Australia, the Australian Hotels Association, tourists and business visitors across all state and territory tourism authorities, and EU countries. The eVisitor service will offer the Department of Resources, Energy and the convenience of an online application Tourism. with limited questions, but will also deliver advanced screening for travellers who European Union short-term present a security or immigration risk. This entry reciprocity improved capability will better uphold the During 2007–08, the department continued integrity of Australia’s border and the safety to work closely with the European of both visitors and Australian citizens. Commission and other European Union (EU) representatives on short-term entry reciprocity issues. This close working relationship has resulted in the extension of the e676 autogrant facility to

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 53 Business visitors Table 21 shows the main source countries Short stay business visitor visas support for short stay business visitor visa grants. Australian businesses, including export industries, and are an integral part of the Sponsored family visitors department’s operations. They enable The Sponsored Family Visitor program business people to visit Australia for allows Australian citizens and permanent business negotiations, signing of contracts, residents to formally sponsor their relatives inter-company business activities and to visit Australia. To strengthen the integrity attendance at conferences. of this program, a security bond may be required from the sponsor. The program In 2007–08, 418 250 short stay business has been successful in allowing those visitor visas were granted, an increase applicants about whom there may be some of 3.32 per cent over 2006–07 (404 795 residual concerns to be granted a visa to visas), with more than half of these issued visit family in Australia. electronically. The major source countries for short stay business visitors for the year In 2007–08, 19 686 Sponsored Family were the People’s Republic of China and Visitor visas were granted, a large increase the United States of America. of almost 40 per cent from the 14 123 visas granted in 2006–07.

Table 20: Types of short stay business visitor visas granted in 2007–08

Visa category Visas granted in 2007–08 Percentage of total Business Visitor (Short Stay) visas granted

ETA business visitor visas 211 196 50.50%

Non-ETA business visitor visas 207 054 49.50%

Table 21: Main source countries for short stay business visitor visa grants

Country 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

People’s Republic of China 76 084 83 539 81 481

United States of America 52 836 59 073 58 145

United Kingdom 29 754 33 433 35 283

India 23 651 23 761 25 175

Japan 21 874 24 103 23 998

Singapore 12 045 15 180 15 423

Indonesia 10 820 11 708 12 806

Malaysia 9 420 10 993 12 627

Thailand 12 703 10 961 12 521

Germany 10 329 11 404 12 421

Canada 9 580 10 571 11 405

54 Annual Report 2007–08 International Events Coordinator program shows that these changes and Network various promotional strategies have had The International Events Coordinator a significant effect on the program overall. Network (IECN) has grown significantly Electronic Working Holiday visas since its formation in 1999 with 1012 events facilitated in 2007–08, an increase In 2007–08, 98 per cent of all Working of 82 per cent since 2002–03. Highlights Holiday visas were lodged electronically for the year include IECN facilitation of the and 75 per cent of these were approved XII FINA World Master Championships, automatically. The continuing high eVisa 58th FIFA World Congress and the Beijing take-up rate reflects the success of this Olympic Torch Relay. facility, which provides clients with easy access and faster decisions. Working Holiday visas Work and Holiday visas Australia has 19 reciprocal working holiday arrangements and is actively negotiating Australia also has Work and Holiday visa arrangements with new countries. arrangements with four countries: Thailand, Turkey, Chile and the USA. The visa The Working Holiday program is a cultural provides opportunities for tertiary qualified program that has both social and economic nationals to travel to, and work in, Australia Outcome One benefits. It supports the Australian economy for up to 12 months. Nationals with a lower by providing supplementary labour for visa compliance level have limited places. industries needing short-term casual workers and is an important source of Participants must be aged 18 to 30, have revenue for the Australian tourist industry. functional English and the support of their home government (except applicants from The program promotes better the USA). understanding between countries by encouraging cultural exchange and allowing In 2007–08, 3426 Work and Holiday visas young people to have extended holidays, were granted, an 89.28 per cent increase supplemented by short-term employment. over the 1810 visas granted in 2006–07. A total of 60 per cent of Work and Holiday In 2007–08, 154 148 Working Holiday visas were lodged electronically. (subclass 417) visas were granted, a 14.51 per cent increase over the New Memorandum of Understanding 134 612 visas granted in 2006–07. The on migration health issues main source countries for Working Holiday The department signed a Memorandum visas are shown in Table 22, while Figure 10 of Understanding (MOU) with the highlights gradual increases in grants from Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) one year to the next, with Japan the only in September 2007. The MOU defines the main source country decreasing. cooperative arrangements and respective roles and responsibilities of the two Key changes to the Working Holiday departments in relation to the administration program of the health requirement of the Migration Changes to the regional definition for the Act 1958. It also allows the department Working Holiday visa made during the to seek technical advice from DoHA on a 2007–08 program year have helped more range of health-related issues. The MOU regional areas fill their seasonal labour has been operating successfully since its needs. A large percentage increase in the inception.

1.1.4 Visitors and working holiday makers 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 55 Table 22: Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas granted to applicants by top countries

Country 2006–07 2007–08

United Kingdom 29 815 34 145

Republic of Korea 26 832 32 635

Germany 15 290 17 438

Ireland 12 802 17 120

France 7 955 11 005

Japan 10 820 10 599

Canada 6 876 8 090

Figure 10: Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas granted to applicants by main source countries

2006–07 35 00035000 2007–08

30 00030000

25 00025000

20 00020000

Grants 2006–07 2007–08 15 00015000

10 00010000

5 0005000

00 United Kingdom Republic of Korea Germany Ireland France Japan Canada Ireland Japan France Canada Germany

United Kingdom Republic of Korea Countries

56 Annual Report 2007–08 1.1.5 Students Objective visa non-compliance. It is represented by the assessment level that applies to each This component aims to develop and sector and country. Assessment Level 1 administer visa arrangements that will represents the lowest immigration risk, assist growth of the education and tourism while Assessment Level 5 represents the industries through the entry to Australia of highest risk. A lower assessment level genuine full-time students. means fewer requirements to be granted Description a student visa. The student visa program contains a range Table 25 and Figure 11 show the top ten of visa categories that broadly reflect the countries for student visa grants in different education sectors. Students 2007–08. Table 26 shows total student must study in a course registered on the visas by subclass. Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Performance The Student Guardian (subclass 580) Key indicators of the effectiveness of the student visa program include: visa is available for individuals travelling to Outcome One care for minors studying in Australia. The • high visa approval rates AusAID and Defence Sector (subclass 576) • processing times that meet service visa also exists for students sponsored by standards those Australian Government agencies. • high levels of compliance with visa Student applications are assessed requirements according to the immigration risk • improvements to client service, demonstrated by each education sector including an increase in the use and country. The risk level is determined of eVisa. on the basis of factors such as fraud and

Table 23: Total student visa grants (onshore and offshore)

Visa statistics 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Offshore grants 167 129 198 417 18.72%

Onshore grants1 61 463 79 767 29.78%

Total 228 592 278 184 21.69%

1 This figure does not include Permission to Work visa grants or Student Guardian visa grants.

1.1.5 Students 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 57 Table 24: Total student visas granted Table 25: Total student visas granted by citizenship for the top ten by citizenship for the top ten countries 2006–07 countries 2007–08

Citizenship Visas Citizenship Visas

People’s Republic of China 38 466 People’s Republic of China 49 763

India 34 146 India 47 639

Republic of Korea 18 557 Republic of Korea 19 350

United States of America 9 973 Thailand 11 576

Malaysia 9 496 Brazil 11 096

Thailand 9 479 Malaysia 10 661

Japan 8 876 Nepal 10 247

Brazil 8 220 United States of America 9 969

Indonesia 7 534 Indonesia 8 246

Hong Kong 7 724 Japan 7 669

Total 152 471 Total 186 216 Total grants 2006-07 PY Total grants 2007-08 PY Total visa grants 228 592 Total visa grants 278 184

Figure 11: Student visa grants—top ten countries

Total grants 2006–07 50 00050000 Total grants 2007–08

40 00040000

30 00030000 Grants

20 000 20000

10 000 10000

0 0 China, Peoples Republic ofIndia Korea, Republic of Thailand Brazil Malaysia Nepal United States Indonesia Japan India Brazil Nepal Japan Thailand of China Malaysia Indonesia Unitedof StatesAmerica People’s Republic Republic of Korea Countries

58 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 26: Total student visas granted by subclass

Category 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Independent ELICOS 1 30 115 30 545 1.43%

Schools 16 224 16 976 4.64%

Vocational Education and Training 43 404 68 382 57.55%

Higher Education 110 821 130 127 17.42%

Postgraduate Research 5 810 6 935 19.36%

Non-Award 17 616 20 698 17.50%

AusAID/Defence 4 602 4 521 –1.76%

Total 228 592 278 184 21.69%

1 English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students.

Table 27: Student visas—performance information Outcome One Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Percentage of students who become unlawful 0.53% 1.32% 0.99% remains low or decreases as a proportion of student visas expiring in that program year

Percentage of student visas cancelled for 0.26% 0.48% 0.41% non-attendance or for not meeting course requirements remains low or decreases as a proportion of the total number of student visas in place in the program year

Percentage of applications finalised within service 70.29% 67.08% 72.23% standard

Quantity

310 000 student visa applications finalised1 215 486 255 931 313 566

1 From April 2008, the department streamlined its student visa processing to automatically allow part-time work rights to all applicants granted a student visa. This removed the previous requirement for new student visa holders to apply for another student visa that would provide permission to work. The number of student visa applications providing permission to work was 139 692 for 2007–08. In 2006–07, the figure was 105 840 while in 2005–06, 85 182 student visa applications providing permission to work were finalised. The number will decrease significantly in future years as the number of students that are automatically granted part-time work rights with their initial student visa increases.

1.1.5 Students 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 59 Table 28: Number of people on student visas in Australia

Program year 30 September 31 December 31 March 30 June

2002–03 176 405 109 024 184 732 171 619

2003–04 193 546 120 602 203 123 177 292

2004–05 207 914 132 278 211 515 190 400

2005–06 222 216 150 560 232 147 208 038

2006–07 242 668 176 268 266 302 248 814

2007–08 294 658 222 942 327 188 317 897

Note: The data has been extracted at the end of each quarter of each program year from 2001–02 to 2006–07 and shows the fluctuations in each quarter due to student peak periods.

Figure 12: Student visa holders in Australia as at 30 June each year, 2003–08

350350000 000

300300000 000

250250000 000

200200000 000

Visa grants 150150000 000

100100000 000

50 00050000

00 20032003 20042004 20052005 20062006 20072007 20082008

Year

60 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 29: Number of students in Australia as at 30 June each year, 2006–08, by citizenship

Citizenship 2006 2007 2008

People’s Republic of China 43 938 51 291 65 411

India 23 609 39 051 65 558

Republic of Korea 17 492 20 084 22 028

Malaysia 12 153 13 047 14 920

Thailand 8 528 9 723 11 539

Nepal 1 352 4 897 11 335

Indonesia 10 052 10 428 10 911

Vietnam 4 367 5 765 9 292

Hong Kong 7 169 7 895 8 278

Japan 8 978 8 184 7 122 Outcome One Note: This stock data provides a ‘snapshot’ of the estimated number of overseas students in Australia at 30 June each year.

The department granted 278 184 student Compliance visas in 2007–08. This was an increase of The department supported the growth in 21.69 per cent from 228 592 in 2006–07. the education sector through the grant This figure does not include visas providing of more than 278 000 visas. At the same permission to work. The department time, the student visa program sought granted 139 692 Permission to Work visas to minimise the number of student visa in 2007–08, an increase of 32 per cent from holders who do not comply with their visa 2006–07. conditions. From 26 April 2008, the two-step There were 6727 student visa cancellations application process for permission to in 2007–08, compared to 6441 in 2006–07. work for student visas was streamlined The proportion of cancellations compared to become a one-step process. While the to grants declined from 2.82 per cent in work rights themselves have not changed, 2006–07 to 2.42 per cent in 2007–08. this will eliminate the need for onshore Further analysis of this data shows that applications for permission to work, 2294 visas were cancelled due to reducing the administrative burden and red non-attendance or a failure to meet course tape for both students and the department. progress requirements. The remainder of At 30 June 2008, there were 317 897 cancellations were for a variety of reasons people in Australia on student visas, a and were not necessarily a result of 27.7 per cent increase on the previous year. non-compliance. For example, 1449 During academic term time (on 31 March student visas were cancelled at the request 2008) figures showed there was a record of the students as they had completed their number of 327 188 student visa holders in courses early. Australia, a 22.8 per cent increase on the 2006–07 figure.

1.1.5 Students 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 61 A total of 3159 student visa holders Client service improvements became unlawful in 2007–08. This is a The student visa program continued to significant decrease from 3933 in 2006–07. make use of technology to provide effective There has also been a decrease in the client service. The student eVisa system unlawful rate of 0.99 per cent in 2007–08, allows students to lodge applications compared to 1.32 per cent in 2006–07. online. This option proved popular among This rate remains low as a proportion of the students, with an increase in take-up rates total number of students in Australia. of 46.36 per cent in 2007–08.

Table 30: Offshore eVisa grants in Assessment Levels 2–4 trial countries

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

India 6 943 19 703 32 885

People’s Republic of China 7 286 14 894 20 667

Thailand 2 148 3 330 3 475

Indonesia 214 505 228

Total 16 591 38 432 57 255

Table 31: Offshore eVisa percentage take-up rates for Assessment Levels 2–4 trial countries from 2005–06 to 2007–08

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

India 51.16% 62.22% 84.15%

People’s Republic of China 43.29% 54.95% 63.58%

Thailand 40.47% 55.36% 49.41%

Indonesia 4.56% 9.28% 3.90%

62 Annual Report 2007–08 1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) Objectives and access to cutting edge technologies and business practices. By filling specific This component aims to: skill gaps in Australian businesses, they • develop and administer temporary visa help Australia remain a strong competitor arrangements that further Australia’s in the international market. Many are also economic relations in the context of an helping businesses train their Australian increasingly global workforce staff. • assist business to meet key and This group of economic visas allows skilled emerging skill gaps, particularly in temporary residents to come to Australia to regional Australia broaden their work experience and skills, • ensure a balance of benefits to Australia some under reciprocal arrangements and by assisting business to meet their bilateral agreements. skill needs and protecting Australian employment and training opportunities. These temporary residents come to Australia to undertake a variety of roles: Description academics, researchers, entertainers,

Skilled long-term temporary residents make media personnel for overseas networks, Outcome One a major contribution to Australia, bringing and domestic workers within the homes of with them new ideas, international contacts diplomats or senior executives. Performance Table 32: Temporary residents (economic)—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality1

Percentage of temporary entrants who apply for protection 0.11% 0.14% 0.13% visas decreases

Percentage of temporary entrants who abided by their visa 99.26% 99.49% 99.53% conditions remains high or increases

Percentage of applications finalised within service N/A N/A See Table 33 standards

Extent to which the fast-track processing initiatives lead N/A N/A N/A to faster processing times compared to the rest of the caseload2

Take-up rate for the e-lodged 457 visa increases 72.77% 79.17% 81.68%

Quantity3

Number of Temporary Residents (Economic) visa 177 522 212 157 264 671 applications finalised (persons)4

1 Percentages shown represent all visa subclasses which fall under the temporary residents (economic) output. 2 Formal fast-track processing was not implemented in 2007–08. The department rationalised processing sites and cleared backlogs to improve responsiveness. 3 Applications processed in Taipei are not reflected in the applications (persons) finalised quantities. 4 Finalisation cases are all applications, including nominations and sponsorships, decided and finalised—approved, refused, lapsed, cancelled or withdrawn.

1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 63 Table 33: Temporary residents (economic)—performance against the service standards

Onshore clients Offshore clients

Low risk High risk Low risk High risk

Long stay Target 75 per cent 75 per cent 75 per cent 75 per cent business and finalised in finalised in finalised in finalised in other sponsored 2 months 3 months 2 months 3 months temporary Result 65.82% 71.13% 77.63% 69.60% residents

Reform of the Temporary Skilled An interdepartmental committee was Migration Program appointed by the Minister for Immigration Significant steps were taken to progress and Citizenship and the Minister for the Australian Government’s reform of the Education, Employment and Workplace Temporary Skilled Migration Program. Relations to provide advice through the latter part of 2008 to assist the government In May 2008, the industry-led External to develop a package of longer term Reference Group’s report reinforced the measures to be considered in the 2009–10 important role of temporary migration Budget and implemented in 2009–10. to address Australia’s labour market needs. In response to the group’s The minister also announced that new laws recommendations, the department would be introduced in the spring 2008 cleared a backlog of Business (Long parliamentary sittings to help prevent the Stay) (subclass 457) visa applications and exploitation of temporary skilled foreign rationalised the existing nine processing workers and ensure the wages and sites by establishing three dedicated conditions of Australians are maintained. processing centres in Sydney, Melbourne These will be supported by a robust and Perth. Staff in the centres are being monitoring and enforcement regime. trained to become specialists, improving Other reforms to the temporary skilled responsiveness to industry needs. migration program included the formation A targeted information strategy also of the Trucking Industry Working Group and commenced to reduce the potential the Agricultural Production Working Group. for exploitation of overseas workers The Trucking Industry Working Group by promoting awareness of rights and presented its final report to the minister obligations among visa holders and of in March 2008. The group recommended obligations among employer sponsors. access to subclass 457 visas be removed Minister Evans appointed an industrial from some road transport occupations relations expert, Ms Barbara Deegan, to due to safety concerns and long-term examine the integrity of the temporary workforce issues in the transport industry skilled program (including labour requiring a permanent solution focused on agreements). A key focus of the review is domestic recruitment, training and retention consideration of the salary mechanism and strategies. The occupations include heavy English language requirements. vehicle drivers, delivery drivers, furniture removalists and automobile drivers. In Ms Deegan is reporting to the minister recognition of the special needs of the progressively with a final report due in mining and construction industries, heavy October 2008. vehicle drivers operating primarily at mining

64 Annual Report 2007–08 or construction sites are exempt from this At 30 June 2008, 13 companies had signed change, which came into effect on an on-hire industry labour agreement and 1 July 2008. 79 agreements were under negotiation. The Agricultural Production Working Group To improve the transparency of the continued to examine the skill needs of the labour agreement process, from February agriculture sector with a final report 2008 employers were required to expected to be submitted to the minister in consult industrial stakeholders during August 2008. the negotiation of a labour agreement. This consultation complements other Labour agreements requirements for consultation with Labour agreements are negotiated between community groups and training bodies. the Commonwealth, represented by the An industrial relations expert, Ms Deegan, Department of Immigration and Citizenship will examine the integrity aspects of labour and the Department of Education, agreements. Employment and Workplace Relations, employers and other relevant parties. They Performance of temporary skilled provide a flexible response to the needs migration of industries experiencing ongoing skill The temporary skilled migration program shortages, while ensuring that any overseas Outcome One allows businesses to respond quickly to skill recruitment does not prevent the longer- gaps by sponsoring skilled workers to work term improvement of employment and in management, professional and skilled training opportunities for Australians. Each tradesperson positions. labour agreement is generally effective for two to three years. At 30 June 2008, there Demand continues to be strong for were more than 55 labour agreements in information technology and health place and more than 120 under negotiation. professionals and for senior management roles. In 2007–08, the top five occupations Changes introduced on 10 September 2007 nominated by employers were computing made the meat industry labour agreement professionals (8 per cent), registered nurses the only avenue available to access skilled (6 per cent), business and information meat workers through the subclass 457 professionals (4 per cent), general medical program. The meat industry template practitioners (3 per cent) and chefs agreement provides a specifically tailored (2 per cent). pathway for meat companies to access skilled overseas meat workers. At Integrity of temporary skilled 30 June 2008, 12 companies had signed migration a meat industry labour agreement and 14 In May 2008, the minister announced that agreements were under negotiation. minimum salary levels (MSLs) for temporary On 1 October 2007, access to the standard skilled overseas workers would increase subclass 457 program was removed for by 3.8 per cent from 1 August 2008. This on-hire employers who seek to place applies to new temporary skilled migrants overseas workers with other unrelated coming to work in Australia and, for the first businesses and the on-hire industry labour time, those already in the workforce who agreement became the compulsory are subject to an MSL. The 3.8 per cent pathway for the on-hire industry to access increase is based on the Australian the subclass 457 visa program. This is in Bureau of Statistics All Employees Earnings line with the considerations of a review by increase for November 2006 to the Council of Australian Governments. November 2007.

1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 65 Table 34: Temporary skilled migration (subclass 457)—performance information1

Measure 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Visa grants to primary applicants 39 530 46 680 58 050

Total visa grants 71 150 87 310 110 570

Sponsors with a grant to a primary applicant 9 930 11 250 14 170

Percentage of sponsorships e-lodged 64.8% 71.6% 75.9%

Percentage of nominations e-lodged 72.4% 80.5% 85.5%

Percentage of visa cases e-lodged 72.8% 79.2% 81.7%

Average nominated base salary $66 200 $71 600 $73 100

Percentage of Australian Standard Classification of 76.1% 79.3% 81.0% Occupations 1 to 3 primary grants

1 Excludes independent executives.

Figure 13: Trend for subclass 457 visa grants1 since 1 July 1997

Primary Secondary 120120000 000

100100000 000

80 80000000

60 60000000

Grants Primary Secondary

40 40000000

20 20000000

00 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

1997–98 1998–99 1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Year

1 Excludes independent executives.

66 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 14: Percentage contribution of ASCO1 major groups

Other occupations 120 ASCO 4 ASCO 1 to 3

100 100

8080

60 60 ASCO Major Group ASCO 1 to 3 ASCO 4 Other Occupations Percentage 4040

2020 Outcome One

00 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Year

1 Australian Standard Classification of Occupations (ASCO) 1–3 occupations include managers and administrators, professionals and associate professionals while ASCO 4 occupations include tradespersons and related workers. Other occupations include advanced clerical and service workers, intermediate clerical, sales and service workers, intermediate production and transport workers.

Table 35: Subclass 457 monitoring performance

Measure 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Active sponsors (sponsors with a primary visa N/A 15 410 18 750 holder in Australia at the end of the financial year)

Sponsors monitored 6 471 6 463 5 293

Sponsors site visited 1 717 1 553 1 759

Sponsors formally sanctioned 3 95 192

Sponsors formally warned 99 313 1 353

Referrals to other agencies 45 167 218

Table 36: Subclass 457 visa grants endorsed by regional certifying bodies

Measure 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Number of subclass 457 visa grants to primary 1 610 1 520 1 400 applicants endorsed by a regional certifying body

1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 67 The change increased the current standard Wollongong to nominate a broader range of MSL from $41 850 to $43 440 per annum. occupations at lower salary levels, subject For information and communication to certification by a regional body endorsed technology (ICT) professionals, the by the state or territory government. These MSL rose from $57 300 to $59 480. In arrangements and the regional minimum regional areas, the current standard MSL salary level recognise the unique needs of rose from $37 665 to $39 100 and from employers in regional Australia. $51 570 to $53 530 for ICT professionals. This increased the safety net for skilled Pathway to permanent residence migrant workers to help preserve their The subclass 457 program provides a earning power and the integrity of the pathway for skilled workers to apply for Australian labour market generally. permanent residence at the completion of their nominated role. In 2007–08, 24 960 Comprehensive training for monitoring permanent residence or provisional visas officers was developed and delivered to were granted to people who last held a support targeted risk based monitoring subclass 457 visa. The majority of subclass 457 sponsors. The training (88 per cent) applied for permanent entry content is linked to a nationally recognised under the Employer Nomination Scheme, qualification, a Certificate IV in Government Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, (Statutory Compliance). More than Labour Agreement or skilled independent 90 per cent of staff in monitoring offices visa programs. The last of the have been awarded the qualification. subclass 457 visas granted in 2003–04 Supporting regional needs expired in June 2008. Of the 37 430 people granted a subclass 457 visa in 2003–04, The subclass 457 program allows 17 840 (almost 48 per cent) have now employers based outside the metropolitan been granted a permanent residence or centres of Brisbane, Gold Coast, provisional visa. Newcastle, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and

Table 37: Permanent and provisional visa grants where the person last held a subclass 457 visa1

Category Financial year of permanent or provisional visa grant

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Economic migration 16 550 17 690 23 480

Family migration 1 440 1 460 1 460

Other 50 20 20

Total 18 040 19 170 24 960

1 Based on the last substantive visa held, excluding bridging visas.

68 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 15: Trend for permanent and provisional visa grants where the person last held a subclass 457 visa1

25 25000000

20 20000000

15 15000000

Grants Total

10 10000000

5 0005000 Outcome One

00 2001–022001-02 2002–032002-03 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08

Year

1 Based on the last substantive visa held excluding bridging visas.

1.1.6 Temporary residents (economic) 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 69 1.1.7 Temporary residents (non-economic) Objective those with diplomatic accreditation; training opportunities at an occupational, trade and This component aims to develop and professional level; university instruction and administer temporary visa arrangements research projects; individuals undertaking that further Australia’s social, cultural and religious work; sportspeople competing in international relations. high profile events; and retirees residing in Description Australia during their retirement years. Temporary Resident (Non-Economic) A diverse range of purposes are catered for, visas facilitate the entry to, and stay enabling individual holders to make valuable in, Australia of individuals for a wide contributions to Australia’s international variety of purposes such as: foreign standing and enrich the nation culturally government representatives, including and socially.

Performance Table 38: Temporary residents (non-economic)—performance information

Measures Results

2007–084

Quality1

Percentage of temporary entrants who apply for protection visas decreases 0.16%

Percentage of temporary entrants who abided by their visa conditions remains 99.34% high or increases

Percentage of applications finalised within service standards See Table 39

Quantity2

Number of Temporary Resident (Non-Economic) visa applications finalised 33 101 (persons)3

1 Percentages shown represent all visa subclasses which fall under the temporary residents (non-economic) output. 2 Applications processed in Taipei are not reflected in the applications (persons) finalised quantities. 3 Finalisation cases are all applications, including nominations and sponsorships, decided and finalised—approved, refused, lapsed, cancelled or withdrawn. 4 Previous years’ data was aggregated and a break down in the revised format is not available.

Table 39: Temporary residents (non-economic)—performance against the service standards

Category Onshore clients Offshore clients

Low risk High risk Low risk High risk

Non-sponsored temporary residents

Target 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised 75 per cent finalised in 2 months1 in 3 months1 in 2 months1 in 3 months1

Result 62.83% 62.73% 92.86% 90.95%

1 Processing times for visa applications due to be finalised in the financial year. Finalised applications include those which were granted, refused, withdrawn, invalid, and cancelled and did not proceed for both primary and secondary applicants.

70 Annual Report 2007–08 1.1.8 Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status Objectives Performance This component aims to: In 2007–08, 83 269 visas were granted and certificates issued, as detailed in Table 40. • develop and administer visa arrangements which facilitate the During 2007–08, the department granted: re-entry of Australian permanent • 67 565 Resident Return visas (a total of residents and ensure that only those 67 977 applications were received, with people with a genuine commitment 818 refused) to residing in Australia, or who are • 1109 Australian Declaratory visas contributing to Australia’s well being, (a total of 1132 applications were retain the right to return and remain received, with five refused) permanently in Australia • 14 595 Certificates of Evidence • provide documentation to facilitate the Resident Status (a total of 14 853 entry into Australia of Australian citizen applications were received, with no

dual nationals who have compelling Outcome One refusals). reasons preventing them from travelling on an Australian passport • provide Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status to Australian permanent residents who require evidence of their status. Description Under this output component, the department develops and administers appropriate visa arrangements and other documentation to facilitate the re-entry of Australian permanent residents in line with the above objectives. It also provides Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status to Australian permanent residents who require evidence of their status.

1.1.8 Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status 1.1 Migration and temporary entry 71 Table 40: Number of Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status

Category 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage change

Resident Return visas 63 062 67 565 7.14%

Australian Declaratory visas 1 189 1 109 –6.73%

Certificates of Evidence of Resident 16 486 14 595 –11.47% Status

Total 80 737 83 269 3.14%

Table 41: Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status—performance information

Measures Results

2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Percentage of applications finalised within 88% 87% service standard

Quantity

80 000 applications (persons) finalised1 83 528 86 117

1 The total number of applications finalised includes those granted, refused, withdrawn, cancelled and otherwise finalised (usually by review tribunals or courts decisions).

Table 42: Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status—performance against service standards

Category Onshore clients Offshore clients

Resident Return visas, Australian Declaratory visas and Certificate of Evidence of Resident Status

Target 75 per cent finalised in 1 day 75 per cent finalised in 2 weeks

Result 89% 76%

72 Annual Report 2007–08 Profile

Saba given the chance to shine in new career Outcome One When Saba arrived in Australia as an Eritrean refugee 11 years ago, she never dreamed she would one day be working on some of the heaviest engineering equipment in the country. After completing her medical engineering degree in Brisbane at the Queensland University of Technology, Saba attended a Given the Chance job skills training workshop in Melbourne. The Given the Chance project links people with a refugee background with mentors from the business, community and government sectors, providing work experience opportunities and job search training. The program was developed by the Ecumenical Migration Centre in Melbourne. Jed McCartney, commercial director of a locomotive engineering and maintenance business in Melbourne, completed the Given the Chance mentor training in January 2006. He was matched with Saba and quickly converted her to mechanical engineering. Saba made the transition from designing small, delicate medical instruments to big, heavy rail equipment. Saba, who initially had little work experience in railway engineering and was looking for her first full-time job, is now in charge of the company’s locomotive test program, including gaining certification from the regulators. Recently, Saba completed postgraduate studies in rolling stock engineering at the University of Wollongong. Jed says of Saba: ‘We were so impressed with her enthusiasm and dedication that we offered her a full-time position and she became our third full-time employee.’ Given the Chance is one of the projects showcased in the Empowering Refugees: A Good Practice Guide to Humanitarian Settlement publication. The guide was developed by the department’s Humanitarian Branch in collaboration with the Refugee Council of Australia with seed funding from a joint Commonwealth and state and territory committee. The guide can be downloaded from www.immi.gov.au.

1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 73 Output 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay Overview The government announced an increase in the Humanitarian Program to 13 500 places This output has two components: for 2008–09. This will include 6500 offshore 1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program refugee places, with a one-off increase of 500 places to assist people affected by the 1.2.2 Protection visas (onshore). conflict in Iraq. From 2009–10 onwards, The Humanitarian Program is an important there will be an increase of 750 places in element of Australia’s contribution to the the Special Humanitarian Program to 7750 system of international protection places. of refugees: Also in 2007–08, the Australian Government • the offshore component provides implemented a new visa policy to enable resettlement in Australia to people the permanent resettlement in Australia overseas who are in the greatest of locally engaged employees in Iraq and relative need of this durable solution their dependent family members at risk • the onshore component provides because of their engagement with the protection in Australia to people who Australian Government. Refugee visas were engage Australia’s protection obligations granted under this visa policy to 301 Iraqis under the United Nations 1951 who worked for, or with, the withdrawing Convention relating to the Status of elements of the Australian Defence Force Refugees, as amended by the Refugees commitment in Iraq. These visa places were Protocol 1967. in addition to the 2007–08 Humanitarian Program. Highlights The key outcomes for the Humanitarian In 2007–08, a number of new measures Program in 2007–08 included delivery were introduced by the government to of 13 014 visas. This number included improve Australia’s protection policy 10 799 visas granted under the offshore settings and to ensure fair and certain component and 2215 visas granted under outcomes for refugees. the onshore component. Of the total In May 2008, the government announced 13 014 visas, 46 per cent were granted to that the Temporary Protection visa and refugees and 37 per cent were Temporary Humanitarian visa would be Special Humanitarian Program visas. abolished in early 2008–09. About 1000 The remaining 17 per cent were Protection current and former holders of these and other visas granted onshore. visas would have their status resolved Around 13.7 per cent of refugee visas permanently. were granted to Woman at Risk cases, The government brought an end to the well ahead of the Australian Government’s ‘Pacific Strategy’ with the closing of the nominal 10.5 per cent target of the refugee offshore processing centres on Nauru allocation. and in Manus Province in Papua New The department continued its strategic Guinea in early 2008. A group of 82 international engagement focused Sri Lankans and seven Burmese on promoting the lawful and orderly were resettled in Australia under the movement of people and strengthening the Humanitarian Program.

74 Annual Report 2007–08 international protection framework. The department also participated in The department actively contributed to the Annual Tripartite Consultations on regional and international fora and worked Resettlement in late June to early July cooperatively with many governments in the 2008. These consultations include region. representatives from UNHCR, NGOs and resettlement countries. In line with international concerns on a number of protracted refugee situations, the department continued to resettle Burmese refugees from camps on the Thai-Burma border and from other parts of Asia. In 2007–08, 2961 Burmese were granted resettlement visas to Australia. The department also participated in a coordinated international effort to develop practical strategies to resolve the situation of Bhutanese refugees in Nepal. During the year, 205 visas were granted to Bhutanese

refugees. A group of 24 people arrived in Outcome One May 2008, the first in a continuing program of resettlement. Program formulation includes consideration of the views of the community. The DIAC–Non Government Organisation Humanitarian Dialogue is held twice each year with the aim of developing and further strengthening relationships between the department and peak non-government organisations (NGOs). It also provides an opportunity for feedback on services delivered and to discuss any issues of concern to NGOs. Dialogues were held in July 2007 and in February 2008. The contingent of NGOs included national peak bodies such as the Refugee Council of Australia, Amnesty International, Austcare, the International Commission of Jurists, the Australian Red Cross and the National Council of Churches in Australia. As in past years, three representatives of Australian NGOs joined the department on the Australian Government delegation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Executive Committee at the invitation of the minister.

1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 75 International cooperation • a jointly signed Memorandum of Throughout 2007–08, the department Understanding between the department continued to strengthen existing and the United States of America (USA) partnerships with governments of other Department of Homeland Security, countries and international organisations which establishes a framework for through a number of regional collaborative cooperation between Australia and projects and initiatives. This strategic the USA in the areas of migration, international engagement enabled the integration and border management department to continue facilitating the matters and will enable a structured and lawful and orderly movement of people comprehensive engagement between to Australia and strengthen protection the two departments for refugees and displaced populations • coordinating a visit to Australia by throughout the world. Following the election the new Thai Immigration Bureau of the current government, the department Commissioner, Police Lieutenant also made a concerted effort to strengthen General Chatchawal Suksomjit, in its engagement with multilateral forums, which the department and the Thai such as the United Nations. Immigration Bureau agreed to work towards a number of new bilateral Key activities during 2007–08 included: and regional cooperation activities • a meeting in Indonesia between • the attendance by the secretary at the Minister Evans and his counterpart, annual meeting of his counterparts from Mr Andi Mattalatta, Indonesian the immigration agencies of Canada, Minister of Law and Human Rights, to the United Kingdom and the USA. This renew and confirm the commitment year’s meeting was held in late June of the Australian and Indonesian 2008 in Washington DC. governments to work together to strengthen regional borders against The department also continued to actively people smuggling, terrorism and other engage in international protection issues, forms of transnational crime. The with a focus on addressing protracted ministers announced new immigration refugee situations, including: cooperation initiatives including English • the adoption of a Conclusion on language training for immigration Children at Risk at the UNHCR staff at Jakarta and Bali airports, and Executive Committee Meeting held in immigration data analysis and reporting October 2007, which recognises the training special vulnerability of children and • work on the Locally Engaged aims to provide operational guidance Employees visa policy, which enables for member states, UNHCR and other the permanent resettlement in Australia relevant agencies and partners of locally engaged employees and their • funding a number of projects to assist families who are at risk because of displaced persons, including those in their engagement with the Australian protracted situations, including UNHCR Government. The policy is currently projects in Bangladesh, Nepal and being used to assist the resettlement of Afghanistan Iraqi locally engaged employees

76 Annual Report 2007–08 • funding UNHCR to provide practical the Pacific Immigration Directors’ assistance to build capacity in the Conference, a 23 member forum of Asia-Pacific region to assist countries to official immigration agencies of the make refugee status determinations and Pacific to strengthen asylum laws, regulations • funding provided to IOM to establish an and procedures. office in Papua New Guinea to assist The department continued to engage the Papua New Guinea Immigration and with the region on border and migration Citizenship Service (ICS) with training management through: and an assisted voluntary returns • participation in the Asia-Pacific program. The department provides Consultations on Refugees, Displaced four advisers to the ICS through the Persons and Migrants. Australia AusAID funded ‘Strongim Gavman’ facilitated a regional workshop, held Program. Combined, these activities in Phnom Penh on 30 and 31 August have contributed to the ICS’s improved 2007, in which 17 member countries, capacity to manage Papua New the International Organization for Guinea’s borders. Migration (IOM) and UNHCR discussed how regional consultative processes could become more engaged in Outcome One migration and development activities and serve effectively as forums to facilitate inter-governmental dialogue and to enhance regional cooperation • co-chairing a workshop with the Immigration Department of Malaysia on People Smuggling: Threat Assessment and Risk Analysis as part of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime. Held in Malaysia, the workshop brought together 64 delegates from 27 countries. The Bali process is a crucial part of the government’s efforts to deter irregular migration and improve border management • further developing its cooperative relationships with counterpart immigration agencies in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu to help combat irregular movements in the region and to promote managed migration. The department actively supported

1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 77 1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program Objective program to be flexibly managed, with allowance for places to be carried over This component aims to assist people in or brought forward for use in consecutive humanitarian need overseas for whom program years. This policy will be reviewed resettlement in another country is the during 2008–09. appropriate option and support Australia’s role as a cooperative international player in The department is also able to re-credit the area of responsibility sharing. Through places to the program if offshore visas, the Humanitarian Program the government once granted, are not taken up or if the provides resettlement for refugees and holder of a temporary humanitarian or others in greatest need of this durable temporary protection visa departs Australia. solution. This output provides for the At the start of the 2007–08 program, delivery of the Humanitarian Program as 11 399 of the 13 000 places were available set by the government in such a way as to for use. These included 1703 places that enhance settlement outcomes. had been brought forward to the 2006–07 Description program year to meet additional demands This output provides for: in that year and 102 places which were re-credited to the program. • the delivery of the offshore Humanitarian Program The 11 399 places available for use in • enhanced settlement outcomes through 2007–08 comprised 6085 refugee places, the provision of pre-departure services and 5314 Special Humanitarian Program and initial onshore protection places. • community involvement in, and support A new visa policy enabled the granting for, the program of 301 visas to Iraqi locally engaged • support for Australia’s role in sharing employees who worked for, or with, the international responsibility for alleviating withdrawing elements of the Australian humanitarian situations. Defence Force commitment in Iraq. These places were in addition to the 2007–08 Performance Humanitarian Program. The government made available 13 000 new Humanitarian Program places for 2007–08. Current policy enables the

Table 43: Offshore Humanitarian Program—performance information

Measures 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quantity

Measure—number of applications 100 000 90 000 85 000 (persons) finalised

Results 90 678 86 757 58 208

Quality

Percentage of applications finalised within 88% 92% 75% service standard

Note: These figures include applications that were processed and deemed to be invalid. The service standard is met when 75 per cent of applications are finalised within 12 months of lodgement.

78 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 44: Humanitarian Program visa groups

Visa subclass Visa name

Refugee

200 Refugee

201 In-country Special Humanitarian

203 Emergency Rescue

204 Woman at Risk

447 Secondary Movement Offshore Entry (Temporary)

451 Secondary Movement Relocation (Temporary)

Special Humanitarian Program (SHP)

202 Global Special Humanitarian

Onshore protection Outcome One 785 Temporary Protection

866 Permanent Protection

Temporary Humanitarian Concern

786 Temporary (Humanitarian Concern)

Visa grants Of the total 13 014 visas granted during During 2007–08, 13 014 visas were 2007–08, 10 799 (83 per cent) were granted as follows: granted under the offshore component. This comprised 6004 Refugee visas • 5132 Refugee (subclass 200) visas (46 per cent) and 4795 SHP visas • 42 In-country Special Humanitarian (37 per cent). The remaining 2215 (subclass 201) visas (17 per cent) were Protection and other • 5 Emergency Rescue (subclass 203) visas granted to onshore applicants. visas See Figure 16. • 819 Woman at Risk (subclass 204) In 2007–08, 819 visas were granted to visas Woman at Risk applicants. This represented • 6 Secondary Movement Relocation 13.7 per cent of the Refugee category (Temporary) (subclass 451) visas allocation, exceeding the nominal annual target of 10.5 per cent. The level of Woman • 5026 Global Special Humanitarian at Risk visa grants for 2007–08 was the Program (subclass 202) visas fourth highest since this visa subclass was • 196 Temporary Protection (subclass established in 1989. A total of 8810 Woman 785) visas at Risk visas have been granted since then. • 1704 Permanent Protection (subclass The highest number of visas granted under 866) visas the offshore component in 2007–08 were • 84 Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) granted to applicants from the Middle East (subclass 786) visas. and South West Asia region (35.25 per cent), followed by people from Asia and

1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 79 the Pacific (33.67 per cent) and from the provided an opportunity to raise awareness Africa region (30.48 per cent). Trends in of refugee issues, provide information regional totals reflected greater access to and raise the profile of the Humanitarian resettlement caseloads in these regions and Program. the resettlement priorities recommended by the United Nations High Commissioner for Mobile team visits Refugees (UNHCR). See figures 21 and 22 The department sends mobile teams to for details. refugee locations offshore for periods of up to four weeks to interview humanitarian Processing time visa applicants. The teams are usually small The service standard target of 75 per cent in number and comprise departmental of applications finalised within 12 months staff and interpreters where required. was met. Their role is to supplement the work of the overseas posts in processing refugee and Applications humanitarian visa applications. Mobile team In 2007–08, a total of 47 331 applications members work in conjunction with locally (persons) were made for offshore places, engaged staff and Australian staff based in which was 32 955 (41 per cent) less than in the relevant country. 2006–07. A range of factors contributed to Since 2003–04, 56 teams have been this outcome, including publicity regarding deployed to various locations around the the availability of places and the number of world. In 2007–08, mobile teams visited applications in the pipeline as well as the the Africa, Middle East and South East requirements to be met for a visa grant. Asia regions with 11 of these deployed to See Figure 24. Jordan, Kenya, South Africa and Thailand. Consultations, information and Cultural orientation program formulation The Australian Cultural Orientation (AUSCO) The size and composition of the program for refugee and humanitarian visa Humanitarian Program is decided by the holders preparing to settle in Australia was Australian Government each year following introduced in 2003. extensive formal consultations including: • inter-governmental consultations The program is available to all refugees and humanitarian visa holders over the age of • a submission, funded by the five, and is delivered where possible over department, from the Refugee Council five days to ensure all topics are covered in of Australia (RCOA) incorporating the sufficient detail. views of its member organisations • consultations with peak refugee and The AUSCO course is designed for, and humanitarian bodies delivered to, four main groups—adults, youth, children and pre-literate entrants. • advice from the UNHCR. In September 2006, the International Efforts to build public support for the Organization for Migration (IOM) was Humanitarian Program continued awarded the contract to deliver the course throughout the year through the provision of on behalf of the department. consistent and accurate public information, In 2007–08, courses were delivered in and through clear and timely responses to participants’ languages in Egypt, Ghana, media and other enquiries. Guinea, India, Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Refugee Week activities and events Lebanon, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, which took place from 15–21 June 2008 Sierra Leone, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey and Uganda.

80 Annual Report 2007–08 Profile

Mobile teams assess refugee visa applications Countries such as Syria and Jordan are host to 2.2 million Iraqis displaced by war, persecution and sectarian violence. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Outcome One (UNHCR) provides assistance and protection for these people. The department’s post in Amman, Jordan, faces an overwhelming task as many of these refugees have been determined by UNHCR to need resettlement. Each case referred to Australia must be given careful consideration. Mobile teams of trained and experienced departmental staff visited Amman this year to support the hard-working staff at the post by conducting interviews, assessing claims and processing refugee visa applications, under general direction from the Principal Migration Officer or Senior Migration Officer. One team travelled to Damascus, Syria, in March 2008 to conduct interviews with Iraqis who had either been referred by UNHCR to come to Australia, or had been proposed by family members in Australia under the Special Humanitarian Program. The team was based in the International Organization for Migration (IOM) offices in Damascus and conducted interviews for two weeks. The IOM provided interpreters and locally engaged staff assisted applicants with their documentation. Mobile team member Jo Henderson said: ‘They were very long days and the work was hard and emotionally challenging. People were clearly distressed and suffering the effects of trauma. Many had witnessed loss and the death of loved ones. We had to acknowledge the experiences of the people we were interviewing, balancing empathy with the need to examine their claims carefully.’ ‘Not everyone will be granted a visa and these are difficult decisions to make. We debriefed at the end of each day, but the thing that stays with you is the significant trauma these refugees have faced. We were amazed and inspired by their resilience, strength and capacity to survive.’ Since 2003, the department has been sending mobile teams to locations around the world to supplement the processing of humanitarian visa applications. In 2007–08, 11 teams were deployed to Jordan, Kenya, South Africa and Thailand.

1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 81 The course provides an initial introduction to existing curriculum materials and provide aspects of Australian life which will enhance advice on other aspects of the program. entrants’ settlement prospects, help create The committee comprises education realistic expectations for their life in Australia experts, refugee advocates, a Centrelink and help entrants acquire information officer, law enforcement officers and former concerning Australian culture prior to refugees. arrival. AUSCO supplements the onshore A new initiative for the AUSCO program services provided through the Integrated in 2007–08 included the deployment Humanitarian Settlement Strategy services. to Thailand of two Youth Ambassadors A wide range of topics are covered in the through AusAID’s Australian Youth curriculum, such as: Ambassadors for Development Program to • an overview of Australia, including work with IOM on curriculum development government, geography and climate projects. • cultural adjustment The RCOA, IOM and the department • travel to Australia also agreed in 2007–08 to trial a Visiting Guest Trainer Program. Australian-based • settling in settlement providers visited Malaysia • healthcare and Thailand to assist with AUSCO • education course delivery and advise on curriculum • finding a job enhancements. • money management From the beginning of the program in 2003 • housing to 30 June 2008, about 1300 courses were held in Egypt, Ghana, Guinea, India, • transport Iran, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malaysia, • Australian law Nepal, Pakistan, Romania, the Republic • Australian citizenship of Congo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, • access to trauma and torture Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Zambia counselling. and Zimbabwe, assisting more than 25 700 humanitarian visa holders. Family Day sessions have been developed so that family members attending different Pre-departure medical screening courses have a one-day joint session to Pre-departure medical screening (PDMS) learn about topics of importance such provides offshore health screening for as shifting family and gender roles. refugee and humanitarian visa holders in the AUSCO teachers use a variety of teaching days preceding departure for Australia. methods throughout the course including The screening is typically undertaken brainstorming, simulations, case studies, within three days of clients’ departure to debates, discussions, problem solving and Australia, and forms a second level of role plays. The department also regularly health screening in addition to the stringent provides new teaching resources such as health screening applicants undertake videos, DVDs, maps, posters, newspapers to determine whether they have met the and books about Australia in order to health requirements for a visa grant. It also maximise the learning experience for the ensures that visa holders are fit to travel participants. to Australia, recognising the possibility The AUSCO Program Consultative for changes in clients’ health status in the Committee met twice in 2007–08 to review period between initial health assessment and departure.

82 Annual Report 2007–08 There are two models of PDMS, developed people it could assist. The department to correspond to the health conditions continues to work with IOM to ensure the of particular applicant populations. scheme is as effective as possible and has Depending on the model, PDMS services the greatest coverage. test for communicable diseases, provide a thorough physical examination and assess Funding for UNHCR projects clients’ general health status and fitness to Australia continued its assistance to the travel. UNHCR to improve its capacity to deliver First introduced in East and West Africa resettlement referrals for the Australian in August 2005, PDMS services were program. In 2007–08, $293 064 was expanded in 2007–08 to include India, provided to continue funding of existing Malaysia, the Middle East, Nepal, Pakistan projects in the Middle East and South Asia, and Southern Africa. The location of PDMS including: services will continue to reflect the source • a 12 month deployment of a locations of the refugee and humanitarian resettlement officer to Beirut, Lebanon, caseload. who will primarily focus on Iraqi refugees • a 12 month deployment of a No-interest loan scheme resettlement officer to Tehran, Iran, who

IOM operates a no-interest travel loan Outcome One will also primarily focus on Iraqi refugees scheme to assist Special Humanitarian visa in the region holders and their proposers to fund the cost of travel to Australia. The scheme received • a project in New Delhi, India, to identify Commonwealth funding in 2005 to enhance and assist refugees, including through its lending conditions and the number of resettlement, with an emphasis on women and girls at risk and protracted cases.

Figure 16: Humanitarian Program visa grants 2007–08

17%

Onshore

46% Offshore Refugee Offshore Special O shore Special Humanitarian Program Humanitarian Program Onshore O shore Refugee

37%

1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 83 Visa Grants offshore Visa grants Total

Figure 17: Humanitarian Program visa grants under the offshore component compared to total grants

Visa grants offshore 15 15000000 Visa grants total

12 12000000

9 0009000 Grants

6 0006000

3 0003000

00 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

Year Available Place Actual Visa Grants

Figure 18: Humanitarian Program visa grants compared to available places

Available places

15 15000000 Actual visa grants

12 12000000

9 0009000 Grants

6 0006000

3 0003000

00 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08

Year

84 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 19: Humanitarian Program Woman at Risk grants

1 200 1200

1 000 1000

800 800

600600 Grants

grants

400400

Afghanistan Burma Democratic Republic of Congo Iraq Somalia

200200 Outcome One

00 1989-901990-911991-921992-931993-941994-951995-961996-971997-981998-991999-002000-012001-022002-032003-042004-052005-062006-072007-08

1989–901990–911991–921992–931993–941994–951995–961996–971997–981998–991999–002000–012001–022002–032003–042004–052005–062006–072007–08 Year

Figure 20: Humanitarian Program Woman at Risk grants 2007–08—top five countries of birth

250250

200200

150150 Grants

100100

5050

00 Afghanistan Burma Democratic Iraq Somalia Republic of Congo

Countries

1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 85 Figure 21: Humanitarian Program visa grants offshore by region 2007–08

0.6%

30.48% 33.67%

Africa

Africa Middle East and South West Asia Middle East and SW Asia Asia and Pacific Other Asia and Pacific

Europe, the Americas and rest of the World

35.25%

Africa Middle East and South west Asia Asia Europe, the Americas and other

Figure 22: Humanitarian Program visa grants offshore—regional trend

Africa Middle East and South West Asia 80%80 Asia and Pacific Other 70%70

60%60

50%50

40%40 Percentage

30%30

20%20

10%10

0%0 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08

Year

86 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 23: Humanitarian Program finalisation times offshore

Average weeks taken for all cases Weeks taken for 25% of cases

6060 Weeks taken for 50% of cases Weeks taken for 75% of cases

5050

4040

weeks taken for 50% of cases weeks taken for 75% of cases average weeks taken for all cases

3030 Average weeks taken Average

20 20 Weeks taken for 25% of cases Outcome One 1010

00 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08 Year

Figure 24: Humanitarian Program applications for offshore places

Refugee Special Humanitarian 100100000 000 Total

80 80000000

60 60000000 Refugee Special Humanitarian Total

Applications 40 40000000

20 20000000

00 2003–042003-04 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08

Year

1.2.1 Offshore Humanitarian Program 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 87 1.2.2 Protection visas (onshore)

Objective This represents an increase on the 2243 This component aims to ensure that Protection visas granted in 2006–07. Australia efficiently and effectively fulfils In 2007–08, 1930 of the Protection visas its international obligation not to return, granted resulted from initial applications, directly or indirectly, refugees to a place while 496 resulted from applications of persecution. Protection visas allow for for further protection by TPV and THV the stay in Australia of people to whom holders and five resulted from ministerial Australia owes protection obligations under intervention. Of the 2431 Protection the United Nations Refugees Convention visas granted, 1900 were part of the and Protocol. Humanitarian Program. The remainder Description included grants of further protection to TPV and THV holders who had already Protection visas allow for the stay in been counted as part of the Humanitarian Australia of people to whom Australia has Program and grants through operation of protection obligations under the United law to Australian-born children of Protection Nations 1951 Convention relating to the visa holders. Status of Refugees, as amended by the Refugees Protocol 1967. Of the 2431 Protection visas granted in 2007–08, 91 per cent were permanent Performance Protection visas. This reflects both the During the year there were 3987 initial small number of unauthorised boat and air Protection visa applications lodged, arrivals during 2006–07 and the fact that which is a 6.5 per cent increase on 3743 almost all further Protection visas granted in 2006–07. At 30 June 2008, 990 initial to TPV and THV holders were permanent Protection visa applicants were awaiting a Protection visas. first instance decision from the department. The department continued to focus on Of these, 274 (28 per cent) had a bridging improving processes to ensure the integrity visa in effect with no work rights. Assistance of Protection visa decision making and under the Asylum Seeker Assistance further enhanced its biannual quality scheme was provided to 1867 Protection assurance process. The department visa applicants at a cost of $4.79 million. continued to show high levels of The department finalised 4901 Protection compliance with policy and procedural visa applications in 2007–08. These requirements overall, and a focus on included first instance outcomes, outcomes increasing timely, accurate case progress following review tribunal remittals and data entry and improving record keeping certain visa cancellation decisions. These processes. figures represent a decrease from 5067 The department continued to work with finalisations in 2006–07, which reflects other agencies to reduce waiting times the large number of further Protection visa for character and other checks beyond its applications from Temporary Protection visa control. (TPV) and offshore Temporary Humanitarian visa (THV) holders finalised in that year. In 2007–08, the department finalised 3441 A total of 2431 Protection visas were ministerial intervention assessments in granted following primary, review, or relation to former Protection visa applicants. ministerial intervention decisions. This is a 41 per cent reduction from the 2006–07 total of 5882 assessments finalised.

88 Annual Report 2007–08 The Country Information and Protection United Kingdom and the United States of Support Section continued to maintain and America. The majority of new information, expand its information holdings. including most reports previously provided At 30 June 2008, the section held over to decision makers in hard copy, is now 165 843 documents electronically or in hard provided in electronic format. As a result, copy relating to human rights and refugee many of the longer, more complex reports issues, in addition to electronic copies of are now fully text searchable from within the key major human rights reports or country system and more accessible to decision information collections from Canada, the makers.

Table 45: Protection visas—performance information1

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quantity

5350 onshore protection applications (persons) finalised 8 226 5 067 4 901

30 matters relating to complaints to, and assessments 9 31 9

for, UN treaty bodies Outcome One

250 persons in detention assisted under the Immigration 624 343 387 Advice and Applications Assistance Scheme

Quality

100 per cent of applications decided within 90 days in 72.39% 84.14% 79.58% accordance with legislation

60 per cent of applications from applicants in detention 51.30% 66.90% — 2 decided within 42 days of lodgement

1 Legislative changes on 12 December 2005 required 100 per cent of all applications to be decided within 90 days of a specified date. This includes periods where factors beyond the department’s control prevent finalisation. This is measured against initial primary application outcomes. 2 Data temporarily unavailable for technical reasons at time of publication.

Table 46: Protection visa grants 2007–08

Visa type Temporary Permanent Total Protection visas Protection visas

Initial 201 1 729 1 930

Further Protection visa 8 488 496

Ministerial intervention process 0 5 5

Total 209 2 222 2 431

1.2.2 Protection visas (onshore) 1.2 Refugee and humanitarian entry and stay 89 Reporting on processing times Immigration Advice and The department continued to closely Application Assistance Scheme manage the timeliness of Protection Under the Immigration Advice and visa processing and provide reports on Application Assistance Scheme, selected applications not finalised within the specified migration agents are funded to help all 90 day timeframe. asylum seekers in immigration detention and disadvantaged Protection and In 2007–08, the department met the new other visa applicants in the community decision standard for initial Protection visa with professionally qualified application applications in more than 79 per cent of assistance, including interpreters and being cases. In the majority of cases not processed accompanied at visa interview. Funding is within 90 days, the reasons for not meeting also provided for more general information the standard were outside the department’s sessions, brief face-to-face or telephone control. The causes included external delays advice. There are 23 providers across such as security assessments or client delay Australia from commercial practices, in providing information. The department legal aid agencies and non-government continues to work on strategies to reduce community bodies providing these services delays, improve adherence to the 90 day to people in immigration detention and in timeframe and finalise older cases as quickly the community. as possible.

Table 47: Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme activity

Measure 2006–07 2007–08 Percentage variation

Application assistance to detainees 343 387 13%

Application assistance in the community 449 628 40%

Immigration advice 6 250 5 825 –7%

Total IAAAS services 7 042 6 840 –3%

Total IAAAS expenditure $2 174 690 $2 234 123 3%

90 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 1.3 Border security Overview Highlights This output has two components: Maritime Crew visas 1.3.1 Borders The Maritime Crew (subclass 988) visa (MCV) became mandatory for ships’ 1.3.2 Identity. crews on 1 January 2008, following a six The border security output seeks to: month transitional period. The visa was • prevent and deter unauthorised entry implemented to ensure that application and to Australia by working closely with security checking requirements for foreign foreign governments, international sea crew aligned with the requirements for organisations, airlines and other other temporary visitors to Australia. agencies, and through the use of In 2007–08, over 350 000 MCVs were technology and intelligence granted. Since 1 January, industry • enhance the department’s ability to compliance with the new requirement has detect and minimise document fraud been extremely high with 99.8 per cent compliance among arriving crews. The

• protect the integrity of the border by Outcome One working closely with other border industry peak body, Shipping Australia, has agencies to maintain and improve indicated its high degree of satisfaction with effective screening processes, the MCV’s implementation. streamline entry of approved travellers National security and and return of refused entrants, and counter-terrorism keeping accurate records of people movements The department works closely with Australian security and law enforcement • support law enforcement and security agencies to strengthen border security agencies in preventing entry of people and to prevent the entry of non-citizens who are a direct or indirect threat to who may pose a threat to Australia’s Australia’s national security national security. • enhance the department’s ability to detect identity fraud and minimise its All non-citizens applying to enter or remain occurrence in Australia are assessed against the requirements of the Migration Act 1958 and • provide improved and consolidated migration regulations. All visa applicants identity information on all clients to undergo security checks during the decision makers processing of their visa applications. • contribute to border security through the development of biometric As Australia’s border management system technology and tools is multilayered, checking occurs not only during visa processing, but also at • contribute to whole-of-government pre-boarding under Advance Passenger initiatives on identity fraud and Processing and on entry at the Australian organised crime. border. A major new initiative during the year was the phased introduction of the Security Referral Service (SRS) system which,

1.3 Border security 91 when fully implemented in 2008–09, activities of people smugglers planning or will enable new levels of electronic attempting to smuggle people to Australia connectivity with the Australian Security by air or by sea. Intelligence Organisation. The new SRS A dedicated unit assesses all-source system provides for greater efficiencies intelligence on people smuggling, and in the processing of visa applicants and distributes reports within the department a strengthening in security checking and to other government agencies in arrangements. a position to respond to the irregular The department is actively involved in movement of people to Australia. whole-of-government counter-terrorism Recipients of the reports include the efforts, working with other departments to department’s overseas networks, exchange information on both our domestic Australia’s overseas missions, law and international counter-terrorism efforts. enforcement agencies and Border The department also exchanges information Protection Command which patrols air with other countries on programs and and sea approaches to Australia. policies to promote social harmony and Many Asia-Pacific countries are also active prevent radicalisation and extremism. in countering the activities of organised Counter-terrorism preparedness people smugglers and the movement of and response potential illegal immigrants into Australia. The department participates in a number of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation inter-agency fora, including the Australian The department continued to pursue Government Counter-Terrorism Policy Australia’s interests in supporting trade Committee and the Australian Government and investment activity by facilitating the Counter-Terrorism Committee. movement of business people in the The department is actively involved in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) the planning and conduct of counter- forum. Activities included: terrorism exercises with other government • chairing and providing secretariat and departments and agencies. In 2007–08, one project management support to the of these exercises was ‘Cyberstorm 2’ which APEC Business Mobility Group was designed to test security preparations • representing Australia in APEC in the event of an attack on Australia’s public sub-forum meetings electronic infrastructure. Such exercises help the department prepare to respond • managing the APEC Business to a terrorist incident, particularly through Travel Card scheme on behalf of management of the border. participating APEC economies. The major APEC project led by the Preventing people smuggling activity department relates to building the Organised people smuggling is a crime capacity of participating economies in which preys on the misfortunes of others border management and the application and places the lives of people at risk, of biometrics, as well as work to expand particularly when they attempt to gain entry the membership and functionality of the to Australia by undertaking sea voyages in Regional Movement Alert System (RMAS). small boats. The department works actively RMAS is an APEC counter-terrorism with other agencies to combat this activity, initiative that enhances regional border and provides advice to government on the

92 Annual Report 2007–08 security for air travel through the close through the airport quickly using a priority cooperation and collaboration of APEC immigration processing lane, often the lane economies. It currently operates between used by air crew and diplomats. Secondly, Australia, New Zealand and the United it gives business people visa pre-clearances, States of America. The department is also which are valid for three years and permit working with a number of other APEC multiple entries for either two or three economies to encourage their participation months, depending on the economy. Card and enhance the effectiveness of RMAS as holders lodge one application with their a regional border security measure. home government and, once approved, may travel to other participating APEC RMAS enables participating economies to economies without having to apply verify the status of passports in near separately for visas. real-time at the source, and alert the relevant agencies if action is required. SmartGate It provides automated checking of passport The department continues to work closely data at the time of airline check-in against with Customs on initiatives to automate a database maintained by the passport border processing. The department sought issuing authority. This removes the need changes to the Migration Act to allow for travellers using eligible ePassports to be

for participating economies to pool their Outcome One passport information in a centralised processed by SmartGate—an automated database. process for verifying visas and identities. These changes were implemented in In addition to checking for lost, stolen April 2007. and invalid passports, RMAS will soon be able to determine whether a passport SmartGate uses face recognition technology is recognised by its issuing authority as to perform a ‘face to passport’ check to having been validly issued. This capacity verify the ePassport holder’s identity. The makes RMAS a powerful tool for detecting automated gate takes a photograph of the lost, stolen and counterfeit passports and passport holder which is matched against removing them from circulation. Accurate the biometric face image captured on to the and up-to-date passport data is also a chip of the ePassport. valuable tool for governments in combating The aim of the SmartGate initiative is to terrorism, illegal migration and trans- allow the processing of increasing traveller national crime. numbers at international airports within the The APEC Business Travel Card is a same physical space. scheme hosted by the department to The use of SmartGate is voluntary for streamline business visitor entry into Australian ePassport holders and eligible participating APEC economies. Currently, non-citizen ePassport holders. It is currently 18 of the 21 APEC economies participate available to Australian and New Zealand as full members. The USA participates as a ePassport holders arriving in Brisbane transitional member and Canada is moving and Cairns. towards greater participation in the scheme. As at 30 June 2008, there were 43 710 The initiative also allows New Zealand card holders across APEC with Australian citizens who hold an ePassport to apply business people holding 16 019 cards. for, and be granted (where they satisfy the relevant criteria), a Special Category visa, The card offers two main benefits as well as being immigration cleared, using for business people. It assists them SmartGate.

1.3 Border security 93 Advance Passenger Processing system errors affecting 100 per cent compliance. Australia’s border management system is During 2007–08, more than 55 900 based on a number of ‘layers’, including: passengers and 31 000 crew were APP reported by cruise ships. • a universal visa system (with immigration alert checking) Airline Liaison Officers • Advance Passenger Processing (APP) Airline Liaison Officers (ALOs) play a key system, which operates at check-in role in protecting Australia’s borders by overseas preventing and deterring irregular movement • Airline Liaison Officers of people in the region. They conduct • processing at Australian airports and document screening of many Australia- seaports on arrival. bound passengers at key international gateways. They provide advice to airlines The APP system is used to pre-check and host governments on passenger passengers before they travel to Australia. documentation issues, and by their visible It helps prevent inadequately documented presence, deter those involved in people passengers bound for Australia from smuggling. They also assist airline check-in boarding planes and vessels overseas, staff with training and advice about Australia’s and increases the efficiency of incoming entry requirements and provide a ‘problem passenger processing in Australia for both solving’ link between airlines and the airlines and the cruise shipping industry. department’s Entry Operations Centre. There are currently 48 airlines flying into Australia that must satisfy mandatory APP Border Operations Centre, requirements for both the passengers and Movement Alert List and crew. APP checking occurred in about Central Movement Alert List 99.8 per cent of all passenger and air crew The Movement Alert List (MAL) is the arrivals in 2007–08, an increase from department’s principal electronic alert 99.5 per cent in 2006–07 and 99 per cent system and forms an integral part of in 2005–06. Australia’s national security and border control strategy. To encourage the highest possible level of APP reporting compliance, the government A review of MAL in 2003–04 recommended has implemented an infringement notice the centralisation of all alert checking in system, with the relevant legislation being the department to a purpose-fitted centre introduced to parliament in June 2008. located in Australia. While largely aimed at Since April 2006, the department has strengthening border security, the Central been providing feedback to airlines for Movement Alert List (CMAL), once fully each instance where APP checking was deployed, will also improve client service by not completed. This feedback provides reducing the requirement for multiple MAL airlines with an opportunity to improve their checks to be undertaken and minimising the processes and reduce infringements in the need for post-visa grant intervention due to future. MAL issues. Since 2004, international cruise ships have In November 2007, the new CMAL system used the APP system to check more than was rolled out within the department’s 174 000 passengers and 98 000 crew. Border Operations Centre. This was followed This represents over 99 per cent of cruise in April 2008 by the extension of the CMAL ship arrivals with only minor administrative check to the department’s Electronic Travel

94 Annual Report 2007–08 Authority (ETA) system, through which the the associated manual helpdesk to verify majority of short stay business and tourist the identity of citizenship applicants. visas to Australia are issued. The department also participated in a By extending CMAL to the ETA system, number of key projects and data sharing the department now processes up to trials under the Four Country Conference 60 per cent of all visa applications through working groups. The Global Document the CMAL checking process at the Examination Network continued to train application stage. departmental staff and counterparts in the region in document examination techniques The introduction of CMAL to the ETA and managed both the training of new system which improves the integrity of the forensic document examiners and the ETA application process has dramatically development of key tools and systems to reduced the requirement for ETA applicants support document examination. to be referred to immigration posts overseas for further processing. The department has effective foundations in place and is well positioned to extend Successful piloting of the CMAL system its biometric and identity management has also been undertaken within the capability during 2008–09. department’s visa processing system used at overseas posts, in preparation for a Outcome One complete roll-out to these posts in mid- 2008 with implementation in the onshore processing system before the end of 2008.

Identity management Several key deliverables were achieved under the department’s identity management strategy in 2007–08. These included: • deployment of two biometric projects, relating to people in immigration detention and the citizenship test • release of a suite of identity-related procedural advice manuals, supported by training for decision makers • increased number of facial images and documents stored in the Identity Services Repository, with a significant number of new users granted access. The department is working with other government agencies to progress the Biometrics at the Border initiative and the Document Verification Service (DVS). The year saw the commencement of transactions under the DVS, about 7000 requests were made through the DVS and

1.3 Border security 95 Profile

Seaports officers carry out checks on sea crew There is never a dull moment for the department’s seaports officers. They could be dealing with the crew of a yacht sinking at sea, stowaways, deserters from a foreign ship, or medical evacuations at sea. But on a ‘normal’ day the officers process the immigration papers of some of the 130 000 foreign sea crew who arrive in Australia each year. One of the great parts of their job is that it provides opportunities to travel to proclaimed ports where the visas of foreign crew can be processed. This includes flying by helicopter to ships anchored at sea, at locations such as the busy coal port of Mackay. About 90 per cent of the sea crew arriving in Australia are the crew of cargo ships. The remainder are cruise ship crews. The work of Australia’s 30 seaports officers has been streamlined with the introduction of the Maritime Crew visa. Following a transitional period of six months, the Maritime Crew visa became mandatory from 1 January 2008 for sea crew entering Australian ports. Before the introduction of the new visa, sea crew were viewed as ‘people of the sea’. This meant they were allowed to enter Australia as long as they could provide certain documentation. However, to ensure consistency of security checks for all people entering Australia, the Maritime Crew visa was introduced. More than 350 000 visas were granted during 2007–08 with an industry compliance rate of 99.8 per cent. The visa is a joint initiative of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship and the Australian Customs Service to boost border security.

96 Annual Report 2007–08 1.3.1 Borders Objective Performance This component aims to facilitate genuine In 2007–08, 1613 people were refused travellers and prevent entry to Australia of entry at Australia’s airports and seaports, those who threaten the national interest. compared to 1678 in 2006–07, a decrease of 3.9 per cent. Description This output component ensures effective immigration clearance and screening processes by working closely with other border agencies, especially Customs, and by employing leading-edge technology to deliver a secure immigration processing system that is as non-intrusive as possible for genuine travellers.

Table 48: Borders—performance information Outcome One Measures Results

2007–08

Quality

Increasing or maintaining proportion of referrals on arrival that 0.52% result in refused entry at airports1

Increasing or maintaining proportion of referrals on arrival that 7% result in refused entry to seaports1

Quantity 2006–07 2007–081

25.5 million passengers and crew arrivals and departures 24.3 million 25.7 million processed within the integrity framework

Number of people refused immigration clearance at airports 1 388 1 189

Number of people refused immigration clearance at seaports 290 424

1 Not measured in previous years.

1.3.1 Borders 1.3 Border security 97 In 2007–08, there were a total of The department is responsible for all 25.7 million passenger and crew arrivals processes and interviews in relation to and departures compared to 24.3 million persons referred by Customs. Where in 2006–07. This represents an increase of the person’s identity or authority to enter 5.76 per cent. is not confirmed a person may, with the exclusion of Australian citizens, be refused The 2007–08 total figure comprises immigration clearance. 23.6 million air passengers, 1.3 million air crew, 115 000 sea passengers and In 2007–08, just over 226 676 passengers 720 000 sea crew, compared to the were referred on arrival to the department 2006–07 figures of 22.4 million air at airports for reasons ranging from data passengers, 1.2 million air crew, 111 000 amendments to arrival without visas and sea passengers and 653 000 sea crew. for bona fide checks. Of those referred to the department, the overwhelming Immigration referrals at airports majority were cleared to enter Australia The Migration Act 1958 requires citizens with only 0.53 per cent of the total number and non-citizens to identify themselves to of non-Australian citizens being refused a clearance authority and provide certain immigration clearance. information in order to enter Australia. This process is designed to regulate the entry of Immigration referrals at seaports people to Australia and to ensure that those There are 25 dedicated seaports officers who enter have authority to do so, that they from the department supporting Customs in are who they claim to be, and that they the immigration clearance of vessels arriving provide other information if required. at Australia’s seaports. They are located in state and territory offices and regionally Customs undertakes primary immigration in Port Hedland and Cairns. Under an clearance processing on behalf of the ongoing training program, the department department at Australian airports. The has delivered immigration clearance training department trained more than 370 to Customs officers at most major and Customs officers in these procedures several regional ports. During 2007–08, during 2007–08. departmental immigration officers boarded Under this process, the clearance authority 1691 vessels to examine crew and examines a person’s authority to enter passenger documents and resolve case Australia and checks that the person is referrals identified by Customs as being of an Australian citizen, a visa holder or a potential immigration concern. person eligible for a visa in immigration clearance, as well as the person’s travel Infringement notices document. When the person’s identity and Under Australian law, international carriers authority to enter are confirmed and any entering Australia from overseas must other information required is provided, the comply with certain obligations in relation to clearance authority formally clears that their vessels and the people on board. person for entry to Australia. It is the responsibility of the carrier to ensure that a passenger is properly authorised to Any issues surrounding a person’s ability travel to Australia. Where a carrier brings an to meet the requirements must be referred inappropriately documented passenger, or to the departmental inspector at the airport an undocumented passenger to Australia, for resolution. The department performs it may be liable, upon conviction, to a fine of this role to facilitate the travel of legitimate $10 000. travellers as efficiently as possible, while maintaining Australia’s border integrity.

98 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 49: Entries and departures

Measures Results

2004–051 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quantity

Passenger and crew arrivals and 22.6 million 23.3 million 24.3 million 25.7 million departures processed within the integrity framework

Quality

Increasing or maintaining proportion 99.8 per cent of passenger and crew arrivals processed of arriving air passengers and crew processed via APP

Increasing or maintaining proportion 99.6 per cent of passenger and crew arrivals processed of arriving sea passengers and crew processed via APP

Travel statistics services completed 91.6 per cent achieved Outcome One for interagency delivery within agreed timeframes

All immigration Torres Strait Island 52 312 traditional inhabitant movements recorded, and 802 Treaty obligations are met through ineligible persons refused entry. Papua New Guinea nationals the Movement Monitoring Officer accounted for 98.6 per cent and Torres Strait Islanders network 1.4 per cent of movements

1 The figures for the quantity measure (number of arrivals and departure) in 2004–05 do not include the number of crew movements.

As an alternative to prosecution, the carrier In 2007–08, 660 infringement notices were may elect to pay a prescribed penalty issued to airlines, more than an 80 per cent of $5000 for an offence (an infringement decrease since 1999–2000. See Figure 25. notice). The net number of infringement notices The department maintains this policy served on shipping vessels was 26 in to deter carriers from failing to confirm 2007–08, compared to 31 in 2006–07. passengers’ immigration status before they board a plane to come to Australia. TRIPS system administration Any such oversight on the part of a carrier The department’s Travel and Immigration has the potential to seriously compromise Processing System (TRIPS) records Australia’s border security. the arrivals, departures and related visa information necessary for the processing The effectiveness of Australia’s border of international travellers to Australia. The security initiatives is illustrated in the information is used by the department significant drop in the number of and other border, law enforcement and infringement notices served to airlines in security agencies to manage the entry and recent years. At the peak in 1999–2000, departure of travellers to Australia. over 5000 infringement notices were issued.

1.3.1 Borders 1.3 Border security 99 Figure 25: Infringement notices issued to airlines from 1999–2000 to 2007–08

6 0006000

5 0005000

4 0004000

3 0003000

2 0002000 Infringement notices issued

1 0001000

00 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08

1999–00 2000–01 2001–02 2002–03 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08 Financial year

In 2007–08, the department undertook A person can be refused immigration a TRIPS Data Enhancement Project as clearance if they are unable to meet part of the larger border security initiative, Australia’s entry requirements. to ensure that client identity and visa This occurs where a person either has their status data held in the border systems visa cancelled, is refused at the border, is was high quality, reducing the need for inadequately documented, or is unable or manual interventions to rectify problems refusing to comply with the requirement for travellers and improving certainty about to provide evidence of their identity and client identity and visa status. authority to enter Australia. A combination of manually fixing client data In 2007–08, there were 424 people errors and removing the continuing system- refused immigration clearance at Australian based causes of client data quality issues seaports. This is a 46 per cent increase has resulted in a substantial reduction in over the 290 people who were refused the number of data problems. The work immigration clearance in 2006–07. will be continued in 2008–09 as part of the This increase is attributed to the mandatory ongoing maintenance and enhancement requirement for foreign crew to hold a work for the border systems. Maritime Crew visa which commenced Refused immigration clearance on 1 January 2008. In Australia’s layered approach to border In 2007–08, there were 1189 people processing, the border is the final point at refused immigration clearance at Australian which a person’s identity and authority to airports. This represents a decrease of remain in Australia can be confirmed prior 14 per cent over the 1388 people refused to their entry into the community. in 2006–07.

100 Annual Report 2007–08 In 2007–08, about 64 per cent of persons In 2007–08, two new immigration refused immigration clearance had their compliance positions were established at visas cancelled due to a decision that they Australian missions in Beijing and Manila, were not bona fide visitors to Australia, bringing the total number of officers to 33. in that they did not intend to comply with These new positions focus on combating the conditions associated with their visa. human trafficking. A person may also be refused immigration clearance if they fail to meet the character Regional counter-terrorism capacity requirement for entry to Australia or if they building initiative produce fraudulent documentation with an As part of Australia’s Regional Counter- aim to illegally enter Australia. Terrorism Capacity Building Initiative, the department delivers specialist immigration In 2007–08, about 93 per cent of those intelligence training in the Asia-Pacific refused immigration clearance at Australian region. Training was conducted for airports departed Australia within 72 hours, immigration officers from Cambodia, in most cases on the next available flight. East Timor, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand Deserters and stowaways and Vanuatu. In 2007–08, there were 46 deserters and In addition, a workshop on Immigration

six stowaways reported to the department. Intelligence Best Practice was conducted Outcome One This compares to 2006–07 figures of with Chinese authorities. The department 25 deserters and four stowaways. will continue to deliver training and participate in relevant multilateral forums in Central Movement Alert List project the Asia-Pacific region in 2008–09 under The Central Movement Alert List (CMAL) this initiative. Building capacity in other project, begun in 2004–05, will be immigration agencies contributes to overall completed in 2008–09, with implementation border security in the Asia-Pacific region of the new checking process in all visa and is an ideal way for the department to processing systems by the end of 2008. build relationships with its counterparts throughout the region. Onshore intelligence network The department has intelligence officers Immigration intelligence database based in state and territory offices to Use of the dedicated immigration investigate all forms of immigration intelligence database, IMtel, increased malpractice. This network promotes across the department through 2007–08. effective intelligence linkages between Document Examiners Notices are now national and state/territory offices and available through IMtel to onshore and has enhanced the collection, analysis and offshore officers. The increased use of the reporting on intelligence at the border and system, onshore and offshore, has resulted in state caseloads. in improved intelligence dissemination and more timely responses to immigration Overseas compliance officer network malpractice cases. During 2007–08, immigration compliance officers were deployed at 23 Australian missions to collect immigration intelligence, investigate caseload fraud and other immigration malpractice, and combat human trafficking and people smuggling.

1.3.1 Borders 1.3 Border security 101 1.3.2 Identity Objective Performance This component aims to identify people New identity management entering Australia and maintain that strategic plan foundation identity for use in the Australian During 2007–08, the department began to community. implement the vision articulated in Identity Description Matters: the Strategic Plan for Identity The department is often the first agency Management in DIAC 2007–2010. to come into contact with people seeking The plan articulates the vision for the to come to Australia, either under the effective identification of people entering migration program or for a visit. As such, it Australia and the maintaining of that identity is important that the department accurately for use in the community as those who identifies these people and maintains start out as immigration clients interact a consolidated identity record for both with other agencies during the course of interaction within the Australian community their settlement or temporary stay. The and to correctly identify repeat clients. strategy is aimed at enhancing the way the department assesses client identity The department’s identity management through: strategy is multi-layered and involves work • the collection of better and more robust on an international, national and whole- biographical details of-agency level. The strategy aims to introduce progressively more robust identity • strengthened document examination management practices, coupled with the capability and database checks to measured deployment of a supporting ensure a client’s credentials are genuine biometric capability. • the collection of biometrics to anchor client identity in certain programs and caseloads.

Table 50: Identity—performance information

Measures Results

May 2005 to June 2008

Quality

Percentage of national identity verification referrals finalised within 90% service standards

2007–08

Quantity

Number of consolidated identity information records stored 15.4 million

Number of national identity verification referrals 793

102 Annual Report 2007–08 The strategy is an integral component One of the key deliverables under the of the Systems for People program and strategic plan is a suite of identity service contributes to the client-focused approach tools, including the Identity Services being implemented in the department. Repository (ISR). The repository has grown During the year, the Australian National from 650 000 facial images and nine million Audit Office (ANAO) conducted a travel document records at the end of performance audit into the department’s 2006–07 to over one million facial images management of the introduction of and 16.3 million travel document records biometric technologies. The ANAO found by the end of June 2008. The collection the department’s planning processes to of details and capture of digital scans of be sound. identity documents, other than passports, began in October 2007, and since then Biometrics and identity management almost 135 000 document scans have The implementation of biometrics and been recorded. The number of ISR users identity management is guided by the has increased from 420 at the start of the identity management strategic plan and period to 1630. supports a number of international, national and whole-of-government measures, such International identity management as the joint Biometrics for Border Control initiatives Outcome One initiatives involving the Department of Australia continued to be actively involved in Foreign Affairs and Trade, Customs and the international identity management initiatives. Office of the Privacy Commissioner. The department contributed to the Four The department has been collecting and Countries Conference (4CC) Sub-Group storing personal identifiers and developing on Biometrics and Technology. The the capability to use the technology to development of a systematic data sharing better identify clients, for example, unlawful program, building on the outcomes of non-citizens and recidivist illegal foreign a series of successful trials, has been fishers. substantially progressed. The resulting Protocol for High Value Data Sharing, During the year, biometric and identity which allows for 4CC countries to assist management technologies were rolled out each other with biometric matching of high to support onshore immigration detention value cases on a case-by-case basis, was centre operations and the detention of endorsed at the Washington meeting in illegal foreign fishers. Biometric capability June 2007 and will be operational from was also provided to support identity January 2009. At the Washington meeting verification for clients presenting for in June 2007, the lead for the projects citizenship tests during 2007–08. As part of under the Sub-Group on Biometrics and this process, clients’ identities are recorded Technology was transferred to Australia. using the Australian Government Gold Standard Enrolment Framework. The department continued to chair the Intergovernmental Committee on Migration, A total of 59 221 tests were undertaken Asylum and Refugees Technology in 2007–08. The deployment to all 13 Working Group, an information forum for citizenship test sites at state and territory the exchange of ideas and experiences, offices is now complete, with both fixed and including those related to identity mobile solutions in place. There are also management through the implementation mobile solutions in place at 35 Medicare of technical and, in particular, biometric and Centrelink offices in regional Australia. solutions.

1.3.2 Identity 1.3 Border security 103 Profile

Document examiners important for border security Effective document examination is a cornerstone of good border security. Knowing how to spot a fake passport is crucial to maintaining the integrity of Australia’s border. But airport inspectors often only have minutes to inspect suspect travel documents before deciding to clear or to hold up the weary traveller while more time is spent inspecting the passport. So knowing how to use the specialist equipment effectively is crucial. While the majority of the department’s clients in Australia and overseas provide the department with genuine and unaltered documents in support of their applications, fraudulently altered or counterfeit documents are sometimes detected. The department’s forensic document examiners, in addition to providing a document examination service, also provide document examination training to staff in the department who handle and rely upon documents in their work. The department’s forensic document examiners have trained hundreds of officers in the detection of fraudulent documents, such as fake passports. Document examination equipment uses various light sources and magnifications to help identify if a travel document has been tampered with. This equipment is standard in every immigration office at Australian airports. Staff located in Australia’s overseas posts and Airline Liaison Officers (ALOs) have also been trained in document examination. ALOs are located at key international airports overseas and screen the documents of passengers bound for Australia. During 2007–08, they interdicted 143 people attempting to travel to Australia using forged or fraudulent documentation. Their detection of fraudulent documents has also helped prevent people from travelling to other countries. ALOs were involved in 448 interdictions to non-Australia bound flights in 2007–08.

104 Annual Report 2007–08 Document examination • An electronic case management Checking clients’ proof-of-identity and system, DocX, has been established travel documents is an important feature since 1 January 2008 to register all of the department’s identity management cases for document examination units strategy. The department’s document onshore and offshore. examiners perform the valuable functions • In the first half of 2008, 21 departmental of examining and providing opinions on staff across Australia were enrolled in potentially fraudulent documents as well as the Diploma of Forensic Document building a document examination capability Examination at the Canberra Institute within the department and in the region. of Technology. The course is an accredited formal qualification which The department’s Global Document provides a thorough understanding of Examination Network (GDEN) includes staff technical and scientific skills involving based in Australia and overseas. During the application of forensic document 2007–08, the network provided a three day examination techniques in the course on document examination skills in workplace and the operation of forensic Australia to 334 participants comprising document examination equipment. officers from the department, other The department also sponsored the government agencies and overseas airline

enrolment of six document examiners Outcome One staff. Basic document examination training from the Philippines, Indonesia and the was also provided to 957 participants from People’s Republic of China. the department and other agencies. • The department hosted a delegation Document examination training was also of Malaysian immigration officers to conducted by the GDEN in 18 overseas Australia in June 2008 to visit the countries over 38 weeks. Three days of department’s document examination training in document examination skills laboratories and external organisations was provided to 525 officers from foreign involved in the production of security government immigration and border documents. This visit expanded their agencies, while another 1297 officers document examination expertise and received basic documentation examination demonstrated how forensic document training. In addition, 101 officers were examination assists the department’s provided with training in the use and operational and visa program areas. maintenance of document examination • The department’s document examiners laboratory equipment. participated in the capacity-building The GDEN was involved in a number of key initiatives during 2007–08, providing initiatives to build on border management document examination training to strategies, as follows: officers from Afghanistan, Cambodia, • A searchable repository of bulletins Cook Islands, East Timor, Federated and alerts on fraudulent and new State of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, series travel documents detected both Jordan, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, onshore and offshore is now available Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, on the department’s IMtel system. Pakistan, Palu, Papua New Guinea, The repository, called Document Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Examination Alert Notices, had more Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Syria, than 1300 records at the end of Thailand, Tonga, Vanuatu and Vietnam. June 2008.

1.3.2 Identity 1.3 Border security 105 Document Verification Service Reduction of multiple client records The department participates in the whole- In 2007–08, the department developed a of-government initiative underway to strategy and established a project to reduce improve identity security and combat the number of duplicate client records by crimes related to identity theft. The implementing business rules to link multiple Document Verification Service (DVS), records. The first part of implementing that conceived as part of the Australian capability was carried out in 2007–08 as Government’s National Identity Security part of the Systems for People program. Strategy, aims to develop and deliver a The Systems for People program consistent approach to identity security consolidated the client-related biographic across federal, state and territory agencies. data from the department’s many systems It improves the ability of agencies to verify into a common centralised client data whether documents issued by another repository, the ‘Party Hub’. Through this agency are likely to be genuine documents project, manual linking of multiple records according to that agency’s records of the was also introduced. In 2008–09, the document issue date and details. second part of the reduction of multiple After a successful pilot, the government client records will be implemented with decided to implement the DVS on a automated linking of multiple records based national basis. During 2007–08, the DVS on business rules around biographic data. became operational in the department for This capability will also enable identification the verification of citizenship certificates of the number of duplicate records and and certified visas. In addition, to further provide a baseline from which to report in enhance the integrity of DVS verification, future program years. 16 600 citizenship records were purified over the year. Identity verification and advice For the last three years, the National Identity A total of 5365 automatic verification Verification and Advice (NIVA) function has transactions were processed through the been an essential operational component DVS and a further 1628 manual verifications of the department’s identity management were managed by the DVS helpdesk. strategy. Its functions include: The extension of the DVS to include visa records is expected to be implemented in • assisting operational staff in state October 2008. and territory offices to deal with the identification of persons of immigration Whole-of-agency approach compliance interest The department’s identity management • coordinating a national approach to strategy aims to provide better support to the investigation and identification of decision makers and a sound legislative persons of immigration compliance framework for enhanced identity interest where it is difficult to establish management practices. Throughout identity, with the priority being people in 2007–08, a number of identity-related immigration detention procedural advice manuals were released, • ensuring cases involving complex and with supporting training in identity sensitive identity issues are identified management practices. The department as early as possible and handled in a also continued to purify its client records, consistent, systematic and expeditious extend and grow the ISR, assist with the manner. investigations of complex identity cases and develop a comprehensive identity resolution capability.

106 Annual Report 2007–08 The early-warning system was coordinated delivery network with ongoing support through a referral process set out in the from the Identity Resolution Centre (IRC) procedural advice manual, Establishing in national office. identity in the field and in detention. Identity Resolution Centre Cases where a client was unidentified or The foundations of a consolidated identity where the claim of Australian citizenship or resolution capability were laid during permanent residence could not be verified 2007–08 with the deployment of two key were referred to the department’s national biometric projects and the establishment office through an escalation mechanism. of a help desk. The NIVA role included monitoring progress on identity investigations (‘information’ The aim of the IRC is to provide a multi- referrals) and conducting identity disciplinary capability that incorporates a investigations of particularly complex finger scan, facial image and biographic cases (‘action’ referrals). data searching expertise. The IRC is currently providing a fingerprint scan and Of the 793 cases involving identity issues facial image assessment capability in cases referred to national office since May 2005: where biometrics have been collected • 77 per cent (613) were referred for and match results need to be verified.

information only, while the remaining Consolidated identity reports are then Outcome One 23 per cent (180) were actively forwarded to decision makers to assist investigated by the officers at the them in assessing the identity of clients. national office The department is working with CrimTrac • 66 per cent of ‘information’ referrals to ascertain the feasibility of storing and were finalised in less than 3 months matching the department’s fingerprint scan • 51 per cent of ‘action’ referrals were data on the National Automated Fingerprint finalised in less than 6 months Identification System. • 721 (91 per cent) cases were resolved. Forward planning is also underway to fully In addition to managing a growing develop and staff the IRC to support the caseload, the national office: department’s evolving biometric capability • reviewed policies, procedures and tools and to assist decision makers when they designed to assist operational staff are unable to resolve the identity issues to establish identity in the field and in of clients themselves. During 2007–08, immigration detention, and ensured the department undertook 2214 biometric a consistent approach to identity enrolments of people in immigration investigation across the department detention and illegal foreign fishers, and identified 178 finger scan matches. • continued to establish relationships with persons and agencies who provide Airline Liaison Officer network expert advice on identity-related matters Airline Liaison Officers (ALOs) conduct • coordinated the department’s response document screening of many Australia- to requests from law enforcement bound passengers at key international agencies for information regarding gateways. They provide advice to airlines missing persons. and host governments on passenger From 14 July 2008, the identity investigation documentation issues and, by their visible function was devolved to the service presence, deter the activities of those involved in people smuggling.

1.3.2 Identity 1.3 Border security 107 The ALO program is run flexibly, adapting to emerging issues as required. During 2007–08, the ALO network had up to 21 ALOs at 16 locations. In 2007–08, the ALO network was involved in 143 interdictions of irregularly documented passengers attempting to travel to Australia, representing a 21 per cent decrease from the 180 interdictions in 2006–07. The reduction is consistent with improperly documented arrivals indicating a lower caseload in ALO ports. These statistics reflect the ongoing effectiveness of the ALO program in deterring and preventing irregular movement of people to Australia. In cooperation with ALOs from other countries, Australian ALOs also helped interdict 448 persons from travelling to a variety of countries other than Australia in 2007–08.

108 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 1.4 Compliance Overview immigration and citizenship rules. It has improved its capacity to provide information This output has three components: support and assist clients to resolve their 1.4.1 Detection onshore status in a timely and appropriate manner through more effective case management 1.4.2 Status resolution and stronger oversight of at risk cases. 1.4.3 Removals. The department also continued with moves to limit detention and removal activity to The broad outcomes are to: those who present a serious risk to the • support the integrity of Australia’s visa Australian community or refuse to comply. and citizenship programs by enabling staff within the department and other The use of immigration detention as a agencies to identify and respond to means of resolving a client’s immigration breaches of immigration or citizenship status has declined since 2002–03. law or other irregularities. This covers The percentage of unlawful non-citizens the resolution of a client’s immigration now detained after being located by the department has halved to about

status, including possible return to their Outcome One country of origin for those non-citizens 17 per cent and the number of people who have no right to remain in Australia spending more than two years in immigration detention has also halved • deter non-citizens from overstaying or since 2002–03. breaching their visa conditions through prompt and effective enforcement of If an unlawful non-citizen is detained, immigration law throughout Australia compliance officers, case managers and and in all sectors of the economy detention services work together to ensure • seek to reduce the incidence of people that they are placed in the least restrictive working illegally, or accessing the labour immigration detention environment market by abusing process through an appropriate to their circumstances. The active compliance strategy; deterring department is using the outcomes of the people smugglers; investigating minister’s review of long-term detention offences under the Migration Act cases, in liaison with the Ombudsman’s 1958 by migration agents, employers office, to look at ways of further reducing or intermediaries; and undertaking the incidence and duration of an unlawful employer awareness activities. non-citizen’s detention and ensuring that the use of immigration detention is Highlights appropriate. As at 30 June 2008, it was estimated that The Migration Amendment (Employer 48 456 people were in Australia unlawfully. Sanctions) Act 2007 commenced on During 2007–08, the department continued 19 August 2007. Under the legislation, to shift its focus to promoting the overall it is now a criminal offence to knowingly integrity of Australia’s immigration or recklessly employ an illegal worker programs, through delivering an appropriate or to refer an illegal worker for work. balance of prevention, deterrence and The department works closely with enforcement activities. The department has industry peak bodies, trade unions, increased its emphasis on activities aimed licensing authorities, employers and at promoting voluntary compliance with ethnic communities to promote this understanding.

1.4 Compliance 109 Case study: Community Care Pilot An elderly couple arrived in Australia on tourist visas in 1997 and made numerous attempts to achieve an immigration outcome that would allow them to remain in Australia. When they met their case manager in 2007 they had no money, no stable accommodation and were in extremely poor health, including their mental health. The case manager referred this couple to the Community Care Pilot who engaged the Australian Red Cross to their case. Their case manager worked with the Australian Red Cross to help the couple access appropriate health care and medication, which improved their health significantly. With their improved health, they were better able to engage in the resolution of their immigration status by providing the department with important information that allowed for a more accurate understanding of their circumstances. On the basis of this increased understanding, the minister intervened to grant them family Humanitarian visas.

Overall, this balance of activities is the work rights of potential workers through improving the integrity of Australia’s the service increased by 97 per cent in immigration programs. In 2007–08, more 2007–08 with more than 245 000 checks than 4.6 million temporary entrants and being completed. permanent residents arrived in Australia. Approximately 13 880 or 0.3 per cent Supporting and assisting resolution of temporary entrants overstayed their The department carried out a number visas in 2007–08. The overall number of of activities during 2007–08 to further overstayers as a percentage of temporary assist clients in resolving their immigration visa grants remained at less than 1 per cent status with dignity and in a fair, timely and in 2007–08. appropriate manner.

Promoting voluntary compliance Community Care Pilot The department looks to promote voluntary The Community Care Pilot focuses compliance with immigration law by on providing immigration advice, engaging with employers and educational information and counselling support to institutions to provide them with an the department’s vulnerable clients while understanding of their rights and obligations addressing their health and welfare needs. under the Migration Act. Officers of the It offers community assistance through department undertook 2251 awareness the Australian Red Cross and information visits to employers during 2007–08. and counselling services through the International Organization for Migration. Visa Entitlement Verification Online An immigration advice and application The use of the department’s Visa support service is also offered to provide Entitlement Verification Online service is an clients with access to expert assistance indication of how well this engagement is with their visa applications. working. The number of work entitlement checks undertaken by employers to check

110 Annual Report 2007–08 As at 30 June 2008, the pilot had assisted Outcomes to date have been very positive. 746 clients since its inception in As at 30 June 2008, 349 clients had been May 2006. Of these, 504 (68 per cent) referred to the IOM. Of these, 98 or almost received community assistance and 398 30 per cent departed Australia voluntarily. (53 per cent) received immigration The trial illustrates how early intervention information and counselling services. and close engagement can lead to timely, A total of 291 (39 per cent) were assisted fair and reasonable outcomes for clients in in the resolution of their immigration status difficult circumstances. Given its success, through the pilot. the department expanded the provision of As part of the 2008–09 Federal Budget, the trial services to clients in Queensland during government agreed to continue the pilot the course of 2007–08. for a further 12 months until 30 June 2009. It currently provides services to clients in Case management NSW, Victoria and Queensland. The department’s case management service continues to provide a holistic Community Status Resolution Trial approach to the management of clients The Community Status Resolution Trial, with complex circumstances or who are which commenced in July 2007 in Victoria considered vulnerable. and NSW, is exploring opportunities for Outcome One During 2007–08, there was an average developing assisted voluntary returns of 880 active cases being managed by services by extending arrangements case managers at any point in time. As under the Community Care Pilot. Under at 30 June 2008, there were 933 cases these arrangements, non-case managed being managed by case managers. Case clients in the community are referred managers are now working in all of the to the International Organization for department’s offices in Australia and are Migration (IOM) for information, immigration actively coordinating the provision of counselling and voluntary return services. internal and external services to clients, The trial complements the pilot by providing including services under the Community the department with the capacity to assist Care Pilot. During 2007–08, case those clients who do not have health and management moved from a 50/50 split welfare vulnerabilities and wish to depart between community and detention cases Australia voluntarily. to 65 per cent of all case managed clients A draft report into the evaluation of the trial residing in the community. is currently being considered.

Case study: Community Status Resolution Trial A client arrived in Australia on a Temporary Business (Long Stay) (subclass 457) visa in 1996. Soon after his arrival he applied for, but was refused, a Protection visa. The client exhausted all avenues of appeal including a number of unsuccessful requests for ministerial intervention, and was referred to the Community Status Resolution Trial in 2007. Having established that he did not have valid travel documents, departmental officers discussed his options with him and helped the client to renew his passport. He then departed Australia voluntarily.

1.4 Compliance 111 Case study: Case management In August 2007, a young woman was referred to the department as a possible unlawful non-citizen, possibly a UK national of Scottish origin residing in a young women’s refuge in Launceston. She presented as being destitute, with low level literacy, possible mental health issues, no family or contacts in Australia and was requesting assistance to return home to the UK. She spoke with an indistinct English and occasionally a Scottish accent, and had broad knowledge and cultural awareness of particular villages and regions in Scotland and England, although could not provide any specific details or information. Despite extensive searches of the department’s records, she could not be identified nor her immigration status verified. The department did not detain her. It was evident that she was vulnerable and required assistance, and she was referred to the department’s case management service. Her case manager engaged relevant internal and external stakeholders including the department’s National Identity Verification and Advice Section, the British Consulate, Mental Health Services, Disability Services, Police Missing Persons Units, Interpol, Births, Deaths and Marriages and the Guardianship Board in Tasmania. As a result of this work, evidence was obtained that she was, in fact, an Australian citizen with multiple mental health diagnoses. This young woman is now in the care of a community support organisation. Her case manager assisted her care providers to obtain a birth certificate, bank account, Medicare card and Centrelink benefits for her. The department has also established comprehensive records to assist in identifying her, should she present to the department in the future.

Enforcement Operation Ekala While every effort is taken to ensure Operation Ekala highlighted the way the that people, including sponsors, agents department and the Australian Federal and other third parties, comply with the Police work together to combat people requirements of the Migration Act, the trafficking and the exploitation of those who need may arise for the department to take arrive in Australia seeking work. prompt and effective enforcement action This joint operation uncovered an organised against individuals who purposefully or sex-trafficking trade worth more than recklessly misuse immigration programs. $3 million per year. Five people have been In conjunction with the 1884 awareness charged with offences including trafficking visits to employers and educational in persons, knowingly conducting a institutions conducted during 2007–08, business that involves the sexual servitude the department commenced 154 of others, debt bondage, deceptively investigations, conducted joint operations recruiting for sexual services and dealing to combat people-trafficking and located with the proceeds of crime. 10 722 unlawful non-citizens of which 1478 The victims located as part of this operation people were working illegally. were granted bridging visas, and those willing to assist with the prosecution of

112 Annual Report 2007–08 the alleged traffickers progressed to a record or have a current or previous Criminal Justice Stay visa. These visa association with someone else or a group holders went on to receive support from or organisation who the department the Victims of Trafficking Support Program reasonably suspects is, or has been, while they remained in Australia to assist involved in criminal conduct. Past and the department and the Australian Federal present criminal behaviour and general Police with their enquiries. conduct is taken into consideration, but a criminal history does not automatically Illegal worker investigation result in a visa refusal or cancellation. The department conducted a joint In 2007–08, the minister or his delegate operation in the Riverina area on 6 and made 736 character related decisions. 7 May 2008 in relation to allegations of These decisions comprised 103 illegal worker practices. This operation cancellations, 16 refusals and 617 resulted in over 50 persons being warnings. interviewed and identified a labour hire agent and migration agent of interest Also in 2007–08, the department cancelled allegedly complicit in the submission of 6727 student visas (excluding subclass fraudulent protection visa applications. 580 student guardian visas) for a variety of

reasons, such as the student failing to meet Outcome One The operation also located 12 people who the minimum class attendance requirement were unlawfully in Australia or working or achieve satisfactory academic results, in breach of their visa conditions. They as required by conditions attached to their were detained by the department and visas. This compares to 6433 student visa arrangements are being made for their cancellations in 2006–07 and 6922 student removal. The activity of the department visa cancellations in 2005–06. appears to have interrupted the flow of fraudulent applications from the migration In 2007–08, there were 8404 compliance agent. related departures, including 4055 monitored departures, 722 voluntary Cancellations and removals returns, two criminal deportations and The department cancelled temporary and 3625 removals from Australia. This is a permanent visas in 2007–08 for a variety of decrease of 11 per cent from 2006–07 reasons, including where the people holding when there was a total of 9489 including them failed to comply with the conditions of 4433 monitored departures, one criminal their visas or were found to no longer meet deportation, and 5055 removals from the character provisions. Australia. This reflects an increased focus Where a non-citizen fails the character on more effective case management aimed test, the minister or a delegate has the at regularising client status, a reduction discretion to cancel or refuse their visa. in the number of illegal foreign fisher Such a decision is not taken lightly, and apprehensions and promotion of is only made after full consideration of all voluntary departures. the circumstances of the case, including Business improvement the nature and severity of any offence committed by the individual; the impact Compliance, Case Management and on the individual and the individual’s family; Detention portals and the best interests of the Australian The Compliance, Case Management and community. Detention (CCMD) portals have now been in An individual may not pass the character operation since April 2007. test if they have a substantial criminal

1.4 Compliance 113 Case study: Compliance, Case Management and Detention portals Wendy Hughes, Manager of Compliance Operations in Queensland, is a relatively new user of the CCMD portals but can already see the benefits they bring to her work and the important role they play in supporting business improvement. ‘I can already see the increased transparency and accountability it brings to many of the processes I manage as well as having the potential for some real efficiencies.’ Feedback from Wendy’s staff supports this. It is now much quicker and easier to prepare case notes and other documentation. Previously they were prepared manually and then emailed to a manager for action. The portals have automated this and make it easier for staff to meet deadlines. Wendy also sees the real benefits of the portals’ record keeping functionality. ‘Completing the whole process in the portals is a real advancement—providing a more accurate view of a client’s case and where it is up to for everyone. More importantly, there is an audit trail, you can see the managerial review and approvals; and you know the right forms have been used. This means a higher level of confidence in the action taken and visibility about whether the mandated timeframes have been met. While the portals still need a lot of work, I’m happy to know that they are aligned to what we are meant to be doing,’ Wendy said. The portals are also making it easier for staff to share information with those who need to know. Previously, information could only be accessed by officers at a particular site. ‘I also like the way you can access information (and report on it) from a variety of locations with ease. In the past, we’ve had some manual paper-based processes that could only be described as archaic. Now important aspects of our work in Compliance can be recorded in the portals and can be reported on and accessed by a range of people at various locations providing they have access privileges,’ Wendy said.

The number of staff using the portals is By the end of 2008, an estimated increasing everyday as improvements are 75 per cent of the ‘end-to-end’ compliance, added with each successive release. Some case management and detention business key enhancements to business processes processes will be supported in a single already achieved include, for the first time, information system. When the portals are a national system for managing allegations fully delivered, the department and, most and what the department does in response importantly, clients will benefit from more to these. Another key improvement is the agile technology that will provide staff with introduction of online forms and automatic a more complete view of the client and notifications—contributing significantly to deliver major improvements to processes, improved decision making practices and systems, data and reporting. accountability.

114 Annual Report 2007–08 1.4.1 Detection onshore Objective unlawful for a period of time, but departed or were granted a further visa and became To deter, identify and respond to breaches lawful again prior to the estimate date. of immigration law in Australia. Compliance resources are dedicated to engage with Performance key stakeholders such as employers, to find people who have no authority to In 2007–08, the department continued be in Australia; have stayed in Australia transforming its business to increase its beyond the period specified in their visas focus on promoting the overall integrity (overstayers); or are in breach of conditions of immigration programs. This involved which apply to their visas (for example, maintaining an appropriate balance of illegal workers). prevention, deterrence and enforcement activities. This output component also delivers security to the community through the This balance sees the department focusing refusal or cancellation of visas for non- more strategically on employers, labour citizens who may be of concern to the suppliers and organisers rather than only dealing with individual visa breaches. The public for reasons such as involvement in Outcome One serious criminal activity. department’s aim is to work with these groups, as far as possible, to prevent visa Description non-compliance and to use sanctions only where there is blatant or repeated Under this output component, the non-compliance on their behalf. Priority is department aims to prevent and deter also given to the location and removal of breaches of immigration law. Where this unlawful non-citizens who pose the greatest is not possible, the department works to risk to the Australian community. identify and find those who have breached immigration law. Despite a significant increase in the number of travellers to Australia, the estimated People found in breach of immigration law number of overstayers has remained largely may have their visas cancelled, be removed unchanged for the past three years from from Australia and/or face prosecution. This 47 797 at 30 June 2005 to 48 456 at output component also incorporates the 30 June 2008. The department attributes investigation and prevention of organised the overall low number of estimated fraud and immigration malpractice in overstayers to a number of factors such the Australian community and the active as higher levels of adherence to conditions engagement of intermediaries such as of entry to Australia and more effective licensing bodies and employers to help screening arrangements overseas. reduce breaches of the Migration Act. In 2007–08, the department located The department prepares an estimate of 10 722 people who had either overstayed overstayers at 30 June and 31 December their visas or were in breach of their visa each year. It is an estimate of all persons conditions. This is a decrease of 5.16 believed to have overstayed their visas at per cent on the 2006–07 total of 11 304 that date who are suspected of remaining locations. The department’s compliance in the Australian community. The estimates activity during 2007–08 shifted in focus therefore do not include people who were in from general overstayers to more resource immigration detention at the estimate date. intensive, high-risk non-compliance cases, Also not included are people who were

1.4.1 Detection onshore 1.4 Compliance 115 and the department also increased its The department’s compliance quality emphasis on work to encourage people assurance framework, IT improvements to abide by visa conditions and depart through the Systems for People program voluntarily. and ongoing revision of policy instructions have improved the quality of decisions In addition, the department focused on made in respect of clients, particularly in enhancing training and procedures for the relation to their detention and removal from national compliance network. In keeping Australia. with the department’s strategic goals of well trained and supported staff, compliance Employers and other intermediaries officers are not permitted to commence A continuing strategy has been the focus field activities without undertaking an on intermediaries such as employers, intensive accredited training program. migration agents, education providers and In 2007–08, 132 officers undertook the labour hire companies who can play a training program. strong role in helping people to adhere to migration law.

Table 51: Detection onshore—performance information

Measures Results

2007–08

Quality

Proportion of s. 501 cases in the serious criminal category considered 100% for cancellation

Proportion of briefs of evidence submitted to the Commonwealth Director of Public 94% Prosecutions that are accepted

Quantity

Number of locations 10 722

Number of overstayers 48 4561

Number of s. 109 (incorrect information) cancellations 55

Number of s. 116 (general power) cancellations (including student visa s. 116 2 976 cancellations)

Number of s. 128 (people outside Australia) cancellations 15 109

Number of student visas (excluding subclass 580 student guardian visas) cancelled under 1 288 s. 116

Number of student visas (excluding subclass 580 student guardian visas) cancelled under 2 050 s. 137J (student non-compliance)

Number of cases considered for s. 501 (character) refusals 203

Number of cases considered for s. 501 cancellations 533

Number of cases involving indicators of people trafficking referred to the Australian 59 Federal Police

1 Bi-annual snapshot data is used to calculate the estimate of unlawful non-citizens.

116 Annual Report 2007–08 During 2007–08, the department continued An important milestone was reached during to promote the Visa Entitlement Verification the year with the implementation of the Online (VEVO) system. This internet- Migration Amendment (Employer Sanctions) based visa entitlement checking system Act 2007. From 19 August 2007, it has occurs in real-time and allows employers, been an offence for a person to knowingly labour suppliers, licensing authorities or recklessly: and educational institutions to check the • allow an illegal worker to work immigration status and other entitlements of • refer an illegal worker for work with visa holders in Australia. another business. VEVO has gained widespread acceptance Individuals convicted of these offences from employers in every industry sector face fines of up to $13 200 and two years (including the sex industry, for the first time) imprisonment while companies face fines and is now the department’s main vehicle of up to $66 000 per illegal worker. The for immigration status checking. Feedback penalties are higher where exploitation received from employers indicates a high through slavery, forced labour or sexual level of satisfaction with the service as they servitude is involved. get an answer on the spot (compared with 24 hours or more for the department’s The offences apply to employers, labour Outcome One faxback service). In addition, employers do hire companies, employment agencies and not need to keep any paperwork as the other people who allow illegal workers to department keeps a record of who has work or refer illegal workers for work. This been checking and what checks have includes taxi owners who lease their taxis been made. to drivers, brothel owners who rent or lease rooms to sex workers, and businesses that The department continues to conduct operate informal labour referral services employer awareness training sessions such as hostels that organise harvest work to educate employers about immigration for backpackers. status checking with the aim of reducing the number of illegal workers. These The introduction of these changes was sessions also inform employers and supported by an active information labour suppliers about the immigration campaign explaining the department’s status-checking facilities provided by commitment to helping Australian the department. Illegal Worker Warning employers find eligible workers from Notices are issued to employers or labour overseas, while at the same time enforcing suppliers who have employed or referred Australia’s laws where abuse of immigration illegal workers. The warning notices advise arrangements is detected. employers that they have employed an Community information illegal worker and advise of the possibility of further prosecution. Information from the public provides important support to the government In 2007–08, the department issued an in its efforts to maintain the integrity estimated 750 notices, compared to 529 of immigration programs. Members notices in 2006–07 and 1094 notices of the public report instances of in 2005–06. As at 30 April 2008, the possible malpractice mainly through the department had issued 622 notices, and a department’s telephone reporting numbers. total of 81 employers received more than A free national ‘dob-in’ fax service is one notice. also available.

1.4.1 Detection onshore 1.4 Compliance 117 As a result of calls from the public and agencies such as when state or territory information from other sources, 2481 police detain individuals for criminal allegations were identified in 2007–08, offences and it is then discovered they are resulting in 154 formal investigations being unlawful non-citizens. commenced with 15 briefs of evidence A total of 1478 locations involved people accepted by the Commonwealth Director who were found to be working without of Public Prosecutions. The department authority, including people holding visas successfully prosecuted eight clients in which do not afford work rights. 2007–08, an increase of one over 2006–07. Bridging E visas Students Of the 10 722 locations in 2007–08, The main condition that affects students 8075 resulted in unlawful non-citizens is called Condition 8202 and provides being issued Bridging E visas. These that visa holders must satisfy course visas allow people to remain lawful in the requirements and, where such records community while they make arrangements are kept, attend at least 80 per cent of to depart Australia, lodge substantive visa scheduled course contact hours. applications, or where they are pursuing Education providers must report students in merits or judicial reviews of visa decisions. breach of this condition to the department. Under the Migration Regulations, They must also send students notices unauthorised arrivals with special needs of breach, which require the students to may be released on Bridging E attend a departmental office within 28 (subclass 051) visas (BVEs) where they days to explain the breach. If students have made a valid application for a fail to comply with the notice, their visa is protection visa and have not received a automatically cancelled under section 137J primary decision or it is subject to merit or of the Migration Act. Automatic cancellation judicial review. enables a rapid response to breaches of Condition 8202, reducing the volume During 2007–08, there were no Bridging E of resources required to follow up non- (subclass 051) visas granted. complying students.

Locations The term ‘locations’ relates to clients who are in the community and who are either unlawful (for example, visa overstayers) or believed to be breaching visa conditions (for example, working without authority). Cases where people voluntarily approach the department accounted for 8022 locations in 2007–08. A total of 1339 locations occurred as a direct result of compliance field work with a further 1361 locations occurring as a result of ‘non- voluntary approaches’. Non-voluntary approaches occur where unlawful non- citizens are located by other government

118 Annual Report 2007–08 1.4.2 Status resolution

Objectives met in the community by existing programs. This process occurs while their immigration Obtain a substantive immigration outcome status is being resolved. The pilot focuses for clients in a lawful, timely, fair and on providing immigration advice, and reasonable manner. information and counselling support Description to clients while addressing their health and welfare needs. It offers community Status resolution entails supporting and assistance through the Australian Red assisting clients to resolve their immigration Cross and information and counselling status in a timely and appropriate manner. services from the International Organization Its guiding principles are: for Migration. An immigration advice and • early and active client engagement application support service is also offered commensurate to assessed need and to provide clients with access to expert level of risk assistance with their visa applications. • clear identification and communication To complement the services provided of client pathways

through the Community Care Pilot, the Outcome One • provision of holistic support according department commenced the Status to fundamental case management Resolution Trial in July 2007. The trial principles. focuses on the implementation of an The department’s Case Management early intervention approach to resolve the Service is characterised by the early immigration status of non-case managed identification of vulnerable clients or those clients in the community who have with exceptional circumstances and the indicated a willingness to leave Australia individualised and proactive provision and do not have complex health and of services to clients through active welfare needs. Clients are referred to the coordination, integration and management International Organization for Migration of services drawn down from key service for information, counselling and voluntary providers. Case management is designed return services. around ‘early intervention’—working with clients as soon as possible to ensure they Detention Review Managers understand how the immigration system Detention Review Managers review works and what role they can play in the lawfulness and appropriateness of resolving their status. Case managers are decisions to detain under the Migration Act. expected to, in respect of their clients, They review the initial detention decision ensure work is undertaken by all relevant and continue to review the cases of people parties in a coordinated and logical way in immigration detention on an ongoing with a focus on achieving an immigration basis to ensure their detention remains outcome for the client as quickly as lawful and appropriate, and that their cases reasonably possible. are being actively progressed. Clients on Bridging E visas who have Detention review committees vulnerability indicators can be referred The Executive Detention Review Committee by case managers to a range of external (EDRC) meets on a regular basis and is service providers within the Community chaired by a deputy secretary. The EDRC Care Pilot, if their circumstances cannot be provides a high level forum for dealing with

1.4.2 Status resolution 1.4 Compliance 119 possible systemic issues that may affect the • 14 were granted Removal Pending timely resolution of outcomes for people in Bridging visas immigration detention. • 18 were granted bridging visas The Detention Review Committee (DRC) • 10 were released into the community meets monthly, reporting to the EDRC. after their previously cancelled visas had The DRC brings together officers from the been reinstated following a Full Federal service delivery network with key policy and Court decision processing areas in National Office. The • four are now Australian citizens DRC’s role is to provide a further level of assurance that people are detained lawfully • three had visas reinstated through and reasonably and that their cases are ministerial intervention. actively progressed, while providing an Of the 422 people reported on to the opportunity to discuss systemic detention Commonwealth Ombudsman by the issues arising from individual cases or from department, 53 remained in immigration overall caseload management. detention at 30 June 2008. Of these, 24 people were in immigration detention Reports to the Commonwealth centres, 22 were in community detention Ombudsman and seven were in immigration residential The department is required to report to housing. the Commonwealth Ombudsman when a person has been detained for two years or Of those who remain in immigration more and at the end of each subsequent detention, the two largest nationalities six-month period if the person remains in represented are the People’s Republic of immigration detention. China and Indonesia. The Ombudsman subsequently produces The Ombudsman provided 614 reports a report on these cases which the minister covering 387 people to the minister is required to table in both Houses of between 25 June 2005 and 30 June 2008. Parliament within 15 sitting days of receipt Of those reports, the minister has tabled of the report. 613 reports in parliament, covering all 387 people. Between 25 June 2005 and 30 June 2008, the department provided reports to the Of the 387 people reported on by the Ombudsman on 422 people who had been Ombudsman and tabled by the minister detained for two years or more. Of these in parliament, 361 were no longer in 422 people, supplementary reports were immigration detention at 30 June 2008. provided for 194 people who remained in Of these people: detention at the end of a further six-month • 52 were granted temporary visas period. • 222 were granted permanent visas Of the 422 people the department reported • 45 were removed from Australia on to the Ombudsman, 369 were no longer in immigration detention at 30 June 2008. • 12 were granted Removal Pending Of these: Bridging visas • 52 were granted temporary visas • 13 were granted bridging visas • 222 were granted permanent visas • 46 were removed from Australia

120 Annual Report 2007–08 • 10 were released into the community detention arrangements, or that people after their previously cancelled visa had be released on a visa pending the been reinstated following a Full Federal finalisation of their immigration status or Court decision removal arrangements. In other cases, • four are now Australian citizens the Ombudsman recommended that the minister make a decision regarding • three had visas reinstated through an outstanding ministerial intervention ministerial intervention. submission before the report was tabled In reports provided to the minister, the in parliament, and on some occasions Ombudsman has made a number of also recommended that the department recommendations covering several areas. consider appropriate action for ongoing The most frequent recommendations management of the client’s health while were that the minister consider alternative achieving an immigration outcome.

Performance Table 52: Status resolution—performance information

Measures Results

2007–08 Outcome One

Quality

Initial decisions to detain are reviewed by the Detention Review Manager 95% within service standards

Ongoing decisions to detain are reviewed by the Detention Review 74% Manager within service standards

Number of bridging visa BVE overstayers as a proportion of total 9.69%1 BVE grants

Quantity

Number of people entering detention as a result of compliance activities 1 865

Number of clients in the case management service as at 30 June 2008 933

1 This is a projected full year outcome based on figures at 31 December 2007.

1.4.2 Status resolution 1.4 Compliance 121 1.4.3 Removals Objectives departures, one criminal deportation, and 5055 removals from Australia). This reflects Give effect to the requirement in migration an increased focus on more effective case legislation that unlawful non-citizens who management aimed at regularising client have no lawful basis to remain in Australia status, a reduction in the number of illegal are removed. It also delivers security to the foreign fisher apprehensions and promoting Australian community through the removal voluntary departures. of unlawful non-citizens who may be of concern to the public for reasons such as A total of 65 people were removed after their involvement in serious criminal activity. their visas were cancelled or refused under section 501 of the Migration Act, compared Description with 55 in 2006–07 and 44 in 2005–06. Removal covers people leaving Australia under the management of the department Repatriation of illegal foreign fishers as a: In 2007–08, there were 1232 illegal foreign • monitored or supervised departure fishers taken into immigration detention and 1212 who were removed. This compares • removal of an unlawful non-citizen under to 1437 taken into immigration detention in section 198 of the Migration Act, or a 2006–07 and 2888 in 2005–06, with 1673 deportee under section 200 of the Act. and 2691 being removed respectively. Unlawful non-citizens who are located in Australia may be detained in an Removal Pending Bridging visas immigration detention centre or other The Removal Pending Bridging visa (RPBV) detention arrangement for the purpose of was introduced in May 2005. This visa was removing them from Australia or granted introduced to enable the release, pending a bridging visa to allow them to voluntarily removal, of people in immigration detention depart or remain in the community while who have been cooperating with efforts their substantive visa application, merits to remove them from Australia but whose or judicial review proceedings are being removal is not reasonably practicable at considered. that time. The department has established effective RPBV holders are entitled to a range arrangements with most countries to of support services including help from remove people with no entitlement to Centrelink and access to Medicare. remain in Australia. Departmental staff RPBVs may be granted using the minister’s liaise with foreign missions in Australia and non-delegable, non-compellable public directly with foreign agencies overseas to interest power to grant a visa to a person in facilitate return. immigration detention. This power is in Performance section 195A of the Migration Act. In 2007–08, there were 8404 compliance From 11 May 2005, when the RPBV related departures, including 4055 legislation commenced, up to 30 June monitored departures, 722 voluntary 2008, a total of 46 RPBVs were granted. returns, two criminal deportations and 3625 Of those: removals from Australia. This is a decrease • permanent visas have been granted to of 11 per cent from 2006–07 when there 20 clients, 10 in 2007–08 was a total of 9489 (4433 monitored

122 Annual Report 2007–08 • six clients were granted temporary clients was subsequently found not to visas, three in 2007–08. The be fit for removal and was placed on department is continuing efforts to a Bridging visa, pending resolution of resolve the status of these clients his case. The other client sought an injunction preventing his removal in • two clients departed Australia the Courts and the litigation was still voluntarily, one in 2007–08, which had ongoing as at 30 June 2008 the effect of ceasing their RPBVs • 16 clients remained on an RPBV, five of • two clients had their visas ceased by which were granted in 2007–08. a former minister, as they had become available for removal. One of those

Table 53: Removals—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

1 1 2

Compliance with quality assurance framework — — 100% Outcome One

Quantity

Number of removals, supervised and monitored departures 10 501 9 489 8 404

Number of Removal Pending Bridging visa (RPBV) holders 0 0 1 returned or removed

1 Not measured in previous years. 2 The results of a quality assurance audit of the removal process conducted during 2007–08 identified 100 per cent compliance with the Mandatory Control Point framework for assessing removal availability, including timeliness of the assessment and conduct of a senior officer review.

1.4.3 Removals 1.4 Compliance 123 Output 1.5 Immigration detention Objective Of the 4514 people taken into immigration detention during 2007–08: This output seeks to provide lawful, appropriate, humane and efficient detention • 1865 were people who had been living of unlawful non-citizens. in the community but overstayed or breached visa conditions representing Description 41.3 per cent of the total Under this output component, the • 1232 were illegal foreign fishers department detains unlawful non-citizens as representing 27.3 per cent of the total required under Commonwealth legislation. • 452 were unauthorised arrivals (423 by air and 29 by boat) representing Performance 10.0 per cent of the total The total number of people held in • 965 were in other categories immigration detention in 2007–08 continued representing 21.4 per cent of the total. to decline, from 5485 people in 2006–07 to 5003 people in 2007–08. This represents a There were 4601 people released or decrease of 9 per cent. removed from immigration detention during 2007–08, with approximately 78 per cent At 30 June 2008, there were 402 people in removed overseas. Approximately one per immigration detention compared to 441 at cent were granted protection visas and the same point in 2007. This represents a released, and 21 per cent were released decrease of 9 per cent. into the community on other grounds. There were 4514 people taken into immigration detention in 2007–08, compared to 4718 in 2006–07, a reduction of over 4 per cent.

Table 54: Immigration detention—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Timeliness of contract Monitoring of contractual requirements occurred with breaches management and compliance addressed

124 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 26: People taken into immigration detention from 2004–05 to 2007–08

8 0008000

7 0007000

6 0006000

5 0005000

4 0004000 Persons

3 0003000

2 0002000

1 0001000 Outcome One

0 0 2004–052004-05 2005–062005-06 2006–072006-07 2007–082007-08 Year

Figure 27: People entering immigration detention by arrival type in 2007–08

0.6% 9.4%

Overstay or breach visa 21.4% Unauthorised air arrivals Illegal Foreign Fishers Unauthorised boat arrivals Others Overstay or breach visa 41.3% Illegal foreign fishers Unauthorised Air Arrivals Others

Unauthorised Boat Arrivals

27.3%

1.5 Immigration detention 125 Figure 28: Population in immigration detention from 1 December 1989 to 8 August 2008

4 000

3 000

2 000 Population

1 000

0

1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007

Year

Figure 28 shows the trend in the number of (with 25 awaiting a primary decision) and people in immigration detention in Australia 865 at 30 June 2005 (with 28 awaiting from 1989 to 2008. The detention of large a primary decision). The 402 people in numbers of unauthorised boat arrivals is immigration detention included those living represented by the peaks from 1999 to under alternative detention arrangements 2002. From that period onward there has with 44 accommodated under residence been a continuing downward trend in the determination (community detention). number of people in immigration detention. The 402 people in immigration detention The detention population has now returned at 30 June 2008 included six unauthorised to a level comparable to that of the boat arrivals, 25 unauthorised air arrivals, mid-1990s. 323 people who had been living in the The number of people in immigration community but had overstayed or breached detention at 30 June 2008 was 402. A total visa conditions, 26 illegal foreign fishers of 13 had applied for a protection visa but and 22 others such as stowaways and ship had not yet received a primary decision deserters. on that application. This compared with 441 at 30 June 2007 (with 19 awaiting a primary decision), 749 at 30 June 2006

126 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 29: People in immigration detention by arrival type at 30 June 2008

6% 1% 5%

7% Overstay or breach visa Unauthorised air arrivals Unauthorised boat arrivals Illegal Foreign Fishers

Overstay or breach visa Others, eg stowaways, ship deserters Illegal foreign fishers Others Unauthorised Air Arrivals

Unauthorised Boat Arrivals 81% Outcome One

A large proportion of people in immigration Of the 175 333 detainee days, there were detention on 30 June 2008 (81 per cent) 39 149 days (over 22 per cent) spent where arrived in Australia lawfully and were the person in immigration detention was detained after they breached the conditions detained at a place outside an immigration of their visas or overstayed their visas. Only detention centre. Figure 30 shows that as a small proportion (about 1 per cent) had at 30 June 2008, 24 per cent of the people arrived in Australia as unauthorised boat in immigration detention were either illegal arrivals. foreign fishers or were detained outside immigration detention centres. In 2007–08, there were 175 333 detainee days spent in immigration detention centres and other places. This compares with 217 293 detainee days spent in immigration detention centres and other places in 2006–07.

1.5 Immigration detention 127 Figure 30: People in immigration detention by location at 30 June 2008

11%

2% 4% IDCs (excluding IFFs) Immigration detention centres 1% (excluding illegal foreign fishers) Illegal foreign fishers in various locations Illegal Foreign Fishers 6% Immigration transit accommodation Immigration Transit Accommodation Immigration residential housing Alternative temporary detention in community (excluding illegal foreign fishers) Immigration Residential Housing Community detention Alternative Temporary Detention in Community (excluding IFFs)

76% Community Detention

Figure 31: People in immigration detention by period detained at 30 June 2008

13%

Less than 3 months 8% 37% Less than 3 months 3 months to six months 3 months to 6 months 6 months to 12 months 6 months to 12 months 12 months to 18 months 11% 18 months to 24 months 12 months to 18 months More than 24 months 18 months to 24 months

More than 24 months 18% 13%

128 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 31 shows that at 30 June 2008, provided reports and feedback to the 37 per cent of people in immigration department. Members of the Immigration detention had been detained for less than Detention Advisory Group also visited 3 months and 50 per cent of people in immigration detention centres throughout immigration detention had been detained 2007–08. for less than 6 months. The department implemented a targeted Community detention strategy to ensure that people in immigration detention understand they can The community detention program has complain or provide feedback about any now been in operation for three years and aspect of their detention. Posters detailing has allowed children and their families, the process for providing feedback have unaccompanied minors and people with been provided to all places of detention. special needs that cannot be catered for The posters are available in 13 languages. in immigration detention centres to live in the community while their immigration Immigration Detention Advisory status is resolved. The Australian Red Group Cross provides community care for these The Immigration Detention Advisory Group people and their health is looked after (IDAG) continued to advise the minister by the International Health and Medical on matters relating to the detention of Outcome One Service. People in community detention are unlawful non-citizens accommodated in provided with furnished accommodation immigration detention centres and under and given an allowance to provide for alternative and community detention everyday living expenses. The Australian arrangements. In particular, IDAG advises Red Cross maintains regular contact with on the appropriateness and adequacy of those in community detention to ensure detention services, accommodation and their wellbeing. Meanwhile, the department amenities provided to people in immigration works towards resolving their immigration detention. status or arranging for their removal from Australia. Members continue to contribute to the development and implementation of key At 30 June 2008, there were 44 people detention program strategies, including living in the community under residence infrastructure projects, improved client determination arrangements (32 adults and service, national stakeholder engagement, 12 children). Of these people, there were detention health, case management and a total of seven family groups and four community care, the detention services unaccompanied minors. tender and issues regarding detention of Scrutiny illegal foreign fishers. The department has continued its During 2007–08, IDAG formed a sub-group commitment to openness and transparency to advise the minister on a research and through several avenues of public scrutiny. evaluation agenda to provide a stronger During 2007–08, immigration detention evidence base to detention programs and centres and other places of detention services. were visited by several independent organisations, including the Commonwealth Ombudsman’s office and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission which

1.5 Immigration detention 129 Detention Health Advisory Group provider facilitates access to all health The Detention Health Advisory Group services across the detention network (DeHAG) was convened in March 2006 including the development of a community- and plays a major role in providing the based general practitioner network and department with independent, professional other primary health care requirements. advice on the design, implementation and The department has a range of primary monitoring of health policy and procedures. health care services available in immigration The DeHAG consists of the key health and detention centres including registered mental health professional organisations nurses and general practitioners. For including the Royal Australian and New immigration transit accommodation, a Zealand College of Psychiatry, Australian smaller range of on-site primary health Medical Association and the Public services (registered nurses) is available. Health Association. The Commonwealth In immigration residential housing and Ombudsman has observer status. The community detention, the health service DeHAG is chaired by Associate Professor provider facilitates and coordinates access Harry Minas, who is also a member of to general practitioners who refer on to IDAG. other health providers as required. The DeHAG has a sub-group focusing While the department provides general on mental health. A second sub-group, primary health care services as well the Infectious Disease Sub-Group, was as mental health services to people in convened in 2007 and completed its immigration detention, acute care services objectives in February 2008 providing are accessed through the public system. advice on tuberculosis and malaria Agreements are in place with all state and strategies for the Northern Immigration territory health departments (excluding Detention Centre in Darwin and risk the Australian Capital Territory) and formal management advice for health and safety memorandums of understanding (MOUs) protocols relating to hepatitis B and are in place with Victoria, South Australia, influenza. Northern Territory and Tasmania. An MOU with Queensland is being finalised and Health services for people in negotiations continue with New South immigration detention Wales and Western Australia. The department is responsible for looking after the health and wellbeing of Tenders for the provision of detention people in immigration detention. This is services achieved by focusing on wellness and by The department released three requests providing access to appropriate health for tender (RFTs) to the market on 24 May care comparable to that available in the 2007 for the provision of: Australian community. • detention services for people in Health care is delivered to people in immigration detention centres immigration detention through contracted • health services for people in detention arrangements with health service providers • detention services for people in and also through agreements with state immigration residential housing and and territory health departments for immigration transit accommodation. acute in-patient hospital services. The department’s primary health service

130 Annual Report 2007–08 The release of the tenders followed an Baxter Immigration Detention Centre and industry preparation phase involving Port Augusta Immigration Residential exposure to draft RFT processes and an Housing. It also disposed of the Woomera initial site tour of detention facilities. Immigration Detention Centre and leased out the immigration detention facilities at The service requirements contained in Port Hedland. the RFTs reflect a service delivery model developed through a significant consultation Computing facilities, internet and process with community stakeholders, non- email services government organisations and industry to Computing facilities with access to internet ensure people in immigration detention are and email services are available to all treated with dignity and respect and that people in immigration detention centres. the department’s duty of care is properly exercised. The model reflects the significant reforms that have occurred in detention arrangements since 2005 and focuses on the different needs of people in immigration detention.

An industry briefing and due diligence site Outcome One tours of all immigration detention facilities followed the tender release. Tender responses were received in September 2007. At the time of preparing this report the evaluation process was still continuing.

Immigration detention network Immigration detention facilities are designed to be flexible and to provide a sense of community, yet still adhere to general safety and operational security requirements. There have been several additions to the network of detention facilities during 2007–08 including the opening of immigration transit accommodation in Brisbane and Melbourne in October 2007 and June 2008 respectively. The purpose-designed centre on Christmas Island was opened in April 2008.

Closure of facilities In response to the continuing downward trend in the numbers of people being detained, the department closed the

1.5 Immigration detention 131 Output 1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management Objectives assets and negotiating conditions of closure with host governments and Under this output, the department: other stakeholders. • ensures that people in offshore processing centres (OPCs) are Description provided with appropriate care and The department monitors, supports and accommodation and the opportunity advises on offshore centre and related for any asylum claims to be considered activities to allow people in offshore where necessary processing centres to be appropriately • ensures that OPCs in Nauru and accommodated, cared for and given the Manus Province are closed in a timely opportunity for any asylum claims to be manner with due consideration given considered. to transferring residents, disposing of

Performance Table 55: Offshore asylum seeker management—performance information

Measures Results

2007–08

Quality

Contractors’ performance The department monitored the performance of all contractors is reviewed quarterly to engaged in projects related to OPCs. The departmental liaison officer ensure appropriate care and in Nauru, and Canberra-based officers who travelled to Nauru, accommodation for people reviewed performance and ensured that the care and accommodation in offshore processing provided to residents of OPCs was appropriate and of a high centres standard. IOM, which operated the centres, met its requirement of quarterly reporting against an agreed assurance framework.

All contracts are managed All contracts in Nauru that the department managed were completed on time on time and within budget. Schedules were occasionally adjusted when circumstances, such as delays in sourcing materials internationally, were beyond the control of the department and its contractors.

Residents are transferred The remaining 89 residents of Nauru OPC were resettled to Australia from Nauru in safety and between December 2007 and February 2008. The last group of 21 with dignity residents left Nauru on 8 February. The residents were resettled in safety and with dignity.

Government equipment in Government equipment in offshore processing centres was disposed offshore processing centres of effectively. is disposed of effectively

Closure negotiations are Closure negotiations with the governments of Nauru and Papua New concluded on time Guinea were successfully concluded, precipitating the closure of both the Nauru and Manus centres on 31 March 2008.

132 Annual Report 2007–08 Following the federal election in November, Christmas Island the new government moved rapidly to end Christmas Island has a range of immigration the ‘Pacific Strategy’ and close the OPCs detention facilities that provide flexibility in Nauru and Manus Province, Papua New to respond to the individual needs of Guinea. The cases of the remaining 89 unauthorised boat arrivals. The facility residents of the Nauru OPC were resolved at Phosphate Hill is able to manage quickly, with the last group of refugees unauthorised boat arrival groups, including departing Nauru for resettlement in Australia children and their families, in unfenced on 8 February 2008. On 31 March 2008, community based accommodation. There the International Organization for Migration, is also one secure compound which can (IOM) which operated the centres in Nauru be used as required. As well as these and Manus, closed the OPCs, returned facilities, the purpose-designed immigration the sites and gifted the centres’ assets to detention centre on Christmas Island the respective host governments. Closure became available in April 2008. of the centres formally ended the ‘Pacific Strategy’. In 2007–08, there were a total of 20 people from two boats processed on Christmas Prior to their departure, centre residents Island with 16 people returned to their had access to appropriate accommodation, country of origin and four remaining on care and human services. IOM provided Christmas Island as at 30 June. Outcome One high-quality and responsive services in its management of the processing centres, giving priority to the social wellbeing of residents. IOM continually reviewed its community health programs, ensuring programs addressed changing needs. These programs included a wide range of sporting and leisure activities (including television, videos and reading materials) and education programs (including language classes and computer skills). Prior to closing the centre in Nauru, IOM reconfigured the site so it would better address Nauru’s future needs. Fixed residential accommodation was converted to temporary classrooms for senior high school students while AusAID rebuilds Nauru’s secondary school as part of the existing development assistance package. Office accommodation (previously occupied by IOM, the department and Australian Federal Police) was retained for use by the government of Nauru. Some demountable buildings were relocated for use as school buildings elsewhere on the island.

1.6 Offshore asylum seeker management 133 Output 1.7 Safe Haven Objective Develop and maintain contingency capacity and facilitate effective management of Safe Haven arrangements. Description Under this output the department provides temporary Safe Haven in Australia for people who have been displaced by upheaval in their country and for whom the Australian Government considers the most appropriate assistance to be temporary Safe Haven. In 2007–08, a group of 83 people who had been living in International Organization for Migration facilities in Indonesia for five years or more were granted Humanitarian Stay (Temporary) (subclass 449) visas and then subsequently granted three year Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visas once they arrived in Australia. Performance At 30 June 2008, there were no people in Australia holding Safe Haven visas.

134 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 1.8 Systems for People Objective Palmer and Comrie recommendations. Four releases occurred during this period, Systems for People is a program of work delivering infrastructure and user facing that will provide staff with access to the projects that included both Systems for information and tools they need to do their People funded projects and non-Systems job. The program will transform the way the for People funded projects to ensure all department operates, including: technology changes were aligned, due • providing a single view of the client’s to their close interrelationship. Most of dealings with the department the changes in 2007–08 affected the • establishing consistency in work department’s service delivery network of processes and decision making, state and territory offices in Australia and together with establishing effective over 60 of the department’s offices offshore. record keeping and quality assurance The program is now at its halfway mark, • improving data quality, data two years into the four-year program. completeness and accuracy Several hundred staff have been involved • significantly improving decision making in the delivery of the program and several Outcome One by providing staff with clearer operating thousand have been trained in the use of instructions and appropriate decision the new portals and business processes. support tools. The priority so far has been to establish Description a single view of a client and improve the performance of our compliance, case Systems for People is a technology- management, detention and border security enabled business transformation program services. By May 2008, the Client Centric being implemented by the department Portal had combined approximately as a result of the Palmer and Comrie 80 per cent of the key client information recommendations in 2005. It is the largest from seven existing business systems. single component of the department’s Compliance, case management and major reform program. Systems for detention services have been significantly People aims to improve the department’s improved with the implementation of a performance through the redesign of new integrated business model this year. business processes, better management The model addresses concerns raised in and use of information, and modernisation the Palmer report about the department’s of its technology base. lack of holistic case management of clients The total program budget including related and the need to improve the consistency projects is $598.1 million over four years and quality of decision making. Through from 2006 to 2010, of which $184.2 million Systems for People the department has was allocated in 2007–08. The program also transformed its border entry and is being delivered under both outcomes, security checking systems through the specifically Output 1.8 and Output 2.5. introduction of a new Central Movement Alert List (CMAL) business model, the new Performance Maritime Crew visa and Border Security During 2007–08, the program’s major focus portal. These initiatives are linked closely has been on border security, compliance, with the new Border Security Initiative case management and detention under (see next page). Outcome 1 to immediately address the A summary of performance results is provided in Table 56.

1.8 Systems for People 135 In July 2007, the department sought Border Security Initiative additional capital funding for the program Systems for People successfully from the Department of Finance and incorporated the delivery of phases 1 and Deregulation for 2007–08. While the 2 of the Security Referral Service. This was second year of the program represented part of the Border Security Initiative, a major the greatest period of asset creation in new program announced in July 2007 to the release schedule, capital funding implement tougher border control measures was significantly reduced. The Boston providing more comprehensive and effective Consulting Group was engaged by the examination of travellers seeking entry into Department of Finance and Deregulation Australia. These measures involve: in November 2007 to review the request and advise government. A consultative • new levels of electronic connectivity committee consisting of members from between the department and the the Department of the Prime Minister and Australia Security Intellegence Cabinet, the Department of Finance and Organisation (ASIO) Deregulation, the Australian Government • advanced analysis of personal details Information Management Office and the for all travellers to Australia department was established in early 2008 • higher quality of data matching to support the review process. • more efficient systems with enhanced In January 2008, the program’s request auditing capacity to ensure that for additional capital was supported, security requirements do not slow subject to the implementation of key down processing affecting legitimate recommendations. The department has travellers, for example, business people undertaken extensive consultation with and tourists. business and technical stakeholders to The Security Referral Service (SRS) is the develop a detailed work program for the primary program of work introduced to remainder of the program, a more detailed deliver these capabilities in a ‘phased’ approach to benefits realisation and a approach. SRS interfaces with visa revised schedule with fewer releases application systems capturing client visa each year. information and transmits this to ASIO In accordance with the recommendations for security checking. Phases 1 and 2 of and progressive gateway reviews, the SRS were successfully implemented on program has embedded a greater focus on 30 September and 31 December 2007 better defining and measuring the benefits respectively, and introduced a system associated with the program. Since the which allows for the capture and electronic release in April 2007, for example, transfer of information from offshore 90 per cent of the program’s metrics are temporary entry visa classes. now quantitative compared to 15 per cent Phase 3 was implemented in August 2008 at the beginning of the program. and expanded on the first two phases to Following priority being assigned to border, include all remaining visa classes, except compliance, case management and Electronic Travel Authorities, processed detention work for the first two years, in the at overseas posts and state and territory last two years the program’s emphasis will offices. shift onto the department’s visa processing A scoping study for Phase 4 was also work and measures to improve client successfully completed. This phase service. is proposed to cover more advanced analytical tools and higher quality data matching.

136 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 56: Systems for People—performance information

Measures Results

Quality/Quantity

Scheduled This release was delivered over three delivery dates as a result of legislative deployment of requirements. Key release projects under this output included the following: three department • The Client Centric Portal was further developed. and three external • The Portal Home Page project made it easier for staff to access relevant portals in July 2007 portals. • The Detention Portal was introduced for internal staff and partially developed for the department’s external detention provider as part of the Compliance, Case Management and Detention suite of portals within the new integrated business model. • General Skilled Migration system changes were effectively delivered to support legislative changes to these visa classes and the extension of e-lodgement to offshore applicants. • The biometrics rollout to detention centres improved client management Outcome One capabilities in detention centres. • The Maritime Crew visa was introduced on 1 July 2007 to improve the processing and monitoring of foreign crew of non-military ships.

Scheduled The release delivered critical support and services for the development of future deployment of one portals. Key release projects under this output included the following: external portal in • The Procurement and Contract Management Portal was released to assist October 2007 staff with procuring goods and services, and managing contracts in the department. • The Citrix technology platform was introduced to provide all overseas staff with access to a number of onshore systems and progressively to portals. • The Working Holiday Maker Portal encountered post-implementation issues affecting around 30 staff and was withdrawn from general use in November 2007. Although the issues were largely resolved by June 2008, the portal will remain offline until it passes rigorous new quality control tests. • The CMAL system was fully operational at the Border Operations Centre in November 2007 Successful delivery of the Settlement Services Portal is reported under Output 2.5 Systems for People.

Scheduled This release delivered two department portals and one external portal. deployment of five Key release projects under this output included the following: department and • Applications for the Maritime Crew visa were available through the one external portal department’s website from 1 July 2007, but from 1 January 2008 it was in January 2008 mandatory for crew or third parties acting on their behalf to apply through the website. The Maritime Crew visa delivered improved border security capability and saves an estimated $2.6 million each year on the costs of manually processing paper applications.

1.8 Systems for People 137 Table 56: Systems for People—performance information continued

Measures Results

Quality/Quantity

Scheduled • Significant data integrity improvements were made to the Compliance, Case deployment of one Management and Detention portals. department and • New infrastructure was deployed and integrated for the Document two external portals Verification Service to support current and future operations, improve in January 2008 security and increase system capacity. • The Security Referral Service web user interface was successfully delivered. • The scope of this release was modified in early December 2007 to align with the availability of key enabling services. As a consequence, scheduled improvements to the Client Centric Portal, Border Security Portal and General Skilled Migration Portal were postponed to April 2008.

Scheduled This release was the largest delivered to date in terms of its technical deployment of one complexity and impact, affecting approximately 3000 staff. Key release projects department and under this output included the following: one external portal • The Border Security Portal provided consolidated access to client in April 2008 information from a number of systems to assist in advance detection of arrivals of concern at our airports and seaports, as part of Australia’s layered approach to border security. • The General Skilled Migration Portal delivered functions through a single portal to enable processing and management of associated visa applications. The portal has not yet achieved its anticipated benefits and work to address this has progressed. The correspondence feature has improved the consistency of the department’s responses to clients and delivered some efficiency benefits. • The largest release of the Compliance, Case Management and Detention portals was undertaken, with an additional 30 per cent of functions added to the portals leading to a 300 per cent increase in portal users since the previous release. • The Client Centric Portal search function was enhanced to cover 60 per cent of the department’s business dealings. • The Document Verification Service met the Attorney-General’s Department’s requirements for automated verification of requests for proof of identity related to paper-based visas. • The integration of the Central Movement Alert List (CMAL) and Electronic Travel Authority System was successfully piloted in Kuala Lumpur and Berlin. By 29 June 2008, 61 883 ETAs were processed through CMAL with only 140 resulting in client referrals to an Australian Embassy, less than 0.5 per cent. This is a significantly reduced referral rate from previous checking arrangements.

138 Annual Report 2007–08 Allowances for persons on temporary visas in the Humanitarian Program Secretariat for Inter-Governmental Consultations on asylum, refugee and migration policies—membership contribution Initiatives to address the situation of displaced persons and promote sustainable returns International Organization for Migration—contribution Joint Commonwealth–state research program for the payment to the Australian Population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program Offshore management of asylum seekers Outcome One Payments to the Australian Red Cross Society for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme Payments under section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 Refugee, humanitarian and assisted movements—passage and associated costs Reintegration allowances Management and care of irregular immigrants project in Indonesia Administered items Safe Haven allowances Special appropriation—statutory self-regulation of migration agents

Administered items

139 Allowances for persons on temporary visas in the Humanitarian Program Objective The maximum payment of $222 per adult and $78 per child is reduced by a dollar for Provide a cash allowance to holders of every dollar the visa holder possesses. temporary Humanitarian Program visas. Performance Description A total of 100 holders of Temporary This item provides for a one-off cash Humanitarian Program visas received a payment to cover the living expenses of cash allowance in 2007–08, compared to holders of temporary Humanitarian Program 102 in 2006–07. Expenditure of $20 324 visas after their release from detention or was recorded. arrival in Australia until their first Centrelink income support payment.

Table 57: Allowances for people on temporary Humanitarian Program visas— performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

Estimated number of people who will be assisted 100

Quality

All payments are made in accordance with eligibility Payments were made in accordance with criteria the criteria

140 Annual Report 2007–08 Secretariat for Inter-Governmental Consultations on asylum, refugee and migration policies— membership contribution Objective The IGC activities are informal, flexible and structured around three clusters of issues Support Australian policy objectives to (admission, control and enforcement; promote managed migration, maintain an asylum and refugees; and immigration effective system of international protection, and integration) and three cross-cutting contribute to enhanced border security activities (technology, data and country of systems, and prevent illegal migration. origin information). Description The IGC operates independently of the During 2007–08, Australia contributed United Nations and is one of the few $123 001 towards the administrative costs multilateral consultation mechanisms of the Inter-Governmental Consultations through which Australia can regularly (IGC). and directly engage with many Western European states on domestic migration,

The IGC is an informal, non-decision Outcome One border control and asylum issues. making forum for inter-governmental The perspectives developed through information exchange and policy debate on participation in the IGC assist in informing issues of relevance to the management of the department’s regional and bilateral international migratory flows. It provides an engagements as well as other multilateral opportunity for participating states to share engagements. best practice and to influence international standards and policies on a range of During 2007–08, Sweden chaired the IGC asylum, migration and refugee issues. and facilitated a successful discussion of its theme of ‘Circular Migration’. The Swedish The IGC is currently comprised of 16 agenda covered key issues such as defining participating states in Western Europe, the policy objectives of circular migration North America and Australasia. In addition

and exploring the possible barriers and Administered items to participating states, the United Nations facilitators to circular migration. Participating High Commissioner for Refugees, the states were also given the opportunity International Organization for Migration to discuss their own experiences with (IOM) and the European Commission also circular migration and their state specific contribute to the IGC. perspectives on circular migration. Performance At the full round in Stockholm in May 2008, The IGC continued to perform strongly participating states discussed future trends by providing participating states with an and labour migration. Participating states informal framework for sharing information also discussed national preparations for the and developing perspectives on current October 2008 Global Forum on Migration migration and asylum issues which take and Development (a follow up event to into account the interests of individual the first meeting of the first global forum participating states. which was held in July 2007). The full round was well attended and attracted high level representation.

Administered items 141 Australia continued to chair the IGC • identity management as an integrated Technology Working Group. Specific topics system of business processes, explored by the working group in 2007–08 technologies and policy; the challenges included: in ensuring interoperability of different • privacy issues related to the solutions; and optimising opportunities implementation of a range of biometric for data sharing solutions • the experiences of member states in • the use of technology to assist deploying mobile biometric technologies enforcement authorities in tackling illegal • best practices for procurement and employment rollout of technologies for visa and • the role of operational support centres border processing, with a particular in managing ‘back room’ functions focus on biometric solutions associated with the deployment of • how ePassports can be used to support biometrics automated border processing systems.

Table 58: Contribution to the Secretariat for Inter-Governmental Consultations on asylum, refugee, and migration policies—performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

One payment is made annually Achieved

Quality

Australia’s annual funding contribution is Australia provided its annual funding contribution to provided on time the IGC in a timely manner and by the required date for payment

142 Annual Report 2007–08 Initiatives to address the situation of displaced persons and promote sustainable returns Objective • $1 million to the IOM to assist in stabilising approximately 500 000 Fund the development and implementation displaced people in Iraq of durable solutions for displaced persons (whether this be through • $630 000 to Austcare for the provision voluntary repatriation, local integration or of protection officers in conflict-affected resettlement) and strengthen the protection displacement situations in Asia, the afforded to displaced populations Middle East and/or Africa throughout the world. • $917 000 to UNICEF for the protection of refugee children along the Thai- Description Burma border The program is administered by the • $950 000 to UNHCR in Bangladesh department in consultation with the to improve the living conditions of Australian Agency for International Rohingya refugees from Burma Development (AusAID). In 2007–08, • $700 000 to UNHCR for protection and Australia concentrated its efforts on Outcome One humanitarian assistance to Bhutanese developing and implementing durable refugees in Nepal solutions for people in protracted displacement situations, providing urgent • $1 483 000 to UNHCR for refugee humanitarian relief to stabilise populations registration activities to support displaced by conflict and strengthening the long-term development of the protection afforded to displaced comprehensive and durable solutions populations internationally. for Afghans in Pakistan • $702 000 to expand UNHCR’s activities In 2007–08, the department funded in Indonesia projects in the Middle East (Iraq and Syria), South Asia (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, • $984 000 to the IOM for a central Bangladesh and Nepal) and Southeast Asia transportation hub to deliver Administered items (Thailand and Indonesia). humanitarian assistance and relief supplies to Sri Lankans displaced by Support was provided to the United Nations conflict. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), All amounts are rounded to the nearest the United Nations Children’s Fund, the $1000. International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Austcare, an Australian Performance non-government organisation with Through its contributions, the government protection expertise overseas, as follows: continued to promote durable solutions • $553 000 to UNHCR to assist Iraqi for displaced persons, create protection women and girls in Syria who are or spaces for displaced populations and may become victims of sexual and provide urgent humanitarian relief to people gender-based violence displaced by international emergencies. • $217 000 to UNHCR for the provision These activities assist in stabilising of urgent humanitarian assistance and displaced populations, preventing protection for displaced Iraqis in Iraq vulnerable populations from being targeted

Administered items 143 by people smugglers and trafficking, and determinations through the deployment of preventing and deterring irregular migration, additional UNHCR protection officers in field both within the region and to Australia. locations throughout Indonesia. Funding was provided to the IOM in Australia’s funding to UNHCR has assisted Sri Lanka for a centralised transport more than 124 000 Afghani returnees, by service to assist over 50 internal agencies providing support for initial reintegration, to deliver humanitarian and relief items to mine awareness, polio and measles approximately 300 000 internally displaced vaccinations for children, basic medical persons. assistance, legal aid and transit centres for overnight stays. Australia’s support for UNHCR in Indonesia has strengthened protection capacity building in Indonesia, including allowing faster processing of refugee status

Table 59: Initiatives to address the situation of displaced persons and promote sustainable returns—performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

Number of aid contributions Australia’s contributions totalled $8.136 million in 2007–08 and were disbursed between 10 different projects

Quality

Aid contributions paid in a timely Australia’s contributions were made throughout the financial manner and in accordance with year and supported the development and implementation government priorities of durable solutions for displaced populations as well as urgent humanitarian relief

144 Annual Report 2007–08 International Organization for Migration— contribution Objective Performance Support the achievement of Australian In 2007–08, the IOM attracted new policy objectives in the area of promoting member states and expanded its global well managed migration, including managed operations, reflecting the increased humanitarian settlement and the reduction international focus on the opportunities of irregular migration. and challenges presented by migration. The IOM remains well positioned to provide Description expert policy advice and access to research In 2007–08, Australia contributed to governments in the development of $750 337 towards the administrative their migration policies. Australia utilises costs of the International Organization for the IOM policy and governance dialogues Migration (IOM). to encourage the IOM and its members to seek practical solutions to migration The IOM is an international organisation issues, including in the Asia‑Pacific region. headquartered in Geneva which is

Topics discussed as part of the IOM’s policy Outcome One committed to the principle that humane dialogue during 2007–08 included the and orderly migration benefits migrants management of migration in the evolving and society. As an inter-governmental global economy and the relationship body, the IOM acts with its partners in the between migration and the environment. international community to assist in meeting Policy analysis and engagement on the operational challenges of migration, migration policy issues by the international advancing understanding of migration community encourages greater international issues, encouraging social and economic cooperation and better implementation development through migration, and of managed migration approaches by upholding the human dignity and well being governments. of migrants.

Table 60: International Organization for Migration—contribution Administered items —performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

One payment is made annually Australia’s contribution to the administrative costs of IOM enables the department to participate in the governance of IOM and ensure that its work continues to reflect Australia’s interests, in particular a state-driven approach to managing migration

Quality

Australia’s annual funding Australia’s contribution of $750 337 was paid in full contribution is provided on time and on time

Administered items 145 Profile

Department builds on stakeholder relationships Active engagement with the community and stakeholders continues to be a high priority for the department. Key stakeholders provide important and valuable advice that can be incorporated into government policy. ‘This has helped the department deliver world-class migration, refugee and settlement programs,’ according to First Assistant Secretary Client Services and Network Performance Division, Jamie Fox. A relationship of trust and confidence between the department and the community is essential for this exchange of information. Practitioner Information Forums are a feature of this relationship. The forums provide information on program policy, the opportunity to discuss issues associated with implementing these policies and access to senior departmental staff. Forums were first held in July and August 2007 in a number of capital cities around Australia and the program has been expanded for 2008 with forums held in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide. ‘Participants at the series of forums included migration agents, immigration lawyers and community representatives and service providers, with both staff and stakeholders finding the opportunity for discussion and networking invaluable,’ Jamie said. ‘The very positive feedback suggests that the department has correctly identified the need for a better dialogue between senior staff and a larger number of external stakeholders who work with the department’s clients all the time,’ he added. The secretary, Andrew Metcalfe, described it as another great opportunity for everyone involved to see others’ perspectives. “This demonstrates the development of a robust relationship that helps each of us to do the best for our clients,’ he said. The Practitioner Information Forums are an ongoing feature as the department continues to work with its key stakeholders to achieve better outcomes and service excellence.

146 Annual Report 2007–08 Joint Commonwealth–state research program for the payment to the Australian Population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program Objective Individual studies are designed to gather information not adequately covered by Provide information to assist with the existing data and surveys. formulation and assessment of policies by the Australian Government, state and In 2007–08, the Australian Government territory ministers and departments. contributed $50 000 to this program. Description Performance The Australian Population, Immigration and In 2007–08 the APIMRP continued its Multicultural Research Program (APIMRP) work on The People of Australia, a series was established jointly by the Australian of publications based on data from the Government and state and territory 2006 Census. These reports provide a governments to undertake studies in the comprehensive, statistical description of areas of migration, migration settlement, Australia’s diverse population down to the Outcome One multicultural affairs and population trends. local government level.

Table 61: Joint Commonwealth–state research program for the payment to the Australian population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program— performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

Number of payments made The one payment required from the Commonwealth in 2007–08 was made on time

Quality Administered items Payments are made in accordance with This annual payment was made in accordance with agreed Commonwealth–state processes agreed Commonwealth–state processes

Administered items 147 Offshore management of asylum seekers

Objectives for resettlement in Australia on 8 February • Facilitate the effective operation and 2008. On 31 March 2008, the International management of offshore processing Organization for Migration (IOM), which centres for asylum seekers in third operated the centres in Nauru and PNG, countries closed the OPCs, returned the sites and • Ensure that offshore processing centres gifted their assets to the respective host in Nauru and Manus Province, Papua governments. Closure of the centres New Guinea (PNG), are closed in a formally ended the ‘Pacific Strategy’. timely manner with due consideration Prior to their departure, centre residents given to transferring residents, disposing had access to appropriate accommodation, of assets and negotiating conditions care and human services. The IOM of closure with host governments and provided high-quality and responsive other stakeholders. services in its management of the processing centres, giving priority to the Description social wellbeing of residents. The IOM The department monitored, supported continually reviewed its community health and advised on offshore centre and programs, ensuring programs addressed related activities to allow people in changing needs. These included a wide offshore processing centres (OPCs) to range of sporting and leisure activities such be appropriately accommodated, cared as television, videos and reading materials for and given the opportunity for any and education programs including language asylum claims to be considered. The classes and computer skills. department moved quickly to implement Prior to closing the centre in Nauru, the government’s new policy to close the the IOM reconfigured the site to better offshore processing centres in Nauru and address Nauru’s future needs. Fixed Manus Province in PNG. residential accommodation was converted Performance to temporary classrooms for high school Following the Federal election in November students while AusAID rebuilds Nauru’s the new government moved rapidly to secondary school as part of the existing end the ‘Pacific Strategy’ and close the development assistance package. Office OPCs in Nauru and Manus Province. The accommodation previously occupied by cases of the remaining 89 residents of the the department, the IOM and the Australian Nauru OPC were resolved quickly, with Federal Police was retained for use by the the last group of refugees departing Nauru government of Nauru. Some demountable buildings were relocated for use as school buildings elsewhere on the island.

148 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 62: Offshore management of asylum seekers—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

The standard of care provided The department monitored the performance of all contractors engaged to Offshore Processing Centre in projects related to OPCs. The departmental liaison officer in Nauru (OPC) residents through the and Canberra-based officers who travelled to Nauru, reviewed International Organization for performance and ensured that the care and accommodation provided Migration (IOM) is high and to residents of OPCs was appropriate and of a good standard. The is monitored consistently IOM, which operated the centres, met its requirement of quarterly through assurance framework reporting against an agreed assurance framework. Outcome One Administered items

Administered items 149 Payments to the Australian Red Cross Society for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme Objective The criteria ensure that the elderly, minors, young families, the ill (including those Provide financial assistance to eligible suffering after torture or trauma) and those asylum seekers awaiting decisions on their who care for these groups can be assisted Protection visa application. without delay. Assistance at the review Description stage is also available where these clients meet these criteria. The Australian Red Cross has administered the Asylum Seeker Assistance (ASA) The ASA scheme also provides assistance scheme under agreements with the to asylum seekers who are ineligible for Australian Government since 4 January ongoing income support but who cannot 1993. The ASA scheme provides financial afford to pay for their health examination. and other assistance to asylum seekers, This ensures that there is no financial determined by the Australian Red Cross impediment to obtaining protection under to be without means of support and the United Nations 1951 Convention disposable assets. The ASA scheme relating to the Status of Refugees, as provides assistance for basic food, shelter amended by the Refugees Protocol 1967. and health care. The rate of financial assistance is capped at 89 per cent of Performance equivalent Special Benefit payments. In 2007–08, there were 1867 people assisted under the ASA scheme at a Eligibility for ASA includes both primary and cost of $4.79 million compared to 1780 review applicants in financial hardship who people assisted at a cost of $4.64 million cannot meet their basic needs and who in 2006–07. This equates to a 4.9 per cent have no continuing and adequate support. increase in client numbers and a Eligibility for ASA occurs where a decision 3.2 per cent increase in costs compared is not made on a Protection visa application to 2006–07. The increases were within within six months or where the client meets expected parameters and included a one- exemption criteria which allow immediate off overhaul and update of IT support and access to ASA. links in the Red Cross.

Table 63: Payments to the Australian Red Cross for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Scheme—performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

1 000 people assisted (estimated) 1 867

Quality

Payments are made by the Australian Red Cross Society to eligible Contract obligations met asylum seekers in accordance with contractual obligations

150 Annual Report 2007–08 Payments under section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997 Description Performance Payments made under section 33 of the During 2007–08, the department received Financial Management and Accountability six requests for act of grace payments. Act 1997 are special discretionary Of these, one was approved. compensatory payments (acts of grace) made in circumstances where there is no other viable avenue of redress available and the Minister for Finance and Deregulation (or delegate) considers the payment is appropriate because of ‘special circumstances’.

Table 64: Payments under section 33 of the Financial Management and Accountability Act 1997—performance information

Measures Results Outcome One

Quantity

Not applicable One payment made

Quality

Payments are made in accordance with legislative Payment made in accordance with requirements and guidelines as issued by the Minister for legislative requirements and guidelines Finance and Administration Administered items

Administered items 151 Refugee, humanitarian and assisted movements— passage and associated costs Objective • a proportion of Secondary Movement Offshore Entry (Temporary) (subclass Assist the movement of applicants 447) and Secondary Movement approved for entry to Australia under Relocation (Temporary) (subclass 451). the refugee component of the offshore Humanitarian Program and a proportion The IOM arranges medical screening of offshore entrants under the secondary services for applicants when requested by movement provisions. the department’s overseas posts. The IOM is responsible for ticketing, pre-embarkation Description and coordination arrangements associated In November 2007 the department entered with the movement of assisted refugees. into a new deed of reimbursement with The IOM is reimbursed for all transportation the International Organization for Migration and service costs incurred in the movement (IOM) for the assisted passage of applicants of these funded refugees to Australia. approved for entry to Australia under the refugee component of the offshore Performance Humanitarian Program. This deed replaced In 2007–08, $11.03 million was allocated the previous contract which had been in under this program. There were 5786 place since 2004. refugee and humanitarian entrants assisted with travel and the overall expenditure on The assistance provided under this deed travel and associated services was covers the full cost of medical examination $12.97 million. The variation was due to and airfares for eligible entrants. These changes in costs associated with the new included the following visa subclasses: deed and an additional $2.333 million • Refugee (subclass 200) was spent in 2007–08 to cover the travel and medical costs associated with the • In-country Special Humanitarian resettlement of locally engaged staff of (subclass 201) the Australian Defence Force in Iraq. • Emergency Rescue (subclass 203) There were approximately 12 800 medical • Woman at Risk (subclass 204) examinations performed in 2007–08, including pre-departure medical checks for an estimated cost of $2.52 million.

Table 65: Refugee, humanitarian and assisted movements—passage and associated costs—performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

6 000 refugees moved to Australia 5 786

12 000 refugee applicants medically screened for entry to Australia 12 8001

Quality

Payments for travel and medical processing are made in line with Yes contractual obligations and scheme eligibility criteria

1 This is an indicative figure. The department expects that when consolidated reports become available at the end of October 2008, the final number of screenings reported will be approximately 12 800.

152 Annual Report 2007–08 Reintegration allowances Objective Facilitate the reintegration of those persons who wish to return to their country of origin. Description Reintegration allowance packages were introduced in 2002 and have been in place since to provide support to identified groups of people seeking to return to their country of origin. Performance In 2007–08, there were no applications for reintegration packages. The Community Care Pilot being trialled in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane since Outcome One 2007–08 now includes provisions to support people to return to their homeland voluntarily. This is part of a suite of case resolution strategies aimed at helping people to speedily resolve their immigration status in Australia, either through grant of a visa or through departure. More information about the Community Care Pilot can be found in Output 1.4 Compliance. Administered items

Administered items 153 Management and care of irregular immigrants project in Indonesia Objective The performance outcomes against the key elements of the project are as follows. To improve the management and care of intercepted irregular migrants in Indonesia. Refurbishment of detention facilities Description The design phase of the project, relating to the refurbishment of the Tanjung Pinang During 2007–08, the department provided immigration detention facility and the repair funding to the value of approximately and rehabilitation of the Jakarta immigration $6.862 million to the International detention facility, was undertaken and Organization for Migration (IOM) to completed between July and December deliver a two year project to improve the 2007. An Indonesian design company was management and care of intercepted awarded the design contract and prepared irregular migrants in Indonesia. plans for the work in close consultation with A funding agreement was established with the IOM, Indonesian Immigration and the the IOM as the delivery partner for this department. An Indonesian construction project. The IOM provides regular project company was selected following a reporting to the department. tender process and has commenced refurbishment work at Tanjung Pinang The project aims to strengthen and detention facility. enhance Indonesia’s capacity to manage and care for irregular migrants intercepted Development of immigration in Indonesia by: detention guidelines and training • refurbishing and expanding an existing program Indonesian immigration facility at A needs analysis was conducted by the Tanjung Pinang (in Batam), and IOM at the immigration detention facilities providing minor repair and rehabilitation to identify current procedures and practices work for an immigration facility in in relation to the care and management of Jakarta irregular migrants. This included collating • developing guidelines and providing and documenting all Indonesian legislation training for Indonesian officials, and regulations relating to Indonesian consistent with international standards immigration detention arrangements, and • providing training and support to conducting interviews with Indonesian the Indonesian Directorate-General immigration detention staff. Work on a of Immigration to establish a unit standards and procedures manual has to facilitate the voluntary return of begun. The training program has not yet intercepted irregular migrants. commenced. Support to Indonesian Immigration to Performance establish a returns unit It is expected that the project will be The IOM worked with Indonesian officials to finalised within budget and within the two enhance administrative frameworks for the year timeframe outlined in the funding processing of voluntary returns. agreement between the department and the IOM.

154 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 66: Management and care of irregular immigrants project in Indonesia— performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Australia’s annual funding contribution is provided on time Achieved

Quantity

One payment is made annually The department made a single payment in 2007–08 to cover the two year project Outcome One Administered items

Administered items 155 Safe Haven allowances Objective Provide financial support to people displaced by upheaval in their country and for whom the Australian Government has provided temporary Safe Haven in Australia. Description Safe Haven allowances are provided to those people on temporary Safe Haven visas who are not eligible for other income support benefits but are in need of some financial support. Performance In 2007–08, no people required Safe Haven allowances as those granted offshore Safe Haven visas to facilitate lawful entry to Australia were granted Temporary (Humanitarian Concern) (subclass 786) visas shortly after arrival, which made them eligible to access income support benefits.

156 Annual Report 2007–08 Special appropriation—statutory self-regulation of migration agents Objective Performance Ensure the satisfactory statutory self- A key activity during the year was the regulation of the migration advice 2007–08 Review of Statutory profession. Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession. The review was undertaken Description to assist the government assess the The migration advice profession in Australia effectiveness of the regulatory scheme, the operates under statutory self-regulatory state of the profession and its readiness arrangements set out in part 3 of the for a move from statutory self-regulation to Migration Act 1958. Under these provisions, self-regulation. the Migration Institute of Australia was In particular, the review examined: appointed as the industry regulator, known as the Migration Agents Registration • the legislative framework within which Authority. the Migration Institute of Australia acts

as the Migration Agents Registration Outcome One The core functions of the authority are Authority contained in section 316 of the Migration • consumer confidence and protection Act and include the registration of migration agents, handling complaints and applying • the capacity of the Migration Agents sanctions against registered migration Registration Authority to deal with agents who have breached the migration complaints. agents code of conduct. The review was undertaken with the The number of registered migration agents guidance of an external reference group. increased by 298 agents from 3495 at The reference group comprised four former 30 June 2007 to 3793 at 30 June 2008. and current migration agents. In September 2007, a discussion paper was released, The amount of the special appropriation and 37 submissions were subsequently Administered items for this item is calculated according to received. the value of registration application fees collected by the authority. In 2007–08, The review provided its final report to the it was estimated that the special minister by 30 June as required. appropriation would be $5 million. The final appropriation was $4.791 million.

Administered items 157 Overview Output 2.1 Settlement services Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services Output 2.3 Australian citizenship Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society Output 2.5 Systems for People

Administered items Outcome Two

Outcome Two

159 Overview

A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

There are five outputs under Outcome 2: Output 2.1 Settlement services Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services Output 2.3 Australian citizenship Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society Output 2.5 Systems for People. Activities under this outcome include: • managing the delivery of settlement services, including adult English language training, refugee settlement support, and translating and interpreting services • encouraging eligible people to acquire Australian citizenship and promoting the value of citizenship • promoting the value of cultural diversity and increasing understanding of Australia’s democratic values to ensure the nation’s progress as a united, prosperous and safe society • delivering major IT enabled business transformation through the Systems for People program.

160 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 67: Outcome 2—performance information

A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

Measures Results

Extent to which settlement planning arrangements and services target areas of need that will enable humanitarian entrants and eligible migrants to participate equitably in society

Level of participation The department conducts an annual assessment of settlement needs, and outcomes for taking into account feedback from state, territory and local governments, relevant settlement the community and the settlement services sector, to identify the priority services needs of new arrivals.

The Settlement Grants Program (SGP) continues to receive strong sector support, with a large number of applications received for funding in 2008–09. The department continues to monitor the performance of funded organisations.

Extent to which settlement needs of eligible refugee and humanitarian settlers are met

Extent to which There are 332 projects operating in all state and territories and most appropriate settlement statistical divisions—in particular, where there are a high concentration of services are available SGP clients. These projects ensure that settlement services are provided to and accessible those communities and locations in greatest need of assistance.

The initial findings of the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy (IHSS) quality assurance review indicate the majority of the key performance

indicators (KPIs) are being met in accordance with the requirements of the Outcome Two contract by most service providers and that satisfactory services are being provided to entrants.

Housing continued to be the major challenge faced by service providers, resulting in almost half failing to meet the long-term accommodation KPI. In facing that challenge, service providers have implemented a range of innovative measures in an attempt to address the current shortage in the housing market.

Service providers are successfully networking with other organisations to raise awareness of the needs of humanitarian entrants and some have implemented education and training sessions to complement their settlement services. A number of events were held to share entrants’ stories and culture with the wider community, including an African Women’s Expo and a project where older Sudanese women at risk of isolation recorded and shared their life stories.

Performance information 161 Table 67: Outcome 2—performance information continued

A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

Measures Results

Extent to which settlement needs of eligible refugee and humanitarian settlers are met

Level of satisfaction In 2007–08, the department conducted a client survey. The sample group of among eligible clients surveyed indicated that 68 per cent of clients had a very high level of refugees and overall satisfaction while 25 per cent indicated partial or limited satisfaction. humanitarian settlers The department undertook an annual quality assurance review of the IHSS who participate in program to assess the effectiveness of contract performance requirements settlement services and management controls.

The review for 2007–08 followed up on recommendations from the 2006–07 review and included an evaluation of IHSS service provider systems, processes and operations to assess performance against contract specifications. This also included client contact visits to determine the level of satisfaction with the services received.

Initial findings of the review indicate that IHSS service providers are delivering a satisfactory service in accordance with the requirements of the contracts.

Extent to which Australian citizenship is valued

Extent of community The value of good citizenship is celebrated annually with the Australian of awareness of the Year awards. The department continued its association with the Australian citizenship National Australia Day Council and the Australian of the Year Awards, highlighting the significance of Australian citizenship on Australia Day, including the promotion of the Australian affirmation. Several citizenship and affirmation ceremonies were highlighted in national news packages on Australia Day 2008.

Schools throughout Australia are actively engaged in learning the value of, and celebrating, citizenship. Resource packages containing information and activities regarding Australian citizenship, for both primary and secondary students, were distributed to all schools across Australia in 2007. The resource packages assist in increasing awareness of Australian citizenship throughout the general community.

162 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 67: Outcome 2—performance information continued

A society which values Australian citizenship and social cohesion, and enables migrants and refugees to participate equitably

Measures Results

Extent to which the department promotes social cohesion in a culturally diverse society

Level of awareness of, In 2007–08, 41 new projects were funded through the annual community and participation in, project funding round. The projects reflected the priority areas of new and the Living in Harmony emerging communities, young people, community-based activities and initiative Indigenous Australians.

The emerging issues funding program supported community organisations in six different states to address local issues.

Six new Living in Harmony partnerships were instigated with major organisations such as the Australian Football League, the Australian Red Cross and the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS).

Harmony Day continued to connect with the community in 2008. A total of 358 newspaper articles focusing on Harmony Day were identified across Australia and 388 events were registered on the Living in Harmony website.

Number of completed In 2007–08, the following projects were completed: projects under the • 10 state and territory partnership projects National Action Plan to Build on Social • eight research projects

Cohesion, Harmony Outcome Two • five community projects and Security • three Australian Government partnership projects

• three community consultation exercises and the publication of a Youth Summit summary report.

Performance information 163 Profile

Australia’s Local Hero 2008—lifting hopes through song The department has a strong ongoing partnership with the National Australia Day Council to promote Australian citizenship through Australia Day celebrations and the Australian of the Year Awards. The department proudly supports the Australian of the Year Awards through sponsorship of the Local Hero Award which recognises the significant achievements of Australians at a local community level. Australia’s Local Hero for 2008, community choirmaster Jonathon Welch, has brought people together in hard times, shared the good times, and made a real difference to the lives of those around him. He has shown the power of singing in rebuilding lives saddened and defeated by circumstance. His ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’ raised to new levels Australia’s awareness of the problems of homelessness, depression and addiction. Jonathon is an outstanding Australian citizen who inspires us with the passion he has for this country. He has shown that engaging with creativity, expression and, most of all, with each other, brings new hope. Jonathon shows what being an Australian citizen is all about—giving something back to the community we share.

164 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 2.1 Settlement services Overview The CSGP will run as a one-year pilot with a strong focus on evaluation and trialling This output has five components: of different service models in 2008–09. A 2.1.1 Settlement planning and information total of 33 community based organisations delivery across Australia have been offered funding 2.1.2 Humanitarian settlement services to deliver CSGP services on a pilot basis. 2.1.3 Support for community services The Sustainable Regional Settlement program was established to assist the 2.1.4 Adult Migrant English Program settlement of humanitarian entrants by administration building capacity in regional towns. Under 2.1.5 Free translating and interpreting the program, regional organisations are able services. to apply for funding to undertake projects that address identified local settlement Highlights needs. In 2007–08, the department funded projects in Castlemaine, Victoria, and Significant improvements to Australia’s Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge, settlement services were introduced South Australia. in 2007–08. New initiatives were also implemented, aimed at assisting newly- The department received funding of arrived migrants and refugees settle quickly $300 000 over two financial years into their new communities. (2007–08 and 2008–09) to improve data capture and reporting capability of the A formal review of all aspects of the Settlement Database. Work on developing Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP)

the facility to report on internal migration Outcome Two commenced in February and is expected and improving accessibility for external to have been completed by October 2008. clients is progressing well. The review will inform the development of the next tender process and the In June 2007, a pilot project was continuing development of the AMEP as undertaken in cooperation with the a contemporary English language tuition Pharmacy Guild of Australia that extended program. access to free telephone interpreting services to over 300 participating The department conducted an open tender pharmacies. The department is evaluating process to establish a panel of providers this pilot with a view to establishing the to deliver Complex Case Support (CCS) service permanently. services. CCS services are scheduled to commence from August 2008 as a staged Additional in-kind assistance in the way roll-out, and the program will be fully of rent and public transport tickets for humanitarian entrants in their first month operational nationally by December 2008. after arrival was introduced under the CCS services will be tailored to meet Integrated Humanitarian Settlement the needs of individual cases and will Strategy. These initiatives deliver significant complement existing departmental additional support to newly-arrived settlement services. CCS services are refugees. funded at $35.2 million over four years. The department also welcomed two new Grant funding of $11.6 million over four groups of humanitarian entrants into years has been provided for the Citizenship the Australian community last year with Support Grants Program (CSGP) to help the arrival of the first Mauritanian and applicants to prepare to sit the Australian Bhutanese refugees. citizenship test.

2.1 Settlement services 165 2.1.1 Settlement planning and information delivery Objectives humanitarian entrants. In 2007–08, the department funded projects to a value This component: of $92 000 in Castlemaine, Victoria, and • provides a planning framework for Mount Gambier and Murray Bridge, the delivery of settlement services South Australia. and information for recently-arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants that Refugee Resettlement Advisory complements the services governments Council direct to all Australian residents The appointment of members for the fifth • provides demographic data and other term of the Refugee Resettlement Advisory information to assist service providers Council was approved by the Australian across the three levels of government to Government on 19 March 2008. There plan to meet the needs of newly-arrived were six new council members appointed migrants and humanitarian entrants. including the Chair, the Hon. Bruce Baird, and four councillors from the fourth term Description were reappointed. The council has an ongoing dialogue with both the Minister This output component supports the for Immigration and Citizenship and the planning of settlement services. It also Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural supports the provision of information to Affairs and Settlement Services and newly-arrived migrants and humanitarian continues to provide high quality policy entrants and to those who provide advice and input on the settlement of mainstream or specialised settlement newly-arrived migrants and humanitarian services including the community sector. entrants. Among other activities, the council Performance provided input to the deliberations of the Citizenship Test Review Committee. The Regional humanitarian settlement fifth term ends on 30 June 2010. In recent years, the department has sought to support and increase humanitarian Settlement information settlement in regional areas where The Settlement Trends and Needs 2007 appropriate settlement infrastructure, reports were launched in October 2007 with services, employment opportunities and separate reports for each state and territory community support exist. providing detailed information on migrant and humanitarian settlement in Australia, Direct humanitarian settlement commenced including trends in arrivals, demographic in Ballarat, Victoria, in May 2007 and characteristics and potential settlement Mount Gambier, South Australia, in challenges. The information assists service June 2007. The department has recently providers to understand and respond to the initiated evaluations of the settlement of likely needs of new arrivals. humanitarian entrants in these areas to identify any areas for improvement. The The Beginning a Life in Australia booklets evaluations are expected to have been were updated twice in 2007–08. completed by September 2008. The booklets provide useful settlement information for prospective and newly- The Sustainable Regional Settlement arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants program was established to strengthen as well as sponsors and service providers. the capacity of regional towns to settle

166 Annual Report 2007–08 Settlement information is provided in Settlement Database separate booklets tailored to each state The department’s Settlement Database and territory. An additional 13 community provides statistical information for languages were introduced for the settlement planning, publications, research May 2008 edition in response to the and policy development. changing caseload. The booklets are now available in English and 37 community In 2007, as part of the government’s languages on the department’s website. initiative to increase and sustain the settlement of humanitarian entrants in A second edition of the New beginnings: regional Australia, the department received Supporting new arrivals on their settlement $300 000 over two financial years (2007–08 journey booklet was released in April 2008, and 2008–09) to improve data capture and providing a comprehensive up to date the reporting capability of the database. statistical and descriptive account of the humanitarian settlement experience. It The Settlement Database development includes personal stories of refugees and team continues to work closely with explains the assistance available to support partners including the Australian Bureau of new arrivals on their settlement journey. Statistics and Medicare Australia to improve the quality of the department’s data. The department’s website provides ready access to extensive settlement Policing project information and services for clients The department is currently working on including prospective migrants, newly- a project to develop online material to arrived migrants, sponsors of migrants, promote initiatives that build relationships service providers and the wider Australian between police and humanitarian community. This is a popular site and the communities, and raise awareness of

main index pages relating to settlement Australian law. National consultations with Outcome Two alone attracted almost 900 000 page views police commenced this year. during 2007–08.

Table 68: Settlement services—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Current, relevant and translated A range of new settlement information was developed, published settlement information is and made available to clients and other stakeholders, including the available for clients Settlement Trends and Needs 2007 reports, and the New beginnings: Supporting new arrivals on their settlement journey and Beginning a Life in Australia booklets

2.1.1 Settlement planning and information delivery 2.1 Settlement services 167 2.1.2 Humanitarian settlement services

Objective • on-arrival reception and assistance— includes meeting eligible entrants This component provides humanitarian on arrival; taking them to suitable entrants with initial intensive settlement accommodation; providing initial services on a needs basis under the orientation; and meeting any emergency Integrated Humanitarian Settlement needs for medical attention, clothing Strategy (IHSS). IHSS services include case or footwear coordination, information and referrals, on-arrival reception and assistance, • accommodation services—helping accommodation services and short-term entrants to find appropriate and torture and trauma counselling. The IHSS affordable accommodation and provides humanitarian entrants with the providing them with basic household assistance they need to start building a life goods needed to set up their own in Australia. household in Australia • short term torture and trauma Description counselling services—providing an This output component supports the assessment of needs, a case plan provision of intensive settlement services and referral for torture and trauma to newly-arrived refugees and Special counselling. The strategy also aims to Humanitarian Program (SHP) entrants raise awareness among health care under the IHSS. providers of health issues arising from torture and trauma. IHSS services are generally provided for around six months but may be extended in Performance cases of particular need. As SHP entrants The department helped 5752 refugees have the support of a proposer to assist and 3804 SHP entrants under the IHSS them with their settlement, they do not in 2007–08, compared to 6248 refugees always need the full range of IHSS services. and 6023 SHP entrants in 2006–07. This The IHSS includes the following services: reduction may be attributed to a lag in • case coordination, information and arrivals for those granted visas late in referrals—includes a case coordination the program year along with a rise in the plan based on an initial needs number of onshore humanitarian visas assessment; information about, and granted. The department also assisted 126 referral to, other service providers and protection visa holders under the IHSS in mainstream agencies; and help for 2007–08, compared to 84 in 2006–07. proposers to fulfil their role of assisting SHP entrants

168 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 69: Humanitarian settlement services—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Appropriate settlement services are made The department helped 5752 refugees under the available to all eligible refugees on arrival IHSS in 2007–08 (compared to 6248 in 2006–07) and to all eligible entrants under the Special and 3804 SHP entrants (6023 in 2006–07). Humanitarian Program (SHP) on a needs basis The department also helped 126 protection visa holders under the IHSS in 2007–08, compared to 84 in 2006–07.

The top five nationalities of clients who accessed IHSS services during the year were Burmese (25 per cent), Iraqi (18 per cent), Afghani (12 per cent), Sudanese (11 per cent) and Congolese (5 per cent).

Of the people who accessed IHSS services, 50 per cent were female and 50 per cent were male.

A total of 50 per cent were under the age of 18 years.

Quantity

12 500 refugees and eligible humanitarian In 2007–08, 9556 refugees and SHP entrants

entrants arriving under the Humanitarian arrived and were assisted under the IHSS, Outcome Two Program compared to 12 355 in 2006–07. In addition, 126 protection visa holders were also assisted under the IHSS.

2.1.2 Humanitarian settlement services 2.1 Settlement services 169 2.1.3 Support for community services

Objective Performance The Settlement Grants Program supports A total of $32 million was provided for the delivery of settlement services to migrant community services grants in migrant and refugee communities through 2007–08 to help meet the settlement the administration of settlement grants. needs of migrants. This included the administration of 332 funding agreements Description with organisations, involving 307 SGP and This output component supports the 25 CSSS grants. Grants for Migrant Community Services Community consultations contributed to administered item. The department the development and implementation of the supported the delivery of Settlement Grants SGP. In September 2007, 399 applications Program (SGP) and Community Settlement were received in response to national Services Scheme (CSSS) services by: advertisements about the 2008–09 • helping funded organisations funding round. manage work programs, service agreements, and reporting and financial accountability requirements • developing a national training strategy aimed at management of committees, boards and staff to assist in their delivery of settlement services consistent with the objectives of the department’s grants programs and service agreements.

Table 70: Support for community services—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

All work program objectives and requirements of funded Work programs in place and regularly organisations are monitored and supervised monitored for compliance

Quantity

Number of funding agreements managed and monitored 332 funding agreements and work programs managed, comprising 307 under the Settlement Grants Program and 25 under the Community Settlement Services Scheme

170 Annual Report 2007–08 2.1.4 Adult Migrant English Program administration

Objective Government Contract Management. This course updated contract managers on This component supports the Adult Migrant best practice in areas such as relationship English Program (AMEP) administered and performance management, research item managed by the department through and analysis, finalising contracts and risk contracts for English language tuition and management. ancillary services. Description AMEP review A formal review of the AMEP commenced This output component supports the AMEP in February 2008. The review will inform the which provides English language tuition to development of the next tender process help eligible adult migrants and refugees and the continuing development of the settle successfully in Australia. The program AMEP as a contemporary English language is administered through 18 major contracts tuition program. for tuition and two for associated services. AMEP Reporting and Management Performance System procurement process Service provider performance is overseen The AMEP is supported by an information by dedicated contract managers who system known as the AMEP Reporting undertake the analysis of quarterly and and Management System (ARMS). ARMS annual reports against key performance functionality includes client management indicators, analyse ongoing data and educational history tracking, AMEP and coordinate quarterly meetings. learning activity management and Structured performance management is administration, and basic staff management Outcome Two complemented by regular contact with facilities. service providers. Following a procurement process for ARMS Any deficiencies or breaches identified ongoing systems support and help desk during the analysis of performance are services, a contract was signed with addressed through the development and CSC Australia Pty Ltd for three years implementation of agreed action plans. ending 30 June 2011. Action plans are monitored quarterly until breaches are rectified. Table 71: Adult Migrant English Program—performance Associated services information The National ELT Accreditation Scheme and the AMEP Research Centre develop Measures Results and implement annual work plans in Quality consultation with the department. Contract managers review the plans, Service provider breaches 9 analyse outcomes against key performance identified and addressed1 indicators and work with providers to promptly rectify any concerns. Quantity

Contract manager training 20 contracts managed 20 During 2007–08, eight AMEP contract 1 This figure is for the period 1April 2007 to 31 March 2008 managers undertook the Diploma in as statistics for the financial year are not finalised until September 2008.

2.1.4 Adult Migrant English Program administration 2.1 Settlement services 171 2.1.5 Free translating and interpreting services Objective Returning Australian citizens may also be eligible for a free translation service within This component supports access to free two years of returning to Australia to settle translating and interpreting services for permanently. eligible clients. Description Performance The number of free translation and Free interpreting services are provided to interpreting services provided in 2007–08 approved individuals and organisations to was slightly higher than that provided in help them communicate with non-English speaking migrants and humanitarian 2006–07. entrants who are Australian citizens or A total of 131 083 interpreting services permanent residents. The services are were provided, compared to 125 528 in broadly available to: 2006–07. Of these services, 114 593 • private medical practitioners providing were telephone interpreting services and services under Medicare 16 490 were on-site interpreting services. • non-profit, non-government, The number of documents translated was community-based health and welfare 7855, compared to 7184 in 2006–07 organisations (subject to their funding (see also Output 2.2.1). arrangements) In June 2007, a pilot project to extend • members of parliament for constituency access to free telephone interpreting purposes services for pharmacists was initiated in • local government authorities cooperation with the Pharmacy Guild of • trade unions Australia. A total of 331 pharmacies were provided with unlimited access to telephone • Emergency Management Australia. interpreting services, 24 hours a day, Documents eligible for free translation seven days a week. The department include settlement-related personal is evaluating the outcomes of this pilot documents, identity and relationship with a view to establishing the service documents (for example, birth and marriage permanently. certificates), facilitation documents (for The department has also begun example, drivers licences), and education preparations for a pilot extension of free and employment documents. interpreting services to real estate agents Free translations are provided to permanent in recognition of the difficulties many residents and some temporary visa holders humanitarian entrants face in accessing within their first two years of arrival or grant the private rental market. of permanent residence.

Table 72: Translating and interpreting services—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Payment to TIS for estimated number of fee-free Payment efficiently administered services administered efficiently

172 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 2.2 Translating and interpreting services Overview TIS National significantly expanded the scope of its interpreting panel in new and This output is delivered through the national emerging languages, recruiting 159 new Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS interpreters over the course of the year. National) located in Melbourne and has These interpreters speak 85 different three components: languages and dialects, raising the total 2.2.1 Document translating language coverage of TIS National to over 150 languages and dialects. 2.2.2 Telephone interpreting An annual Client Satisfaction Survey is 2.2.3 On-site interpreting. undertaken as a quality assurance measure TIS National provides: to ascertain the satisfaction levels of a • a quality, responsive and professional random sample of TIS National’s clients. service In 2008, three client groups were surveyed: • English speaking clients using on-site • the means of communication essential interpreting services to a culturally and linguistically diverse society through a business-oriented • English speaking clients using telephone national translating and interpreting interpreting services service. • non-English speaking clients. Highlights The overwhelming majority of respondents indicated a high degree of satisfaction The free translation service managed by both with the quality of the interpreting, TIS National, which was outsourced in

and with the reliability and professionalism Outcome Two 2002, was reopened for tender in March of the TIS interpreters. While a minority of 2008. As at 30 June 2008, TIS National respondents were aware that TIS National was in the process of finalising the selection had feedback procedures in place, virtually of the successful tenderer. all respondents indicated that they were Demand for telephone interpreting services comfortable about contacting TIS National continued to demonstrate strong growth. directly to make complaints or provide During 2007–08, 615 477 services were positive feedback about the standard or provided, an annual increase of 11 per cent conduct of interpreters. for the second consecutive year. This has been achieved despite annual increases in service charges linked to the consumer price index, which enable TIS National to provide a commensurate increase in remuneration to its interpreters. A new Deed of Standing Offer for the interpreting panel was introduced at the start of the financial year, replacing the previous contractual arrangements and more clearly defining the legal relationship between TIS National and its interpreters.

2.2 Translating and interpreting services 173 2.2.1 Document translating Objective for documentation translation is tied to the composition of the immigration and This component arranges for settlement- humanitarian intake, particularly as many related translations of personal documents humanitarian entrants arrive with limited such as birth and marriage certificates, personal documentation. drivers licences, educational and trade/ professional qualifications. The performance targets of completion of 90 per cent of translations within Description 20 working days, and completion of TIS manages a national outsourced service 95 per cent of translations by translators for the free translation of settlement-related who have been accredited or recognised personal documents for recently-arrived by the National Accreditation Authority for migrants and Humanitarian Program Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) were entrants. both met comfortably, as in previous years. Performance The 10 languages most in demand were (in descending order): Arabic, Chinese, During the financial year, 7855 translations Russian, Vietnamese, Spanish, Persian, were completed. This was 8 per cent below Indonesian, German, Ukrainian and budget projections, but an increase on Serbian. demand for translations on the previous year. Annual fluctuation in the demand

Table 73: Document translating—performance information

Measures 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

90 per cent of translations will be 93% 93% 92% completed within 20 working days

95 per cent of translating jobs will be 100% 100% 100% done by a NAATI accredited/recognised translator

Quantity

8 500 documents to be translated 1 7 763 7 184 7 855

1 The measure relates to the 2007–08 financial year (measures varied in previous years).

174 Annual Report 2007–08 2.2.2 Telephone interpreting

Objective As a result of the high demand for interpreting services and congestion during This component provides for a national peak periods, the number of calls answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within 30 seconds by a TIS operator telephone interpreting service to enable remained at 84 per cent for the third accessible, quality communication consecutive year, which is below the between English and migrant languages 90 per cent target. Nevertheless, to individuals (migrants and others) and to 90 per cent of callers were connected to government and non-government service an interpreter within three minutes, which deliverers. is within the performance target. Description Due to an increase in the demand for The Translating and Interpreting Service interpreting services in some recently (TIS) provides facilities that allow for a introduced community languages three-way conversation between English and dialects, for which recognition or speaking and non-English speaking parties accreditation by the National Accreditation and a TIS interpreter through the use of a Authority for Translators and Interpreters national telephone number—131 450. TIS (NAATI) is not readily available, 88 per cent also provides priority lines for emergency of interpreting tasks were completed by services and medical practitioners. NAATI accredited or recognised interpreters. This is below the target of 90 per cent. Performance TIS National is seeking to rectify this by During 2007–08, 615 477 telephone encouraging members of the interpreting

interpreting services were provided by the panel to obtain NAATI accreditation or Outcome Two TIS National contact centre, an annual recognition, and by engaging with industry increase of 11 per cent for the second stakeholders to recruit further accredited consecutive year. interpreters. This strong growth has occurred despite The 10 languages most in demand were annual increases in service charges linked (in descending order): Mandarin, Arabic, to the consumer price index. Vietnamese, Cantonese, Korean, Persian, Turkish, Spanish, Serbian and Greek. Reasons for the growth in interpreting demand include a growing community expectation and increasing commercial realisation that both public and private sector organisations, as part of their client service, should make interpreting services available to their clients.

2.2.2 Telephone interpreting 2.2 Translating and interpreting services 175 Profile

Translation lifeline for Australia’s non-English speakers The department’s interpreting service has literally been a lifeline for thousands of non-English speaking people living in Australia. The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) contracts more than 1300 interpreters around Australia, covering more than 150 languages and dialects. TIS National, based in Melbourne, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The call centre has 46 operators, whose job is to connect the caller with the correct interpreter. The interpreter then helps the non-English speaker to access healthcare, police and emergency services, government agencies, utilities, banks and private businesses. Assistant manager of TIS Operations, Loretta Rigoni, says the job is never boring or predictable because the next phone call could result in a life or death situation. ‘For instance, we’ve had to set up calls between non-English speaking people and an interpreter, who then has to speak to emergency services,’ Loretta said. ‘If the non-English speaking person who makes the initial contact is trying to tell you, as best they can, which translator they need, they often forget what little English language they have, if they are panicking.’ ‘You have to move very quickly and stay calm to get all the parties connected.’ Loretta says she has no doubt the department’s interpreting service has saved lives. As the number of people migrating to Australia increases, so is the number of calls being received by TIS. In 2007–08, TIS National provided 615 477 telephone interpreting calls an increase of 11 per cent on the number of services provided the previous year.

176 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 74: Telephone interpreting—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

90 per cent of telephone calls will be answered by a 84% 84% 84% TIS operator within 30 seconds

90 per cent of calls will result in a telephone 91% 92% 90% interpreter in a major community language provided within 3 minutes

90 per cent of telephone interpreter jobs will be 91% 90% 88% done by a NAATI accredited/recognised interpreter

Quantity

460 000 telephone interpreting services1 501 000 556 136 615 477

1 The measure relates to the 2007–08 financial year (measures varied in previous years). Outcome Two

2.2.2 Telephone interpreting 2.2 Translating and interpreting services 177 2.2.3 On-site interpreting Objective within three days of the booking request, which was above the 85 per cent target. TIS arranges for an interpreter to go to a specified location where the client requires The proportion of interpreting assignments face-to-face interpreting. performed by an interpreter with accreditation or recognition from the Description National Accreditation Authority for The Translating and Interpreting Service Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) was (TIS) arranges for interpreters to attend at 83 per cent, compared with a target of specific locations and times where a client 90 per cent. This represented a slight requires face-to-face interpreting. decline on the previous year, and can be attributed principally to the higher Performance proportion of on-site assignments in Demand for on-site interpreting services recently introduced community languages, declined slightly during 2007–08, consistent where NAATI accreditation or recognition with a trend towards more cost-effective is not readily available. telephone interpreting services. A total of The 10 languages most in demand for 41 865 on-site assignments were on-site services were: Vietnamese, Arabic, completed during 2007–08, compared Mandarin, Persian, Serbian, Cantonese, to 42 504 the previous year. Turkish, Dari, Bosnian and Spanish. TIS National was able to confirm 93 per cent of its on-site bookings

Table 75: On-site interpreting—performance information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

85 per cent of requests for an on-site 91% 90% 93% interpreter will result in a confirmed appointment within 3 working days

90 per cent of interpreter jobs will be 86% 84% 83% done by a NAATI accredited/recognised interpreter

Quantity

43 000 on-site interpreting visits1 43 473 42 504 41 865

1 The measure relates to the 2007–08 financial year (measures varied in previous years).

178 Annual Report 2007–08 Output 2.3 Australian citizenship Overview Citizenship test This output has two components: On 1 October 2007, further changes were introduced to the Act to give effect 2.3.1 Decisions on citizenship status to a citizenship test. It now requires most 2.3.2 Promotion of the value of Australian applicants for conferral of citizenship who citizenship. are aged between 18 and 60 to complete a citizenship test successfully before making Highlights an application. Introduction of new legislation Since 1 October 2007, the citizenship Landmark legislative changes were test has been administered in all 13 introduced on 1 July 2007 when the departmental offices around Australia. new Australian Citizenship Act 2007 In partnership with Medicare Australia (the Act) and the Australian Citizenship and Centrelink, this network expanded (Transitionals and Consequentials) Act 2007 in November 2007 to cover an additional came into effect replacing the Australian 34 regional centres across Australia. The Citizenship Act 1948. The Act provides citizenship test is also administered in better structured and easier to understand immigration offices at overseas posts on citizenship law. request.

The amendments included: Citizenship test review • changes to the residence requirement On 28 April 2008, the minister announced for applicants for conferral of Australian the appointment of an independent citizenship from two years permanent

Citizenship Test Review Committee. It was Outcome Two residence to four years lawful residence, commissioned to examine the operation including the last 12 months as a of the citizenship test after six months and permanent resident (those who became determine ways to improve its operation permanent residents prior to the and its effectiveness as the pathway for introduction of the Act remain subject residents to become Australian citizens. to the previous residence requirement if The review involved extensive public they apply for citizenship prior to consultations including written submissions, 1 July 2010) nationwide community consultations, small • provision for children who are adopted group discussions and meetings with a under full and permanent Hague number of key stakeholders and English Convention arrangements to be language testing experts. registered as Australian citizens The review committee’s report is being • removal of the age limits for registration considered by the government. Following of citizenship by descent and its public release, the report will be available resumption of citizenship on the citizenship test review website at • provision for the conferral of citizenship www.citizenshiptestreview.gov.au. to children born after a parent automatically lost their Australian citizenship on the acquisition of another.

2.3 Australian citizenship 179 Citizenship promotion Promotion of Australian citizenship continued through public relations activities throughout the year. Key highlights included special citizenship ceremonies to mark the introduction of the new Act on 1 July 2007, Citizenship Day on 17 September 2007, Australia Day 2008 and Refugee Week from 15 to 21 June 2008. A public information campaign to inform the Australian community about the new citizenship test was launched on 17 September 2007 and put on hold on 14 October 2007 in accordance with federal election caretaker conventions.

Citizenship applications and conferral Following a record year in 2006–07, 116 831 decisions on citizenship status, including applications for conferral, descent and resumption, were made in 2007–08. Of those, 107 662 people were approved as Australian citizens. Of this number, 92 601 were citizens approved for conferral, which is a 39.8 per cent decrease from 2006–07. This is an expected downturn following record numbers in 2006–07. It is anticipated that application numbers will steadily increase during 2008–09. Australia Day 2008 saw more than 14 000 people from 114 countries become Australian citizens at 321 ceremonies across the nation, including a ‘mega- ceremony’ in Western Australia where 1313 new citizens were personally conferred by the minister.

180 Annual Report 2007–08 2.3.1 Decisions on citizenship status Objective between December 2007 to February 2008. Recommendations from the audit are This component provides for the being implemented. administration of Australian citizenship law and policy. In particular, this will be Citizenship test managed through decisions on applications The Australian citizenship test commenced for citizenship by conferral, by descent, by on 1 October 2007. Most applicants for adoption under full and permanent Hague conferral of citizenship who are aged Convention arrangements, by resumption between 18 and 60 are now required to and applications for evidence of citizenship; complete a citizenship test successfully renunciation of citizenship; management before making an application. of conferral of citizenship and provision of citizenship information services. The test questions are based on the contents of a resource book, Becoming Description an Australian citizen, which has been This output component involves managing translated into 29 languages. and delivering lawful decisions under The test is computer-based, and comprises Australian citizenship legislation including 20 multiple choice questions drawn effective management of conferral of randomly from a larger bank of questions. citizenship and the provision of citizenship To pass, the applicant must answer at information services. least 12 out of 20 questions correctly, Performance including three mandatory questions on the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. In 2007–08, 101 787 decisions were made Outcome Two on applications for citizenship by conferral. Assisted tests are available for certain applicants with low levels of literacy in The overall approval rate of applications for English, or with a physical or cognitive grant was 91 per cent in 2007–08. A total impairment. of 85 per cent of applications were decided within 90 days, an increase on the rate of Tests are available in every departmental 68 per cent in 2006–07, with 23 per cent office in Australia and at overseas posts decided on the day of lodgement. as well as 30 Medicare and four Centrelink offices around regional Australia, to which Appendix 7 contains statistical information departmental officers travel to administer on the former nationality or citizenship and the test. the previous country of residence of people who became Australian citizens by grant in Grant funding of $11.6 million over four 2007–08. years has been provided for the Citizenship Support Grants Program (CSGP) to In 2007–08, the Citizenship Information Line help applicants to prepare to sit the received 612 218 calls regarding citizenship Australian citizenship test. The program will and requests for forms, an average of provide funding for 33 community-based 51 018 calls per month. organisations across Australia, and deliver The department continued to monitor a range of services in 2008–09 on a pilot citizenship application processing through basis. its Citizenship Quality Assurance Program. In addition, an audit was conducted

2.3.1 Decisions on citizenship status 2.3 Australian citizenship 181 Test outcomes • clients who came to Australia under the The minister agreed to make citizenship Skill Stream of the Migration Program test outcomes public. Outcomes of the test accounted for 48 per cent of all test are monitored and reported with a quarterly participants—99 per cent passed on snapshot report published and available on their first or subsequent attempt the department’s website. • clients who came to Australia under the Family Stream of the Migration Program Between 1 October 2007 and accounted for 22 per cent of all test 30 June 2008: participants—92 per cent passed on • 48 713 clients sat the Australian their first or subsequent attempt citizenship test • clients who came to Australia under the • 46 500 of these clients (or Humanitarian Program accounted for 95.5 per cent) passed the test 11 per cent of all test participants— on their first or subsequent attempt 82 per cent passed on their first or • the department administered 59 185 subsequent attempt tests to these clients, including re-sits • the top ten countries of birth for clients where the client did not pass the test who have sat the test are the United on their first attempt Kingdom, People’s Republic of China, • on average there were 1.2 tests India, Iraq, South Africa, New Zealand, administered per client the Philippines, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and Sudan.

Table 76: Decisions on citizenship status—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Less than one per cent of negative decisions 0.1 per cent of negative decisions in cases of overturned at review application for grant overturned by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal

Quantity

139 000 decisions on citizenship status1 116 831

1 This figure includes all decisions on citizenship status including applications for conferral, descent and resumption.

Table 77: Outcomes of citizenship applications from 2005–06 to 2007–08

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

People approved for conferral of Australian citizenship 108 380 154 063 92 601

People issued with Certificates of Evidence of 12 690 12 990 17 342 Australian citizenship

People registered as Australian citizens by descent 13 142 14 837 14 254

People registered as losing Australian citizenship1 535 353 351

People resuming Australian citizenship 307 223 807

1 Loss statistics include renunciation of Australian citizenship. Source: Integrated Client Services Environment (ICSE) data extraction, 7 August 2008. ICSE is a dynamic database and figures may change from day to day.

182 Annual Report 2007–08 2.3.2 Promotion of the value of Australian citizenship

Objectives Several ceremonies gained local, regional and national media coverage, Under this component a program is including: implemented which promotes the value of Australian citizenship and encourages »» Sky News coverage of the Prime eligible non-citizens to become Australian Minister presiding over a ceremony citizens. at Regatta Point, Canberra »» the broadcast of a number of Description ceremonies held around the nation This output component promotes the »» three Perth councils combining to value of Australian citizenship among the stage the second largest citizenship Australian community and the acquisition ceremony ever held, with 1313 of Australian citizenship by eligible people personally conferred non-citizens. citizenship by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship Performance • an ‘on-court’ citizenship ceremony for Departmental promotion of Australian Perth Wildcats basketball player, citizenship continued through public Shawn Redhage, prior to the start of an relations activities throughout the year. NBL game on 12 January 2008 A public information campaign to inform the Australian community of the new citizenship • a citizenship ceremony at the Albert Hall test was launched on 17 September 2007 in Canberra coinciding with the historic and put on hold on 14 October 2007 in building’s 80th birthday celebrations on 10 March 2008. accordance with federal election caretaker Outcome Two conventions. The department continued its partnership Major citizenship ceremonies held in with the National Australia Day Council to 2007–08 included: promote Australian citizenship through: • an inaugural citizenship ceremony held • sponsorship of Australia’s Local Hero under the Australian Citizenship Act Award as part of the Australian of the 2007 at the Essendon Football Club Hall Year Awards, which included eight state of Fame on 1 July 2007 and territory events and culminated in the national award announcements • a series of ceremonies throughout the televised live on the eve of Australia Day country on Australian Citizenship Day (17 September 2007) when more than • a citizenship and affirmation ceremony partnership with Sky News Australia 1700 people became new citizens. which included the live television The day was also marked with the broadcast of the Australia Day official presentation of the Australian citizenship ceremony in Canberra, Citizenship Quilts to the National coverage of citizenship ceremonies in Museum of Australia in Canberra seven locations which featured in Sky • a total of 321 ceremonies around the News coverage on Australia Day 2008, nation on Australia Day 2008 when and a highlights package for future more than 14 000 people from 114 promotional purposes countries became Australian citizens. • Australian affirmation resource packs distributed to about 780 local Australia Day council committees

2.3.2 Promotion of the value of Australian citizenship 2.3 Australian citizenship 183 • a national radio series, Celebrate What’s Australian citizenship affirmation Great, featuring high profile or eminent ceremony, highlighting the significance Australians reflecting on what they of Australian citizenship for Australia celebrate on Australia Day, including Day, and providing details on ordering responses to the Australian affirmation community resource kits. • a citizenship/affirmation page on the Australia Day website providing information on how to conduct an

Table 78: Promoting the value of Australian citizenship—performance information

Measure Result

Quantity

Development and Activities promoting Australian citizenship were conducted throughout the implementation of a year and included ceremonies, events and resource materials for primary campaign promoting and secondary schools. Australian citizenship Special Australian citizenship ceremonies were held throughout Australia to celebrate Australian Citizenship Day on 17 September 2007, Australia Day on 26 January 2008 and World Refugee Day on 20 June 2008.

Promotional events included the inaugural citizenship ceremony held under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007, a citizenship ceremony for Perth Wildcats basketball player Shawn Redhage held on court, and a special citizenship ceremony held in Canberra to celebrate the Albert Hall’s 80th birthday celebrations.

184 Annual Report 2007–08 Profile

Australia Day 2008 Citizenship Ceremony, Commonwealth Park, Canberra More than 100 people from 38 countries became Australian citizens at the Australian Capital Territory’s traditional flag raising and citizenship ceremony on Australia Day 2008, which has been held for more than 20 consecutive years at Regatta Point.

The ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd followed by an Outcome Two Australian citizenship affirmation ceremony led by the Governor-General, Major General Michael Jeffrey, AC, CVO, MC (Retd). Conferee Mamunul Chowdhury said: ‘There were so many people and when the national anthem was played I sang. It was a nice feeling, after getting citizenship, to sing the national song. It felt different somehow because this time I truly felt Australian. I just feel more part of the community now.’ Another conferee, Jennifer Carmody described the ceremony as ‘an event I will never forget. The Prime Minister was there, and there were jets, parachutes, a band and the Governor- General. I felt very proud. It was a big moment.’ In welcoming the new citizens, the Prime Minister said: ‘You are welcome to join this great Australian family—each and every one of you. Because in charting our future history we need to draw on your talents, your enthusiasm, your energy and your ability—each and every one of you.’ Australia Day 2008 saw more than 14 000 people from 114 countries become Australian citizens at 321 ceremonies around the nation.

Image: Daniel Balaban, Eagle Eye Photography

2.3.2 Promotion of the value of Australian citizenship 2.3 Australian citizenship 185 Output 2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society Highlights project in the Dandenong region in Victoria, one of a number of this type of project In February 2008, the Parliamentary funded throughout 2007–08. The Making Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Connections project is being run jointly Settlement Services announced an by Adult Multicultural Education Services, administrative review of the Living in the Centre for Multicultural Youth Issues Harmony program. The review is looking and the South Eastern Region Migrant at improving strategies for promoting the Resource Centre. Drawing on their benefits of Australia’s cultural diversity. It is combined expertise, the three organisations also seeking to broaden the reach of the are strengthening communities in Noble program, direct funding more effectively Park, Casey and Dandenong through the to areas of need and promote a sense of project’s intergenerational cross-cultural belonging for all. Outcomes of the review program, multicultural music program and are expected to be announced in late 2008. young women’s support group. An example of the department’s Highlights of the National Action Plan to commitment to promoting the benefits of Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and a culturally diverse society is the funding Security in 2007–08 included: of a project run by Strathfield South High School titled ‘We are all Australian’. The • a number of successful initiatives at project is a response to the alienation being state, territory and community level experienced by young people of Middle involving Muslim and wider Australian Eastern backgrounds in schools in communities in areas such as youth Western Sydney. development, employment support, social integration and community As part of the project, a DVD was produced policing about young Australians of Lebanese • progress in the Australian Government and Asian backgrounds getting to know pilot initiative in Western Sydney students of Anglo-Saxon backgrounds. coordinated by the department, where Created by the students, it examines the benefits of place-based, whole- stereotypes with a particular emphasis on of-government initiatives to enhance how Muslims, Lebanese and Asian groups employment, education and community are represented. The film also looks at how integration are already evident stereotypes are manipulated by the media and others. • maintenance of relations with Australian Muslim communities through a series of The DVD is accompanied by a teaching informative round table discussions with resource kit, containing a series of key community representatives structured activity questions based on • strengthening relations with the subjects covered in the film including Department of Foreign Affairs and racism, stereotyping, discrimination Trade to ensure that international and religion. Both were distributed to all developments are informed by, and secondary schools across Australia. inform, domestic activities. In May 2008, the parliamentary secretary The National Action Plan initiated 16 announced the provision of Emerging community projects to encourage more Issues funding for the Making Connections active participation in mainstream social

186 Annual Report 2007–08 and cultural activities, enhance the informed by community needs. In May resilience of marginalised communities, and 2008, as part of the National White enable communities to build capacity and Ribbon Campaign, the federation held develop leadership skills. Of the 16 projects community workshops to raise awareness five have been completed. of violence against women and children. The workshops actively engaged new The Young Women’s Leadership Program and emerging as well as established run by Multicultural Youth South Australia communities at the national level. is an example of a National Action Plan community project that targeted Objective young people to promote leadership This output provides leadership for the and participation in society. The project implementation of multicultural policy, in increased the personal resilience of the consultation with Australian government 70 diverse young women who participated. agencies. The focus is on achieving a It built their skills and confidence in effective balance between promoting the benefits communication, public speaking, decision of cultural diversity and increasing making and leadership. understanding of Australia’s democratic Interfaith activities are a key component of values. This is to ensure our progress as the government’s emphasis on promoting a united, prosperous and safe society. respect and acceptance of cultural diversity The policy aims to send a message to all in Australia. The department is coordinating Australians that to live together successfully the Australian Government’s involvement and safely, we must respect each other in the Parliament of the World’s Religions, and appreciate what each person can which will be held in Melbourne from contribute to our shared future. This applies 3 to 9 December 2009. equally to those born in Australia and those The 2006 Access and Equity Annual Report who come to join our nation. Outcome Two was tabled in parliament in September This output: 2007. It contained information about responses by government agencies to • promotes mutual respect, Australia’s Australia’s cultural diversity. democratic values and community participation through the Living in The department’s nationwide network of Harmony program community liaison officers plays an essential • manages tensions and threats to role in monitoring community relations social cohesion by working closely through extensive contacts with community with individuals and communities, and groups and individuals. The network helps cooperating with state and territory communities to raise issues of concern and governments also enables the government to distribute information to all sections of Australia’s • coordinates, implements and monitors diverse society more effectively. This is the National Action Plan to Build on particularly useful for new and emerging Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security communities, and in managing community and reports to the Council of Australian tensions and threats to social cohesion. Governments, through the Ministerial Council on Immigration and The department liaised closely with the Multicultural Affairs Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils • makes further gains in the of Australia (FECCA) during the year to implementation of the Access and ensure Australian Government outcomes Equity Strategy, which aims to ensure for Australia’s multicultural society were that all government agencies are responsive to Australia’s diversity.

2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society 187 Description The Living in Harmony Partnerships program instigated six partnerships with This output aims to: major organisations able to develop and • develop policy, provide advice and manage projects on a regional or national prepare submissions and briefs on scale. Partners included the Australian issues arising from Australia’s cultural Football League, Lismore City Council, diversity for the minister, parliamentary the Australian Red Cross and the Special secretary and relevant stakeholders Broadcasting Service (SBS). The projects • manage stakeholder relationships aim to increase understanding and and monitor community relations and acceptance, shape positive attitudes and other issues through the department’s build on Australia’s social cohesion. nationwide network of community liaison officers and through FECCA National Action Plan • manage projects under the Living in The National Action Plan to Build on Social Harmony and National Action Plan Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP) programs is a Council of Australian Governments • support ministerial engagement with (COAG) initiative developed by the community representatives and advise Ministerial Council on Immigration and on government responses to various Multicultural Affairs (MCIMA). The NAP matters arising from Australia’s cultural provides a framework for the promotion diversity. of a more inclusive society through government action, community consultation Performance and research. It focuses on four areas of implementation: education, employment, Living in Harmony integrating communities and enhancing Harmony Day continued to engage the national security. community and, as in previous years, a 1800 hotline and an email address were As the lead agency, the department is made available for the public to contact the responsible for: department. The department responded • coordinating the whole-of-government to 330 email enquiries and the Living in implemention of the NAP including Harmony website recorded 388 Harmony liaising with and facilitating exchange Day event registrations. An independent between Australian government evaluation of Harmony Day media coverage agencies, coordinating pilot programs identified 358 press articles generated in two localities, monitoring NAP-related across Australia. activities, and reporting to COAG through the MCIMA The Living in Harmony program supported • funding and contributing to 41 projects to address local issues by partnerships with federal, state building positive community relations. In and territory government agencies 2007–08, the projects reflected the priority to implement partnership projects areas of new and emerging communities, including education‑based initiatives, young people, community based activities development and awareness building, and Indigenous Australians. and employment initiatives targeting The emerging issues funding program both unemployed people and supported community organisations in six employers different states with the implementation of six new projects to address local issues.

188 Annual Report 2007–08 • funding and supporting non- community to address these issues and government organisations to conduct develop a greater sense of belonging community-based projects including and participation for Muslim Australians leadership training and mentoring, • undertaking research and liaision interfaith dialogue, arts-based with key players, domestically workshops and sporting activities and internationally, to inform the to build and express identities. The implementation of the NAP, develop department also funded and supported a greater understanding of a range the production and distribution of of practical counter-radicalisation associated publications measures, and enhance knowledge of • facilitating community engagement what works in community cohesion and through formal and informal consultation integration. fora which provided an opportunity for The coordinated approach in NAP frank and open discussion about the implementation has the potential to issues facing Muslim Australians. contribute to building a stronger, more The fora helped to determine practical cohesive and secure community for all ideas for both government and the Australians.

Table 79: Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society—performance information

Measures Results

Quantity

Number of hits on In 2007–08, the Living in Harmony website recorded 202 370 hits. Outcome Two websites

Participation in The Living in Harmony website recorded 388 Harmony Day Harmony Day events event registrations.

Participation in A total of 12 Living in Harmony Partnership projects were managed during Living in Harmony 2007–08, with six commencing during the year. More than 163 000 people partnerships participated in partnership activities.

Number of projects In 2007–08, DIAC oversaw the implementation of eight NAP programs implemented under funded by other Australian government agencies, including coordinating the National Action intergovernmental pilot projects in two locations. Plan The department managed 23 state and territory partnerships funded under the NAP, 11 of which were new. There were 10 projects completed and 13 are ongoing. In addition, the department oversaw 20 NAP community projects, including 16 projects which began during the year.

Eight of the nine NAP research projects undertaken during the year were completed in 2007–08.

Table 80: Media coverage of Harmony Day 2007–08

Measures Results

Number of press 358 press articles for Harmony Day identified articles

2.4 Promoting the benefits of a united and diverse society 189 Output 2.5 Systems for People Objective Systems for People aims to improve the department’s performance through the Systems for People is a program of work redesign of business processes, better that will provide staff with access to the management and use of information, and information and tools they need to do their modernisation of its technology base. job. The program is transforming the way the department operates, including: The total program budget including related • providing a single view of the client’s projects is $598.1 million over four dealings with the department years from 2006 to 2010, of which • establishing consistency in work $184.2 million was allocated in 2007–08. processes and decision making, The program is being delivered under both together with establishing effective outcomes, specifically Output 1.8 and record keeping and quality assurance Output 2.5. • improving data quality, data Performance completeness and accuracy During 2007–08, the program’s major focus • significantly improving decision making has been on border security, compliance, by providing staff with clearer operating case management and detention under instructions and appropriate decision Outcome 1 to immediately address the support tools. Palmer and Comrie recommendations. Description Under Outcome 2, Systems for People Systems for People is a technology- has enabled the delivery of several projects enabled business transformation program supporting significant citizenship legislative being implemented by the department changes, including the introduction of as a result of the Palmer and Comrie the citizenship test, the Citizenship Test recommendations in 2005. It is the largest Management System and the Settlement single component of the department’s Services Portal. major reform program.

190 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 81: Systems for People—performance information

Measures Results

Quality/Quantity

Scheduled deployment of three System changes to support citizenship legislative changes and department and three external the introduction of the citizenship test were successfully delivered. portals in July 2007 Also reported under Output 1.8 Systems for People.

Scheduled deployment of one Activities undertaken for Outcome 2 included the successful external portal in October 2007 delivery of the Settlement Services Portal to support nationally consistent business processes for the management of the Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minors caseload. The portal enables staff to record all case related activities in a single location. External access to the portal was excluded from the scope of this release, subject to further analysis of business needs and the program’s forward work plan.

Also reported under Output 1.8 Systems for People.

Scheduled deployment of five Reported under Output 1.8 Systems for People. department and one external portal in January 2008

Scheduled deployment of one The Citizenship Test Management System was successfully department and one external deployed, replacing the need for staff to access three separate portal in April 2008 systems in the management of the citizenship test.

Also reported under Output 1.8 Systems for People. Outcome Two

2.5 Systems for People 191 Profile

Driver training brings freedom for young refugees Getting a driver’s licence opens the world for all young people—but even more so for young refugees. Young refugees and humanitarian entrants are often the first in their families to seek out the possibility of getting their licence. Yet costs can be prohibitive because there are no family members to help in the driver training. The department has funded a program for subsidised driving lessons in South Australia, for about 50 young refugee and humanitarian entrants. They come from countries in Africa, the Middle East and South East Asia. Gordana Curcic from the department’s South Australian office said when the young refugee and humanitarian entrants received their licences, they were able to help other family members by taking them shopping, and to medical appointments and social activities. ‘Not only can they assist their families, but once they have their licence, it helps them to get a job and join in the social fabric of Australia more effectively,’ she said. Gordana said it usually took longer than normal for the young refugee and humanitarian entrants to get their licences. ‘You have to remember that some of them had never even been in a car before they began the journey to Australia,’ she said. ‘Our feedback indicates they are incredibly grateful for the driver training assistance.’ The young people are also offered a number of workshops that cover further training in obtaining their learners permit, driver safety and awareness, and how to buy and maintain a first car.

192 Annual Report 2007–08 Adult Migrant English Program Assistance for former child migrants Grants for Living in Harmony Grants for migrant community services Multicultural affairs (grant to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia) National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—community engagement National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—state/territory government partnerships National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters— contribution Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009—contribution

Welfare of humanitarian minors without parents in Australia Outcome Two

Administered items Administered items

193 Adult Migrant English Program Objective Performance To provide access to a quality national Access English language program for all eligible AMEP clients have access to classroom new arrivals. tuition at over 250 locations throughout Description Australia. Clients can also learn through distance education, rural and regional The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) intensive tuition or the Home Tutor Scheme. is a national settlement program that has been providing English tuition to eligible Classes are offered full-time and part-time, adult permanent migrants, who do not have during the day, evenings and weekends, functional English, since 1948. In 2008, to further improve access for clients with the AMEP marks its 60th year of English work, family or other commitments. Classes language service to migrants by reviewing are held in a variety of locations, including the past and planning for the future. The TAFEs, schools, colleges and community AMEP provides English language tuition as centres, such as churches and mosques. follows: Client focus • refugee and humanitarian entrants under the age of 25, with seven years or While the AMEP is equally accessible to less of schooling, may be eligible for up all eligible migrants, higher female-to-male to 910 hours of English language tuition enrolment continued in 2007–08. Of the 50 432 eligible migrants undertaking AMEP • refugee and humanitarian entrants aged English language tuition during 2007–08, 25 or older, who have suffered difficult 68 per cent were female. pre-migration experiences such as torture or trauma, may be eligible for Clients represented 192 countries of birth up to 610 hours of tuition and 248 languages spoken, with Mandarin, • others may be eligible for up to 510 Arabic and Vietnamese the most common. hours of tuition. AMEP clients comprised 28.5 per cent The tuition is designed to provide clients humanitarian entrants, 56.3 per cent family with basic language skills to help them entrants and 15.2 per cent dependants of settle successfully in Australia. The skilled entrants. Just under 21 per cent of program, with administered expenses of all clients indicated they had seven years or $157.8 million, is managed through 18 less of formal education. contracts for tuition and two for associated Clients were aged largely between 16 and services. The two non-tuition contracts 44, with 78.5 per cent in this category, and relate to research and professional 21.5 per cent above 44 years of age. development provided by the AMEP Research Centre and quality monitoring and Clients embraced a variety of learning accreditation of service providers by the options in 2007–08, with 76.7 per cent National ELT Accreditation Scheme (NEAS). undertaking classroom tuition, 9.7 per cent studying with a home tutor, 8.4 per cent enrolled in distance learning and 5.2 per cent engaged in rural and regional tuition.

194 Annual Report 2007–08 Reach During 2007–08, 21.3 per cent of clients Reach measures the extent to which eligible attained certification at CSWE Level 3, migrants enrol in the AMEP. The registration 20.8 per cent at Level 2 and 41 per cent at rate for adult migrants who arrived in Level 1. Certificates of achievement were 2007–08 and self-determined a need for awarded to a further 16 per cent. English tuition was 65 per cent, compared with 69 per cent in 2006–07. Accreditation and quality monitoring services Retention AMEP English language tuition service Retention measures the average number providers are subject to an annual on- of hours a client remains in the program. site inspection of facilities, resources and Retention in 2007–08 for all exiting clients processes by NEAS. Accreditation and was 382 hours, a slight decrease from quality monitoring confirm that the services 389 hours in 2006–07. provided to migrants on behalf of the Australian Government continue to be of English language achievement and a high standard, meet relevant industry measurement standards and take into account the special The AMEP uses Certificates in Spoken and needs of clients. Written English (CSWE), a competency- The standards against which providers are based national curriculum and assessment assessed in this review process include: framework, to measure English proficiency. • quality and suitability of facilities CSWE consists of Level 1 (beginners), Level 2 (post-beginners) and Level 3 • accessibility of classes by public (intermediate). Clients who achieve the transport required competency for a particular • cultural appropriateness for clients in

level receive a certificate and those who the region Outcome Two complete modules within levels receive • availability and appropriateness of records of achievement. student resources The Australian Government considers • availability and accessibility of student learning English to be one of the most support and counselling services important steps towards successful • processes for monitoring the quality of settlement in Australia. The program design, services combining English language tuition with • suitably trained staff to provide tuition practical subject matter, introduces clients to life in Australia while providing pathways • provision of childcare for the duration of to various settlement outcomes, including classes. social inclusion and contribution, future This process complements the study and employment training. department’s internal quality assurance Administered items The AMEP provides for clients from a range processes. of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. Its course structure supports clients with no history of formal classroom tuition and written illiteracy in their first language, through to those with tertiary education who require proficiency in English to use their qualifications in Australia.

Administered items 195 AMEP review The outcomes of the review will be used A formal review of the AMEP commenced to inform the development of the Request in late February 2008 and is expected to for Tender for the AMEP tender process. have been completed by October 2008. The new AMEP contracts will commence The review was initiated to prepare for mid-2010. the upcoming tender process and takes account of: Contract extensions • recommendations from an internal audit The 18 contracts for English language conducted in 2007 tuition were extended by twelve months, expiring on 30 June 2009. The NEAS • the government’s focus on providing contract was extended for two years employment pathways for new migrants expiring on 30 June 2010. The contract through the AMEP extensions ensure any post-AMEP • feedback from clients through a variety review decision made by the Australian of sources and fora Government regarding the future of • issues previously identified through the Commonwealth funded English language Interdepartmental Committee on English tuition can be incorporated into the next Language Training conducted in 2007. tender process. All aspects of the AMEP, including its AMEP Let’s Participate course structure and outcomes, are being The AMEP Let’s Participate citizenship considered in the review. Focus group course was suspended in early 2008 meetings were held with clients, non- following the introduction of the Australian government organisations, service citizenship test. providers, teachers, employers and Commonwealth and state government Teaching materials entitled Understanding agencies. Australia: People and Government, which focus on Australian civics, values, history A steering committee was formed and institutions will replace the course. to provide high level guidance and overall strategic direction for the review. Get Wise series The steering committee comprises Get Wise is a six-module learning series representatives from academia, state that was launched in early 2008. The series government and the community. In was designed specifically for youth between addition, an internal reference group was 16 and 24 years of age, but it will also be convened to ensure all relevant areas of of value to other clients. One module, Your the department were aware of, and able to Money, won a 2008 Australian Award for contribute to, the review. Excellence in Educational Publishing. A discussion paper inviting submissions from the public was released on the department’s website in July 2008. The final report is expected to have been completed by October 2008.

196 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 82: Adult Migrant English Program tuition, accommodation and related expenses—performance information

Measures Results

Quality 2007–08

English language tuition is available, accessible Good quality tuition was available and of good quality in all contract areas and accessible

Quantity 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Anticipated demand for tuition by eligible migrants 38 800 39 810 39 810

Table 83: Adult Migrant English Program tuition, accommodation and related expenses—further information

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Client demand for formal tuition1 39 907 45 022 45 283

Client demand for informal tuition2 5 116 5 419 5 791

Total clients—formal tuition, informal tuition and 45 141 50 218 50 432 3

Special Preparatory Program Outcome Two

Number of clients in the Special Preparatory 8 012 8 064 6 943 Program

Average number of hours a client remains in the 384 389 382 program

1 Formal tuition refers to classroom tuition and distance learning in the AMEP. 2 Informal tuition refers to clients studying with a home tutor. 3 Clients may move between the various types of tuition. This figure is the number of clients, counted only once, who participated in the program during the year. Administered items

Administered items 197 Assistance for former child migrants Objective Funding was provided by the Australian Government in 2007–08 to help former Provide practical support and assistance child migrants trace family members and to former child migrants who arrived in receive counselling for reunion visits. Australia post-World War II. Description Performance During 2007–08, the Child Migrants Trust Approximately 6000 children were sent to provided tracing and counselling services to Australia from child-care institutions in the 845 clients, 136 of whom were new clients. United Kingdom and Malta throughout the A total of 454 clients received post-reunion 20th century, with 3000 children arriving support in 2007–08. Total expenditure for in the post-war period between 1945 the year was $150 000. and 1970. The children were placed in charitable and religious institutions in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia.

Table 84: Assistance for former child migrants—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Tracing assistance and counselling referrals Contract with Child Migrants Trust administered provided to all eligible clients in accordance with satisfactorily. The suite of services provided the terms of the contract (counselling, tracing assistance and post-reunion support) addressed needs identified for this client group.

198 Annual Report 2007–08 Grants for Living in Harmony Objective Performance Provide funding to eligible community In September 2007, 41 projects were organisations to address local issues funded from a field of 391 applicants in affecting community harmony. the annual application process. These projects reflected the priority areas for the Description 2007 grants round of new and emerging The Living in Harmony Funded Community communities, young people, community Projects program is designed to provide the based activities and Indigenous Australians. additional resources often needed by not- At the end of the financial year, 60 projects for-profit organisations to develop their own remain open from the 2007–08 and projects and find their own ways of helping previous funding rounds. The 2007–08 Australians build positive community projects are achieving quality outcomes relations in a culturally diverse society. and are expected to be completed by the The program also funds community end of 2008. projects that respond to specific and In 2007–08, six projects were funded under emerging issues of cultural, racial and the Emerging Issues Funding program to religious intolerance. Emerging issues respond to specific and identified issues funding supports community relevant of racism, intolerance and community projects that strengthen social cohesion, disharmony. community harmony and cross cultural understanding.

Table 85: Grants for Living in Harmony—performance information Outcome Two

Measures Results

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Funding agreements meet agreed milestones Agreed milestones satisfactorily met

Quantity

Grants administered 39 48 47 Administered items

Administered items 199 Grants for migrant community services Objective • service planning, participation and integration. Ensure that funding agreements and work programs are satisfactorily delivered for Under the SGP, funding to organisations all Settlement Grants Program (SGP) and is made on a project basis, with priorities Community Settlement Services Scheme for particular regions and communities (CSSS) grants. determined by an annual planning process. This process identifies changing settlement Description patterns and priority needs of new arrivals, The Australian Government provides to which SGP services respond. funding for grants to community-based Payment of funding to SGP and CSSS organisations under the SGP and CSSS. organisations depends on the organisations Funded organisations establish links with meeting required performance measures. mainstream services to facilitate direct and They must report quarterly, providing independent access to these services for information on the progress of the work their clients. program, financial details and statistical Settlement services target groups include: data on client contact. The department • permanent residents who have holds regular consultations with funded arrived in the previous five years as organisations to help them meet their Humanitarian Program entrants and performance requirements. Family Stream migrants with low English Performance proficiency In 2007–08, $32 million was provided for • dependants of skilled migrants in rural migrant community services. A total of 332 and regional areas with low English funding agreements provided settlement proficiency services under the SGP and CSSS. • communities that require assistance to develop their capacity to organise, plan Settlement Grants Program and advocate for services to meet their The department introduced the SGP on own needs, and are receiving significant 1 July 2006. It was developed following numbers of new arrivals who meet other a review of settlement services, detailed settlement services target group criteria. in the Report of the Review of Settlement Services for Migrants and Humanitarian Eligible organisations are funded to provide Entrants, published in May 2003. the following settlement services: • provision of information, referral and The SGP combines funding previously casework services to new arrivals provided to Migrant Resource Centres, • community capacity building Migrant Service Agencies and the CSSS. Table 86: Grants for migrant community services—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Work program objectives and requirements Funding agreements and work programs satisfactorily are met by funded organisations delivered for all SGP and CSSS grants

Quantity

Number of grants administered 332 work programs funded, comprising 307 SGP and 25 CSSS grants

200 Annual Report 2007–08 Multicultural affairs (grant to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia) Objective Performance Enable the Federation of Ethnic Throughout the year, FECCA has made Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) contributions to policies and programs to to provide advice to the government on the support consideration of cultural diversity views and needs of ethnic communities in issues in a range of areas including Australia. submissions on carers, human services, enhanced service delivery, citizenship, Description minimum wage review, composition of The government provided a grant of the Humanitarian Program, migration $406 000 to FECCA in 2007–08 to assist amendment review, review of aged care in meeting this objective. services, telecommunications, the Budget and the 2020 Summit. FECCA has also The activities of FECCA have centred on actively promoted the benefits of cultural providing input to the government from the diversity, social inclusion and community perspective of its constituency. harmony.

Table 87: Multicultural affairs (grant to the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia)—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Agreed performance FECCA has substantially met the performance indicators and priority Outcome Two indicators met objectives under its work plan

Quantity

One grant paid on time One grant of $406 000 to FECCA paid on time in two instalments (September 2007 and February 2008) Administered items

Administered items 201 National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—community engagement Objective Performance Provide funding to eligible community In 2007–08, a total of 16 projects were organisations to conduct community-based funded under the NAP Community Projects projects that build on social cohesion, program: seven in NSW, five in Victoria, two harmony and security. in Queensland, one in South Australia and one in the Northern Territory. Description An example is Leadership Australia— The Community Projects component of A New Generation, run by the Australian the National Action Plan to Build on Social Multicultural Foundation. This project Cohesion, Harmony and Security (NAP) delivered intensive training in leadership, funds community organisations to run team building, mentoring and working projects that meet its objectives. In addition, with the media to reach young Muslim the projects help to build communities’ Australians from across the country. resilience, leadership and capacity to meet Participants engaged with, and contributed the challenges they face, and encourage to, the wider community, creating greater positive engagement between Muslim and understanding and awareness about the non‑Muslim Australians. commitment and contributions of Muslims The community projects address NAP in Australia. The project helped participants priorities, which in 2007–08 focused on reach their goals, develop role models and increasing opportunities for participation provide leadership in major community in social and cultural projects to enhance organisations. leadership and connectedness among Art-SLAM21, facilitated by the Forum on young people. Projects included leadership Australia’s Islamic Relations is another training and mentoring for young people example of a successful community and women, interfaith dialogues, fora, project which is reaching marginalised arts-based workshops to build and Muslim Australian youths through a series express identities, sports programs and the of arts-based projects. These young production and distribution of associated people are being equipped with skills in publications. leadership, assertiveness, communication and decision‑making to assist in building their self-esteem, and help them cope with negative stereotyping and discrimination.

Table 88: National Action Plan to Build Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security— community engagement—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Project activity completed according to agreement Funding agreements met agreed milestones

Quantity

An estimated 10 to 20 funding agreements 16

202 Annual Report 2007–08 National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security—state/territory government partnerships Objective • engagement of vulnerable people in social, cultural and sporting activities To partner state and territory governments in implementing projects under the National • increased awareness and appreciation Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, of Australia’s cultural and religious Harmony and Security (NAP). diversity • engagement of members of Australia’s Description Muslim communities with law In 2007–08, the department received enforcement agencies. $461 000 for partnerships with state and Projects initiated or extended in 2007–08 territory government agencies to implement included the: projects under the NAP. • Arts of Islam Project, which supported Performance visits to an exhibition in the Art Gallery of New South Wales by 600 young people During 2007–08, 11 new partnership from Western Sydney, enhancing agreements were negotiated, formalised awareness and appreciation of through memoranda of understanding or Islamic cultures funding agreements and initiated. In addition, projects from 2006–07 • Queensland Muslim Worker Extension and 2005–06 continued. Project, which is providing individualised employment support to 245 young Outcome Two The new projects built on work undertaken people disadvantaged in the labour in previous years, each addressing at market least one of the four NAP focus areas of • Intergenerational Mediation Project education, employment, integration and in outer Melbourne, which enhanced security. They complemented other NAP communication between migrant initiatives, such as those being undertaken parents and their Australian-born by other federal agencies, and helped to children achieve a balance between government support and community responsibility. • Young People and the Internet At the end of 2007–08, 13 projects were Project which is analysing the role of still underway. It is expected they will all be the internet and other new media in completed by the end of the 2008 encouraging young people to accept or calendar year. embrace violent or extreme behaviour. Administered items The 2007–08 state and territory partnership Negotiations with state and territory projects achieved the following NAP governments regarding 2008–09 and outcomes: 2009–10 partnership projects had • provision of employment and training commenced by the end of 2007–08. opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market

Administered items 203 Table 89: National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security— state/territory government partnerships—performance information

Measures Results

2006–07 2007–08

Quality

Project activity completed according All memoranda of understanding and funding to agreement agreements signed and initiated within the financial year most substantially met the objectives of their work plans

Quantity

8 memoranda of understanding or 8 11 funding agreements

204 Annual Report 2007–08 National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters—contribution

Objective Performance Set and maintain high national standards NAATI continued to deliver services in in translating and interpreting and support accordance with its objectives and the the ongoing development of a pool of changing needs and demography of accredited translators and interpreters who Australian society. Results achieved in are responsive to the changing needs of the 2007–08 were positive and contributed Australian society. significantly to maintaining high national standards in translating and interpreting. Description In 2007–08, NAATI commenced a The National Accreditation Authority for project to encourage new interpreters in Translators and Interpreters (NAATI) is a community languages where there are company limited by guarantee and the continuing shortages. The Australian only national accreditation authority for Government has provided $400 000 over interpreters and translators in Australia. four years for delivery of this project, which The Australian Government, and state focuses on subsidising NAATI preparatory and territory governments contribute to workshops and application, assessment NAATI funding and the members of NAATI and associated fees for participants. are the nine ministers responsible for citizenship and/or multicultural affairs in each jurisdiction. In 2007–08, the Australian Government contribution was $536 000. Outcome Two Table 90: National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters— contribution—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Contribution paid as specified in the funding agreement between Contribution paid the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters and the Australian, state and territory governments

Quantity

One grant paid on time Grant paid on time Administered items

Administered items 205 Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009—contribution Objective About 10 000 participants are expected to come to Melbourne for the event. The Parliament of the World’s Religions (PWR) will contribute to better public The Australian Government has allocated understanding of, and support for, social $2 million towards activities in the lead up cohesion and religious diversity. The to, and during, the 2009 PWR. department, as the lead agency, will coordinate and facilitate the Australian Performance Government’s involvement in the PWR. The funding agreement with the organisers of the event, PWR Melbourne 2009 Limited, Description has been signed and the first instalment The PWR is one of the largest periodic has been paid. As part of the funding gatherings of representatives from many agreement, the organisation has achieved of the world’s religious and spiritual the following milestones: communities, for discussions about peace, • recruitment of a local director and diversity and sustainability in the context program associate of inter-religious understanding and • purchase of office equipment cooperation. The PWR is held every five years in different cities around the world. • recruitment and training of community Melbourne won the bid to host the 2009 organisers PWR, which will run for seven days from • consultation and research conducted to 3 to 9 December 2009. inform the drafting of the key themes, program and overall format. Approximately 450 activities, including keynote addresses, seminars, conferences, debates, performances, concerts and exhibitions will be held.

Table 91: Parliament of the World’s Religions 2009—contribution—performance information

Measures Results

2007–08

Quality

Funding agreements milestones are met Milestones for the reporting period have been met

Quantity

One funding agreement One agreement

206 Annual Report 2007–08 Welfare of humanitarian minors without parents in Australia Objective settlement services to UHMs through the UHM program, whether they arrive lawfully To have in place appropriate guardianship, or unlawfully, or as part of the offshore monitoring and settlement support resettlement program. arrangements for all unaccompanied humanitarian minors (UHMs) in the UHM The UHM program seeks to provide program. effective welfare supervision and settlement support to minors while they live in Australia Description or until the year they turn 18. It is funded Unaccompanied humanitarian minors are through cost sharing agreements between non-citizen children who arrive in Australia the Australian Government and state without a parent to care for them and who governments. have been granted a visa under Australia’s humanitarian program. Some UHMs have a Performance relative over the age of 21 years to provide At 30 June 2008, there were 537 UHMs in care and are called non-wards. UHMs who the UHM program, 528 of whom arrived do not have a suitable relative become under the offshore component of the wards of the Minister under the Immigration Humanitarian program and another nine (Guardianship of Children) Act 1946 (IGOC who were granted temporary or permanent Act). The minister’s functions as guardian protection visas onshore. under the IGOC Act are delegated to In 2007–08, total Australian Government officers in the child welfare agency in each

funding for state authorities through cost- Outcome Two state and territory. sharing agreements for the UHM program The Australian Government and state was $2 million. governments work together to provide

Table 92: Welfare of humanitarian minors without parents in Australia—performance information

Measures Results

Quality

Arrangements are in place for welfare supervision Guardianship arrangements are in place with and support of UHM wards and for the provision appropriate state welfare authorities of settlement assistance to all UHM non-wards Administered items Quantity

Number of UHMs (wards and non-wards) in There were 159 wards and 378 non-wards in the program the UHM program at 30 June 2008

Administered items 207 Governance Reports by the Auditor-General Client service excellence External scrutiny Managing people Asset management Purchasing Consultants and consultancy services Management and accountability

Management and accountability

209 Governance

During 2007–08, the department continued structure to ensure effective decision to invest in good governance at all levels. making, management and oversight of the Following an independent review of the department’s operations and performance. department’s governance arrangements in Following the review of governance 2006–07, improvements have been made undertaken in 2006–07, a number to the governance framework, including of adjustments were made to the the functioning and strategic focus of the department’s governance committees key governance committees. Information to streamline their operation and improve and education about values, standards their focus on strategic issues. and accountabilities have been expanded and there are robust frameworks in place The Executive Committee is the most for better managing stakeholder and senior governance committee in the client relationships, and departmental department. The key issues considered performance generally. by the committee include matters of strategic or operational significance, The department’s governance system setting organisational directions, priorities emphasises the core elements of holistic and plans, policy and strategy, financial governance in the department—leadership, management, change management, strategic direction, accountability, organisational performance, corporate performance, controls and assurance. management issues and strategic Together these elements work to support evaluations. the department’s strategic themes of being an open and accountable organisation, The Corporate Leadership Group (CLG) having fair and reasonable dealings provides a forum for key senior officers with clients and having well trained and covering the range of departmental supported staff. operations to focus on strategic policy and operational matters; promote collaboration The department aims to ensure staff have and coordinated activity across the a good understanding of the department’s department; and share information governance system. People in leadership focusing on business delivery, innovation roles have the further responsibility of and improvements. The CLG provides a ensuring that those in their teams are key source of considered advice to the clear about the policies, procedures and secretary to enable effective and informed business rules that govern their work decision making. and that all staff should participate fully in departmental performance management, The remaining key governance committees planning, accountability and assurance are the: processes. • Departmental Audit Committee • Values and Standards Committee Key governance committees The key governance committee framework • Systems Committee is an important element of the department’s • DIAC Performance Management arrangements for managing its business, Committee strategic priorities and risks. The framework • People Management Committee. works with the department’s organisational

210 Annual Report 2007–08 Figure 32: Structure of the department’s key governance committees 2007–08

Secretary

Executive Committee

Corporate Leadership Group

Departmental DIAC People Systems Values and Audit Performance Management Committee Standards Committee Management Committee Committee Committee

Performance Systems Management Boards Boards

Leadership and governance strong leadership and support to staff, During 2007–08, the Prominent Speaker through developing a better understanding Program continued. This program invites of our governance responsibilities and the prominent individuals from the public, attitudes and behaviours that underpin private, academic and community sectors them. to present to the senior leadership group on The program in 2007–08 included Management and accountability a range of topics on a two-monthly basis. presentations by: The objective of the current series—on • Mr Brian Pink—Australian Statistician, governance and leadership—is to Australian Bureau of Statistics develop and strengthen the leadership • Professor Ken Wiltshire—JD Story group’s appreciation of its central role in Professor of Public Administration, promoting good governance throughout University of Queensland the organisation. Together with other • Ms Elizabeth Proust—company director development initiatives, the series strongly and consultant promotes governance as ‘core business’ for the leadership group and the importance • Professor John McMillan— of having a strong and contemporary Commonwealth and Immigration appreciation of policy issues. Ombudsman • Mr Richard Towle—Regional Participation in the program by the senior Representative, United Nations High leadership group has been strong and Commissioner for Refugees reflects the high value placed on providing

Governance 211 • Mr Terry Moran AO—Secretary, risk management framework. This review Department of the Prime Minister identified opportunities to strengthen risk and Cabinet management. • Professor Raimond Gaita—Professor Quality assurance of Moral Philosophy at King’s College, University of London and Professor of The Governance and Assurance Branch Philosophy at the Australian Catholic continued to provide quality assurance University. training, advice and guidance on consistent standards in the design and review of Risk management quality assurance processes, enabling During 2007­–08, the department continued program managers and the Departmental to integrate risk management practices Audit Committee to identify trends and into a range of governance activities, emerging portfolio-wide risks. including business planning, contract The department has continued to increase management and internal audit planning. the number of quality assurance processes in All divisions, state and territory offices and place across different business areas. Periodic overseas regions had risk management plans reports are made to the Departmental Audit in place in 2007–08 and reported every Committee on the level of compliance with six months on any new risks, realised risks controls and on remedial action proposed or and on the status of planned controls. undertaken to address identified issues. From this information, a departmental risk register has been developed. An internal network group was established in 2007–08 to draw together departmental A corporate risk profile was compiled staff responsible for the development and reviewed by the Departmental Audit of quality assurance processes in their Committee and endorsed by the Executive respective business areas. The group Committee. The corporate profile provided provides a forum for staff to share a high level view of the department’s risks information and to gain an insight into and a tool for prioritising and managing risks. issues, ideas and success stories on quality The profile provides an opportunity for senior assurance activities on a regular basis. executives to review key risks and to inform the development of the planning and audit Fraud control measures program. During the year, oversight of the The department provides training and department’s obligations under the distributes promotional material to raise Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines awareness among staff of risk management 2002, was passed from the Fraud, principles and to promote an understanding Integrity and Security Committee to the and knowledge of the risk management Departmental Audit Committee (DAC). framework. A network of risk management The objective of the DAC is to provide contacts in the department meet monthly independent assurance and assistance to to discuss risk management issues. A help the secretary and the Executive Committee desk is also available to assist staff in on the department’s risk profile, fraud developing risk management plans. control plan, control and compliance In late 2007, as part of the commitment framework, and its external accountability to ongoing improvement, a working group responsibilities. was established to conduct a review of the

212 Annual Report 2007–08 The role of the DAC is outlined in more The current Fraud Control Plan 2006–08 detail overleaf. However, with regard to identifies fraud prevention, detection, fraud matters, the DAC is responsible for: investigation, reporting and data collection • ascertaining whether an effective fraud processes that meet the needs of the control plan is in place department and comply with the guidelines. • reviewing the plan and satisfying itself Work commenced during the year on that the department has appropriate preparing the Fraud Control Plan 2008–10 processes and systems in place to as part of the department’s obligations capture and effectively investigate fraud under the guidelines. related information. Preparation of the plan is one of the The department also established the Fraud department’s obligations in complying Management Section with overarching with the Commonwealth Fraud Control responsibility for developing the framework Guidelines which are issued under and governance for fraud prevention, regulation 19 of the Financial Management detection and investigation within the and Accountability Regulations 1997. department, and to improve links with The ultimate authority for the plan is the business planning, risk management and Financial Management and Accountability financial management. The section has Act 1997. responsibility for: The plan categorises fraud into three • strategic planning broad types, namely, visa and citizenship, • policy advice and support financial, and administrative fraud, based on • fraud training the supporting legislation of each category • enhancing fraud analysis and reporting and identifies a number of action items to address specific risks. • stakeholder relationship management. A fraud risk workshop was also undertaken The key actions of the section include: which identified, at a high level, a range of • developing the overall governance and fraud risk exposures which will be subject fraud management framework to more detailed examination during the life • establishing a rolling program of fraud of the Fraud Control Plan 2008–10. risk assessments to inform the Fraud

Control Plan A draft framework was developed by the Management and accountability Fraud Management Section for clearance • developing and implementing fraud by the DAC. The framework will provide performance measures a roadmap for the implementation of an • establishing a centralised fraud risk effective fraud control regime. register and implementing a suitable reporting framework The department also consolidated governance, planning and assurance • developing and delivering an education responsibilities, including fraud control, into and training program. one branch.

Governance 213 Departmental Audit Committee In April 2008, the department engaged the The secretary established the Departmental Institute of Internal Auditors to undertake Audit Committee in compliance with an independent quality assessment of the section 46 of the Financial Management internal audit function. The review examined and Accountability Act. the efficiency and effectiveness of internal auditing, opportunities for improvement The committee provides independent and conformance to the International assurance and assistance to the secretary Standards for the Professional Practice of and the Executive Committee on the Internal Auditing. department’s risk profile, fraud control plan, control and compliance framework, and its The review found that ‘internal audit within external accountability responsibilities. the department is operating satisfactorily, and in most respects could be considered The Departmental Audit Committee as representative of better practice in Financial Statements Sub-Committee internal auditing; it is a well run internal is appointed by, and reports to, the audit activity’. The general perception Departmental Audit Committee. The was that the internal audit section was sub-committee is responsible for the well respected, seen as competent and oversight of the preparation of the annual professional in delivering its services and financial statements, including facilitating the work was described as being of good resolution of any identified issues in a quality. The department fully complied with timely manner. The Departmental Audit 44 of the 46 standards against which it was Committee reviews and clears the annual measured and there was partial compliance financial statements before submission to with the other two standards. This was the secretary. seen as an excellent result. The department works cooperatively with the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) to coordinate overall audit activity within the department, and to ensure there is no duplication of the audit effort. The ANAO is invited to attend Departmental Audit Committee and Departmental Audit Committee Financial Statements Sub-Committee meetings.

Internal audit The internal audit function is managed by the Governance, Planning and Assurance Branch which reports directly to the secretary and operates under the authority of the Internal Audit Charter. The internal audit program is primarily delivered by the department’s strategic partner, Ernst & Young. However, the department also manages a supplementary panel of external providers who undertake selected audits.

214 Annual Report 2007–08 Reports by the Auditor-General

The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) Audit Report No. 24 2007–08: conducted a number of performance audits DIAC’s management of the in the department during 2007–08. introduction of biometric technologies The objective of the audit was to determine Audit Report No. 2 2007–08: whether the department’s biometrics Electronic Travel Authority program had appropriate: (ETA)—follow-up audit • business review processes The objective of the audit was to examine (including a business case) the department’s implementation of the nine recommendations made in an audit • authorisation conducted in 1999. It also took into • business and IT governance account changed circumstances since the arrangements original audit. These include a heightened • IT project management and systems security environment after 11 September development arrangements. 2001 and the results of other relevant ANAO performance audits and financial Overall the ANAO considered that the statement work. department’s introduction of biometric technologies is an important element of the The ANAO concluded that the department Australian Government’s priorities in relation had implemented the recommendations to better verification of claimed identity and from the 1999 audit report, while noting that in the identification of those whose identity some further work was required in relation may be in doubt. The ANAO recognised to certain recommendations. that the department’s introduction of In their report, the ANAO made two biometrics has been challenging given the recommendations. The first was that rapidly evolving nature of the technologies passenger processing performance involved and the dynamic environment in measures be included in the Memorandum which the technologies are being deployed. of Understanding (MOU) between the This includes major changes to the department and the Australian Customs department’s systems and evolving national and international approaches to the use

Service. A new MOU was signed with Management and accountability Customs in June 2008 which includes and choice of biometrics. performance measures. The ANAO found that the department The second recommendation was that the obtained a clear government mandate department undertakes a quality assurance to research, trial and introduce biometric program which tests the completeness technologies and that accompanying and accuracy of the immigration data legislation was put in place. The ANAO entered into the Movement Alert List (MAL). further found that the department’s planning This recommendation has also been including its business case, was generally implemented. sound. The governance arrangements that were established were also deemed to be The ANAO noted that in implementing the sound, as were the strong provisions aimed recommendations, the department had at protecting sensitive personal information. improved the administration of the ETA system which continues to be a robust The ANAO made four recommendations. and efficient platform. It is a key component The first proposed an evaluation and of the department’s layered approach to monitoring strategy to ensure that the border management. intended benefits were being delivered by the chosen biometric approach.

Reports by the Auditor-General 215 The second related to ensuring that the Other ANAO audit activity department’s strategy maximised the The department participated in the following potential for interoperability with overseas ANAO cross-agency audits during the year: countries and national counterparts. The • Interim Phase of the Audit of Financial third recommended that the department Statements of the General Government obtain structured feedback from Sector Agencies for the year ending stakeholders and strengthen assurance 30 June 2008 processes around access and disclosure. • Audits of Financial Statements of The final recommendation proposed better Australian Government Entities for requirements for management of the period ended 30 June 2007 IT projects. • Non-APS workers The department agreed with all four • Australian Government Agencies recommendations and, in response, Management of their websites developed a recommendation implementation plan which has already • Protective Security Audit (security seen progress relating to each of the clearances and vetting). recommendations. A biometrics projects requirements manager has been appointed Joint Committee of Public Accounts and is currently conducting an evaluation, and Audit assessing the benefits to date, while also The Joint Committee of Public Accounts receiving structured feedback from decision and Audit is required by the Public makers and stakeholders. Accounts and Audit Act 1951 to examine all reports of the Auditor-General tabled in Audits in progress parliament. Its review procedures are built The following audits are currently around a series of public hearings held in progress: each quarter. During 2007–08, none of • Management of the Australian the joint committee’s reports related to the Government’s Action Plan to Eradicate department’s operations. Trafficking in Persons • Management of the Movement Alert List • Construction of the Christmas Island Immigration Reception and Processing Centre • Settlement Grants Program.

216 Annual Report 2007–08 Client service excellence Embedding a culture of client • A comprehensive compliments and service excellence complaints policy was developed. In the last 12 months the department • Draft External Client Service Standards has continued progress in developing were developed which articulate what and embedding a culture of client service clients and stakeholders can expect excellence across the organisation—a from the department. process which started in 2005–06 as Increased understanding of clients has part of a response to the Palmer and informed and driven a number of positive Comrie reports. changes across the service network, including: Client Service Improvement • an inaugural annual Secretary’s Program Client Service Challenge to recognise The launch of the Client Service examples of excellent client service Improvement Program and Client Service delivered by teams Charter in June 2006 marked the start of a • periodic Awards for Client Service series of ongoing initiatives to develop and Excellence where the secretary implement service improvements across recognises a person or team whose the department. conduct embodies the department’s The momentum continued in 2007–08. strategic value statement, Clients were surveyed and consulted in ‘people our business’ order to better understand their service • improvements in overseas contact needs and expectations. Examples of this centres which have enhanced the consultation include the following: timeliness and quality of responses • A client service intercept poll survey to clients was conducted by the University of • the establishment of a letter Queensland Social Research Centre improvement program to ensure in November 2007, with 82 per cent consistency and quality in departmental of clients satisfied with the service letters to clients

provided by the department. Clients Management and accountability • the refit of immigration offices to make also provided suggestions on where them more welcoming and client services could improve. A program friendly—the Brisbane and Hobart of regular client surveys has been offices have been refitted and others will developed to take this work forward be rolled out as refurbishments are due in 2008–09. or new leases are entered into, • Consultation was undertaken with while the Australian High Commission external and internal clients as well as in New Delhi and embassies in stakeholders in regular Value Creation Port Vila and Vientiane relocated to Workshops and Client Reference new premises during the year Groups. • Client Service Action Plans in every • A centralised Global Feedback Unit state, territory and overseas office that was introduced for better complaints incorporate department-wide initiatives resolution, analysis and reporting. and commitments, as well as local actions to improve client service

Client service excellence 217 • a Contact Centre summit, in response The purpose of the research was to to low levels of satisfaction with phone determine client satisfaction directly services in the first Client Satisfaction after interaction with the department, Survey—resourcing and management either in person, by telephone or through issues have been actively addressed the department’s website. Clients were in order to improve performance in this randomly intercepted by interviewers when important service channel leaving in-person client service areas in • a detailed analysis of service channels Melbourne, Sydney CBD, Parramatta, to develop a comprehensive channel Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane. Key results management strategy to ensure that were as follows: services match client needs and • 97.5 per cent of clients reported being expectations. treated courteously by staff Client Service Charter • 88 per cent advised that they were satisfied with the department’s The Client Service Charter describes the telephone service department’s commitment to delivering • overall satisfaction with the high quality client service and listening department’s client service was and responding to client feedback. It 82 per cent. outlines the standard of service our clients can expect and remains a core driver in There was variation in the level of improving services. satisfaction between the service channels, with a higher satisfaction rating for Performance against the client in-person and telephone than online service standards services. In 2007–08, the department’s focus has The 2008 Client Satisfaction Survey been on embedding the charter and service involved attitudinal research across a standards and ensuring organisational range of client groups in order to collect performance against them by developing information on the department’s services a series of significantly expanded and and client service delivery. This survey ambitious internal and external service was the second in a series of annual client standards with associated performance satisfaction surveys. The University of indicators and methodology. Queensland Social Research Centre was engaged to conduct the survey and its These internal and draft external service focus was on the end-to-end experience standards focus on developing the type of clients. Almost 3400 applicants and of internal service environment necessary sponsors from a range of visa subclasses to deliver excellent client service. The were surveyed to determine the level standards give a clear description of the of satisfaction they experienced when level of service that clients can expect when interacting through a range of channels dealing with the department, and provide a with the department. Key results indicated: robust framework for measuring, reporting and improving the performance of the • overall satisfaction with the department’s service delivery network. department’s client service was 82 per cent (the level of dissatisfaction A Client Service Intercept Poll was at 8 per cent was less than half that in conducted by University of Queensland the 2007 survey) Social Research Centre, a member of • departmental staff identifying the department’s Client Service Research themselves by name had increased Panel, from 5 to 16 November 2007. substantially from 67 per cent in 2007 to 83 per cent in 2008

218 Annual Report 2007–08 • overall levels of clarity, accuracy and and ‘being an open and accountable timeliness of information provided to organisation’. The strategy aims to ensure clients had improved from 73.5 per cent clients are aware of their right to complain in 2007 to 83 per cent in 2008 and informs clients about the feedback • in-person and phone service satisfaction system and access points, including a (including speed with which phones ‘Compliments and complaints’ link on the were answered) increased modestly website. A web-based feedback handling from 2007 levels, with satisfaction toolkit for staff has also been developed. highest for in-person service at The communication strategy also includes 89 per cent leaflets and posters, comment cards, • online services overall achieved an information booklets for client service areas unexpectedly high satisfaction level and airports, and information on feedback of 80 per cent compared to the 2007 systems being provided to clients with result of 64.5 per cent correspondence such as decision letters. • staff wearing name badges had A critical area for the department in achieved the same levels in 2008 as 2008–09 is the need to address the issue those achieved in 2007 at 67 per cent of fear of retribution for clients—particularly • nearly half of the department’s clients at in relation to immigration detention services. 43 per cent were aware that they could This can be a powerful disincentive for provide feedback. clients thinking of providing feedback and is particularly relevant for clients from certain The department has responded to the cultural backgrounds. findings of the surveys in a number of ways, including: Global Feedback Unit • increasing the prominence of feedback The Global Feedback Unit continues mechanisms to provide valuable support to clients • undertaking detailed analysis of survey through the Client Feedback Line results to give front-line staff greater (133 177), web feedback form and awareness of particular issues raised a feedback mailing address. The by clients, with a view to enhancing implementation of a centralised feedback service delivery computer system has enabled better • refreshing client service training tools for tracking and management of client Management and accountability departmental staff. feedback. Feedback received includes complaints, compliments and suggestions. Client satisfaction with overseas operations Following implementation of the new is also being surveyed systematically and system, work was undertaken on the results used to improve service delivery. reporting and analysis function required to Client feedback help identify trends and systemic issues. The first reports were released in June 2007 This year the department has continued to and were provided to all business areas to focus on the value of client feedback. ensure that client feedback is used by the A comprehensive communication strategy department to improve its services. has been developed to ensure the feedback system is visible and accessible to clients The level of client feedback received by the and to accomplish departmental goals of department has increased substantially over ‘fair and reasonable dealings with clients’ the past twelve months with 12 760 cases

Client service excellence 219 recorded, compared to 9085 in 2006–07. Included in the 12 760 cases were 1742 compliments, 7620 complaints and 599 suggestions. The remainder included enquiries, provision of information or calls related to other agencies. Such an increase in all types of feedback is expected as the department continues to seek out client feedback and promote a commitment to listening to clients by providing various avenues for clients to send in their feedback. By actively seeking, measuring and analysing client feedback, the department can continue to pursue opportunities to enhance its services and increase community confidence in its operations.

220 Annual Report 2007–08 Profile

Secretary’s challenge brings out staff innovation Secretary Andrew Metcalfe threw down a challenge to staff to raise their service to clients to even higher levels, and ingenuity and innovation have flourished. The inaugural Secretary’s Client Service Challenge was announced in November 2007. ‘Take up the challenge: be inspired and inspiring to others—and realise the positive change you can make for your clients, yourself and your team,’ he said. Staff have certainly risen to that challenge. Case resolution teams in National Office, New South Wales and Victoria were given awards for launching a trial that saw waiting times for resolution of some Bridging E visa cases fall from three years to just six weeks. Other award winners have included the department’s team working in Amman, which

displays great sensitivity and ingenuity processing the applications of people living in the Management and accountability region. Many of the clients are still living in war zones with violence and hardship. In Basra and Baghdad, two of the most dangerous places in Iraq, the team provides a one- stop interview/medical/document completion and despatch service to alleviate stress and danger for clients. Another award winner is the eVisitor Visa Global Processing Centre in Tasmania. Activity levels of the program have almost doubled since 2005–06 but this dramatic growth has been managed through a range of client service improvements. A single contact point for international stakeholders, caseload ‘working bees’ and a dedicated email helpdesk have increased the team’s efficiency in spite of growing workloads. In National Office, the Client Feedback and Service Recovery Team won an award for building an innovative and responsive feedback mechanism, and promotion of excellence, as well as improving the handling of individual complaints to the Ombudsman. The teams were all recognised for their outstanding commitment to client service.

Client service excellence 221 External scrutiny Judicial decisions and decisions compliance with mandatory statutory of administrative tribunals decision making procedures. Although most aspects of this legislation have been Each year, thousands of decisions made in operation for almost a decade, new under the Migration Act 1958 by officers issues continue to emerge. For example, of the department (as delegates of the in SZKTI v. MIAC (28 May 2008), the Full minister) are reviewed by tribunals and Court of the Federal Court ruled that the courts. RRT must provide a written invitation to a The Migration Review Tribunal (MRT) can person when seeking additional information. review most visa decisions. The Refugee This ruling involved a novel interpretation of Review Tribunal (RRT) reviews decisions a provision (section 424) which has been in in relation to protection visas. The the Migration Act since 1999. The judgment Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) can creates practical difficulties for the RRT, and review certain business visa cancellation the minister has applied for special leave to decisions, and also character related appeal to the High Court in this and some refusal and cancellation decisions (except related cases. when the decision is personally made by Under the Migration Act, serious the minister). The AAT also has jurisdiction consequences can flow from litigation in decisions relating to registration of outcomes that render notification invalid migration agents, and in decisions under due to technical failures by the department the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 and the and tribunals when communicating with Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act). clients. For example, notification of a refusal Most court proceedings challenging decision may be legally invalid, even where visa decisions take place in the Federal it is received. One consequence is that Magistrates Court. Appeals can be brought information on departmental systems about from the Federal Magistrates Court to the a client’s status, which was correct at the Federal Court and from the Federal Court time it was entered, may become incorrect to the High Court, when special leave is as a result of an adverse judgment. given by the High Court. Cases where the department is being sued for damages are Commonwealth and Immigration usually heard in state courts (district courts Ombudsman’s reports on 247 cases or supreme courts). of immigration detention In mid-2005, the government referred the During 2007–08, a total of 4302 matters cases of 247 persons who had been held were resolved before the courts and the in immigration detention and later released AAT. A total of 95 per cent of matters that under the systems descriptor ‘not unlawful’, proceeded to a defended hearing before to the Commonwealth and Immigration the courts were resolved in the minister’s Ombudsman for review. The Ombudsman’s favour. reports on these cases, in 2006 and 2007, The bulk of the department’s litigation found either legal or factual deficiencies caseload arises from applications for in most of the cases. The reports also review of RRT decisions and, to a lesser highlighted problematic practices in the use extent, MRT decisions. These cases often of the detention power in section 189 of the raise technical issues about the tribunals’ Migration Act.

222 Annual Report 2007–08 The department established the 247 Human Rights and Equal Detention Remedial Action Project to Opportunity Commission undertake its own detailed review of The department received seven new each case to determine and implement complaints in 2007–08, compared to appropriate remedies for each individual 16 in the previous year. in the 247 cohort. Over the past year, the project made significant advances in the Of the 15 complaints closed in 2007–08, reform process. The secretary’s review one report, ‘Complaint by Mr Huong contains a detailed commentary on the Nguyen and Mr Austin Okoye against the progress of the project. Commonwealth of Australia (Department of Immigration and Citizenship, formerly the Commonwealth Ombudsman Department of Immigration and Multicultural The department received a total of 569 and Indigenous Affairs) and GSL (Australia) complaints from the Commonwealth and Pty Ltd’, in which the department was a Immigration Ombudsman in 2007–08. This respondent was tabled in parliament by was an increase of 10.3 per cent on the the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity previous year. Commission on 13 March 2008. Of the 569 new complaints investigated Reports by external bodies by the Ombudsman in 2007–08, 382 In August 2007, the Ombudsman released were resolved. Of all new complaints, the Lessons for Public Administration— administrative deficiency was identified in Ombudsman Investigation of Referred 6.8 per cent of complaints (39 cases). Immigration Cases, August 2007 report that A total of 72 complaints were brought to draws together ten lessons relevant to all resolution and reported as administratively areas of government from the eight reports deficient in 2007–08. Of these, 39 were covering the 247 referred immigration received in 2007–08 and 33 had been detention cases. The Ombudsman noted carried over from previous years. that the administrative problems and errors The Ombudsman’s office has noted that exposed in the reports were not unique the increase in administrative deficiency to immigration administration and that is explained in part by the number of agencies generally should heed the lessons to guard against administrative error

Freedom of Information (FOI) complaints Management and accountability they have received, and also as a result and ensure good decision making. The of improvements and changes within their department has worked hard since 2005 organisation relating to identification and to address the weaknesses noted. recording of these complaints. The Ombudsman’s Notification of Decisions and Review Rights for Unsuccessful The Ombudsman’s office also noted that Visa Applications report was released in where a complaint was made about a delay December 2007. While acknowledging the in FOI processing, administrative deficiency significant challenges facing the department was recorded where the processing time in terms of the complexities of the issues exceeded the statutory timeframe. In involved, the report concluded overall 2007–08 the department eliminated a that the management of notifications of substantial backlog and implemented new adverse decisions is not coordinated or procedures to process FOI requests within consistent. The department accepted the statutory timeframes. Ombudsman’s recommendations and has

External scrutiny 223 made improvements to the management In June 2008, the minister asked the of notification letters as part of its reform Federal Parliamentary Joint Standing process and ongoing commitment to Committee on Migration to enquire into service delivery excellence. immigration detention in Australia as a basis for developing a more humane approach to In April 2008, the Ombudsman published this difficult public policy issue. the Administration of Detention Debt Waiver and Write-Off report. The Ombudsman’s Privacy complaints investigation found that the department In 2007–08, the department received a is administering debt waiver and write- total of two privacy complaints through the off according to the legislative and policy Office of the Privacy Commissioner (OPC), requirements but there is scope for while another four were received directly improvement, particularly in relation to the from clients. There are no comparative information provided to clients; timeliness figures available for 2006–07. and prioritisation in processing cases; and the consistency and reasonableness The department has responded to the two of decisions. The department has OPC complaints and its responses are taken significant steps to address the under consideration by that office. Three of recommendations identified in the report the four direct client complaints have been through reforms to governance and overall finalised while the fourth is awaiting closure. improvements in the debt management function and client services. Freedom of Information Prior to 2007–08, the department was not In June 2008, the Ombudsman published meeting its statutory obligations under the Timeliness of decision making under the FOI Act. The Commonwealth Ombudsman FOI Act 1982 report. It recommended that was monitoring the department closely the department conduct a wide-ranging following numerous complaints about review of its FOI and information disclosure delays in FOI processing. The Ombudsman processes having regard to specific highlighted many causes for the delays and recommendations in the report. The put forward a number of recommendations department accepted all the Ombudsman’s in his own-motion Department of recommendations, and pointed to strong Immigration and Citizenship: Timeliness and steady progress in improving its of decision making under the Freedom of FOI processing and in providing helpful Information Act 1982 investigation report. guidance to clients and FOI applicants. Further information in this regard is included In late 2007, the department invested under the Freedom of Information section of additional funds to establish a taskforce to this report. address the significant backlog of overdue FOI requests and to make improvements to In January 2008, HREOC released its business processes to increase compliance Summary of Observations following with statutory timeframes in the FOI Act. the Inspection of Mainland Immigration The taskforce commenced in January Detention Facilities 2007 report. The 2008 with a backlog of 3112 overdue FOI report noted that, despite improvements in requests and a compliance rate with the conditions in detention facilities, significant 30 day statutory timeframe of only work remained to be done. The department 20 per cent. undertook to continue to work with HREOC to further improve detention By 30 June 2008, the backlog had been services in 2008. reduced to only 310 overdue FOI requests

224 Annual Report 2007–08 and the compliance rate had been provide for the testing of prospective increased to over 70 per cent. applicants for Australian citizenship by conferral. The committee made four This remarkable outcome was achieved by recommendations in its report, three of implementing a broad range of initiatives which were agreed to by government. including: • reducing the number of FOI Two of the three recommendations were requests received by improving staff implemented upon passage of the Testing understanding of what is personal Bill in parliament in September 2007. The information and what can be accessed third recommendation was implemented by clients under the Privacy Act 1988. with the minister’s announcement on The release of personal information and 28 April 2008 of the appointment of an documents under the Privacy Act rather independent committee, tasked with than the FOI Act has been a priority for conducting a review of the citizenship test the department since its implementation on 1 October 2007. • providing FOI information in all- The independent committee is chaired by staff messages from the secretary, Mr Richard Woolcott AC, former diplomat an outreach training program, an and Secretary of the Department of Information Contact Officer Network, Foreign Affairs and Trade. The review FOI and Privacy eLearning packages, committee’s report is being considered by updated Client Enquiry Service scripts the government. and web information to drive cultural Joint Standing Committee on change around access to information in Migration—September 2007: the department Temporary visas … permanent • implementing a new service delivery benefits. Ensuring the effectiveness, model, which will see the establishment fairness and integrity of the temporary of two FOI centres of excellence in business visa program Victoria and New South Wales, with st processing being transitioned to the The (41 Parliament) Joint Standing centres from 1 July 2008. Committee on Migration (JSCM) adopted an inquiry into eligibility requirements and Reports by parliamentary monitoring, enforcement and reporting committees arrangements for temporary business visas Management and accountability in December 2006. The terms of reference There have been two reports by for the inquiry focused on the adequacy of parliamentary committees relating to the the eligibility requirements for department during 2007–08. subclass 457 visas (and labour agreements Senate Standing Committee on Legal under the program) as well as the and Constitutional Affairs—July effectiveness of compliance arrangements. The JSCM’s report was tabled in parliament 2007: Inquiry into the Australian in September 2007. Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Bill 2007 The JSCM report contained 25 In July 2007, the Senate Standing recommendations and addressed issues Committee on Legal and Constitutional concerning the Department of Immigration Affairs released its report on the Australian and Citizenship (DIAC), the Department of Citizenship Amendment (Citizenship Testing) Health and Ageing, and the Department Bill 2007 (the Testing Bill), which amended of Education, Employment and Workplace the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 to Relations (DEEWR).

External scrutiny 225 The recommendations are being Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade considered as part of the review of the and the Treasury subclass 457 visa program including: • the Skilled Migration Consultative Panel • the 457 Integrity Review being including representatives from state conducted by industrial relations expert, governments, industry and unions. Ms Barbara Deegan A formal response to the JSCM report will • the inter‑departmental committee be finalised following the government’s established by the government consideration of all reform options for the comprising DIAC, DEEWR, the subclass 457 program.

Table 93: Handling of ministerial, parliamentary and cabinet business

Type of statistical material 2005–06 2006–07 2007–081

Ministerial correspondence, submissions and briefs

Correspondence 38 049 25 459 27 853

Submissions 3 150 4 989 4 257

Function and meeting briefs 464 464 353

Parliamentary

Possible minister’s questions 988 862 563

Estimates questions on notice 722 548 192

Parliamentary questions on notice 149 131 52

Cabinet documents

Exposure drafts 90 72 37

Final submissions/memoranda 68 68 50

Minutes 138 108 101

1 Numbers affected by 2007 Federal election and preceding caretaker period.

226 Annual Report 2007–08 Managing people Our vision The major aims of the staff survey were to: That the department has the people it • identify and report the level of staff needs to build and sustain a strong, positive motivation and performance using the and successful organisation that enriches Employee Motivation and Performance Australia through the well-managed entry Indicator methodology and settlement of people. • map and report on the department’s culture Our people • benchmark the department’s employee At 30 June 2008, the department employed motivation and performance against 7106 ongoing and non-ongoing staff, with other Australian public sector 2978 staff in National Office, 3973 in the organisations. state and territory offices and 155 Australia- based staff providing services overseas The results were broadly consistent with (including 18 Airline Liaison Officers). The public sector norms, except in two areas— department also employed an additional the department had a significantly higher 1000 locally-engaged employees (LEEs) level of employee commitment, and a lower in overseas locations, administered by the level of satisfaction with communication Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade from leaders in the Senior Executive (DFAT) on our behalf. Service. The department has a younger age profile The culture was found to be predominantly than the Australian Public Service average a motivating one and was broadly and a higher percentage of female staff. homogenous across the department. During 2007–08, the department had a In response to the results of the 2007 retention rate of approximately 90 per cent DIAC Staff Survey every branch prepared and our staff survey results indicate that our and reported on action plans, which were employees are overwhelmingly committed designed to address staff concerns and to our organisational purpose. areas the staff survey results indicated that performance could be improved.

Staff survey Management and accountability During 2007–08, the department received Workforce composition the results of the 2007 DIAC Staff Survey, At 30 June 2008, the department had conducted by Hinds Workforce Research 8106 employees, including locally engaged following a competitive tender process. employees administered by DFAT on the department’s behalf, representing Supporting the department’s strategic an increase of 5.5 per cent from themes of well trained and supported staff, 2006–07. However, following the an open and accountable organisation, implementation of the Financial Health and fair and reasonable dealing with clients, Check recommendations, the department the survey enabled staff to express their experienced a decrease in staffing numbers opinions and provide input on their work in May to June 2008. Details of the staffing environment. profile are shown in tables 94 to 98.

Managing people 227 Table 94: Staffing levels by location (headcount)

Location As at 30 June 2007 As at 30 June 20081

National Office 2 881 2 978

New South Wales 1 329 1 386

Victoria 917 974

Queensland 410 437

South Australia 415 466

Western Australia 429 406

Tasmania 128 142

Northern Territory 55 59

Australian Capital Territory and 91 103 regional offices

Overseas (Australia-based staff) 147 137

Airline Liaison Officers 16 18

Sub-total 6 818 7 106

Overseas2 (locally engaged employees) 869 1 000

Total 7 687 8 106

1 Staffing figures as at 30 June 2008 exclude staff on temporary transfer to other APS agencies. 2 Overseas staff administered by DFAT on our behalf as at 27 June 2008 (figures as at 30 June 2008 are currently unavailable). The number includes 969 DFAT LEEs and 31 Austrade LEEs (10 in Auckland and 21 in Dubai).

228 Annual Report 2007–08 1 2 2 4 45 52 78 10 385 2 1 032 1 476 1 220 1 390 1 173 Overall result

1 1 7 2

32 16 38 11 Result

6 5

3 1

19 35 Female

3 6 1 1 4 1

13 10 Male Part-time

7 6 2

16 50 53 20 367 Result

6 3

as at 30 June 2008 14 31 33 14 1 254 Female

2 6 1 3 2

19 20 113 Male Full-time Non-ongoing

2 6

14 105 157 156 173 112 Result

2 3

92 14 151 139 153 103 Female

6 9

3

13 17 20 Male Part-time 1 4 4 2 2 4 45 10 522 367 1 255 1 043 1 209 1 048 Result 1 1 5 1 1 1 3 29 346 784 645 717 545 175 Management and accountability Female

3 5 3 1 1 1 16 176 471 398 492 503 192 Male Full-time Ongoing as at 30 June 2008 1 Non-ongoing figures also include irregular/intermittent staff. also include irregular/intermittent 1 Non-ongoing figures exclude Locally Engaged Employees. 2 Overall results Note: includes people acting as at June 2008. Table 95: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2008 Table Classification Cadets Graduate APS Level 1 APS Level 2 APS Level 3 APS Level 4 APS Level 5 APS Level 6 Exec Level 1 Exec Level 2 Medical Officer 2 Medical Officer 3 Medical Officer 4 Public Affairs Officer 1 Public Affairs

Managing people 229

3 5 1 15 14 24 48 15 94 17 2 7 106 Overall result

1

109 Result

69 Female

1

40 Male Part-time 1

1

523 Result

as at 30 June 2008 1 355 Female 1

1

168 Male Full-time Non-ongoing

1

1 2 4

11 744 Result

1

1 9 2 4

674 Female

2

continued 70 Male Part-time 3 5 1 14 13 23 36 13 89 17 5 730 Result 5 8 2 8 5 3

12 22 39 3 358 Female 9 5 1 5 2 1 11 14 50 12 Male 2 372 Full-time Ongoing as at 30 June 2008 1 Non-ongoing figures also include irregular/intermittent staff. also include irregular/intermittent 1 Non-ongoing figures exclude Locally Engaged Employees. 2 Overall results one female and two male. deputy secretaries, the department has three (SES Band 3). Ordinarily include people acting on the above dates, including two deputy secretaries Note: Figures Table 95: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2008 Table Classification Public Affairs Officer 2 Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer 3 Public Affairs Senior Public Affairs Officer Senior Public Affairs Legal Officer Senior Legal Officer Principal Legal Officer SES Band 1 SES Band 2 SES Band 3 Secretary Total

230 Annual Report 2007–08 2 2 2 7 1

36 35 78 2 363 983 1 131 1 347 1 178 1 423 Overall result

5 9 2 1 2 8

12 19 Result

1 4 1

1 7 4 9

Female

4 5 1 1 1 1 8

10 Male Part-time

1

10 15 18 50 15 12 180 Result

7 9 9 7

as at 30 June 2007 12 40 1 122 Female

1 3 6 6 6 5

10 58 Male Non-ongoing Full-time

1 4 1

13 78 101 153 142 131 Result

2 1

13 93 68 137 133 122 Female

1 2

8 9 9

16 10 Male Part-time 2 2 1 3 8 4 1 78 344 717 1 011 1 177 1 017 1 240 Result 2 1 1

4 2

Management and accountability 58 155 523 660 618 802 469 Female

1

3 4 2 1 20 189 488 517 399 438 248 Male Ongoing as at 30 June 2007 Full-time

Public Affairs Officer 1 Public Affairs Medical Officer 4 Medical Officer 3 Medical Officer 2 Exec Level 2 Exec Level 1 APS Level 6 APS Level 5 APS Level 4 APS Level 3 APS Level 2 APS Level 1 Graduate Cadets Table 96: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2007 Table staff. also include irregular/intermittent 1 Non-ongoing figures exclude Locally Engaged Employees. 2 Overall results Note: includes people acting as at June 2007. Classification

Managing people 231 1 3 3

21 84 17 44 29 15 13 2 6 818 Overall result

58 Result

27 Female

31 Male Part-time

2 303 Result

2 as at 30 June 2007 1 208 Female

95 Male Non-ongoing Full-time

2 1 9 1

637 Result

2 1 8 1

581 Female

continued

1

56 Male Part-time 1 3 3 21 82 16 35 28 15 11 5 820 Result

1 7 2 8 5 37 10 24 19 3 408 Female 1 2 6 9 1 7 6 14 45 11 Male 2 412 Ongoing as at 30 June 2007 Full-time

Total Secretary SES Band 3 SES Band 2 SES Band 1 Principal Legal Officer Senior Legal Officer Legal Officer Senior Public Affairs Officer Senior Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer 3 Public Affairs Public Affairs Officer 2 Public Affairs Table 96: Staffing levels by classification as at 30 June 2007 Table staff. also include irregular/intermittent 1 Non-ongoing figures exclude Locally Engaged Employees. 2 Overall results include people acting as at June 2007. Note: Figures Classification

232 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 97: Senior Executive Service as at 30 June 2007

Actual classification Male Female Total

SES Band 1 45 39 84

SES Band 2 14 7 21

SES Band 3 2 1 3

Total 61 47 108

Note: Figures include people acting on the above dates.

Table 98: Senior Executive Service as at 30 June 2008

Actual classification Male Female Total

SES Band 1 51 43 94

SES Band 2 12 5 17

SES Band 3 2 3 5

Total 65 51 116

Note: Figures include people acting on the above dates, including two acting deputy secretaries (SES Band 3). Ordinarily the department has three deputy secretaries, one female and two male. Management and accountability

Managing people 233 People management initiatives combination of these factors; and an assessment of risks and opportunities Workforce planning for the department under each In 2007–08, business units developed scenario. The outcomes of this operational workforce plans as part of the process contributed key input into the department’s business planning process. implementation of several efficiency The DIAC Workforce Plan 2007–08 was reviews and business plans across the also developed to establish stronger department. linkages between business, budget and workforce planning, and to support the Workplace diversity plan achievement of business outcomes and The department launched its new sustainability. It considered the workforce Workplace Diversity Plan 2008–10 on implications of known changes to the 19 July 2008. The purpose of the plan business environment to forecast the is to increase the attraction, recruitment department’s workforce needs over a and retention of people with disabilities, three-year period. The plan contained a Indigenous Australians, mature-aged risk assessment of workforce issues and employees and people who will contribute proposed a range of strategies to mitigate to the cultural and linguistic diversity of the identified risks. As a result, the department: department’s workforce. • continued to improve HR systems and The process of developing the initiatives reporting to develop a better evidence- in the plan was based on a realistic and based understanding of the factors practical approach which recognises driving various workforce issues within that strengthening the department’s the department and to evaluate the performance allows the organisation to not effectiveness of HR strategies only meet legislative responsibilities, but to • clarified people management priorities, benefit from more competitive management which informed the development of the practices and improved service to clients. DIAC People Plan 2008–10 • produced a comprehensive workforce Recruitment policy environmental scan, which considered The new DIAC Recruitment Policy was the internal and external factors likely to launched in June 2008. It will enable affect the department’s demand for, and the department to adopt a more supply of, staff rigorous, efficient and timely approach to recruitment, including those processes • adopted a three-year planning period involving bulk selection. Major changes (updated annually) for future strategic in the policy include new requirements plans for selection committees, such as an • commenced development of several independent committee member; the need targeted strategies, for attraction and to use at least two approved selection retention, succession management, methodologies with high predictive validity; and mobility consistent procedures for using orders of • undertook scenario planning to merit and bulk rounds; and processes for develop a common understanding of ensuring good candidate care. Banks of environmental factors and constraints behaviourally-based questions, training for that will impact on the department’s independent committee members, business in the next three years; a guide to the new policy, and guidance a shared view on a best, likely and on designing work sample tests have been worst case scenario based on a provided to support selection committees.

234 Annual Report 2007–08 Caring for our Colleagues policy and continuous improvement. The branch Caring for our Colleagues was launched in has also assisted business areas May 2008. The policy is designed to create throughout the department to build their a culture within our organisation of caring capacity in training evaluation. for employees who are suffering from Work has begun on the development and/or caring for people with life- of a new strategy to respond to the threatening illnesses. The policy has department’s learning and development been provided to managers and HR requirements in a changing immigration managers nationally to ensure consistent policy and operational environment. The approaches in situations requiring sensitive new strategy will provide an integrated and confidential handling in times of framework for enhancing the skills and need. It has also been provided to other capability of staff and supporting the departmental secretaries and the Australian department’s commitment to ensuring that Public Service Commission for their use in its staff are ‘well trained and supported’. adopting our policy as an APS-wide best practice model. College of Immigration The College of Immigration continued its Learning and development focus on the development and delivery The Learning and Development Branch of role-based and accredited training (previously the National Training Branch) programs for staff in key operational roles. continued to administer the College of Training for existing compliance, detention Immigration specialist training programs and investigations officers has largely been in response to recommendations in completed and pilot training courses for the Palmer and Comrie reports. The airport and seaport entry officers, removals branch also provided a range of general officers and case managers were delivered capability and leadership development with support from Border Security Division programs including the ‘people our and Compliance and Case Management business’ induction program, graduate Division. Work has also commenced development program, overseas training to integrate these pilot courses into the course, executive leadership program, training program. fundamentals of supervision program and code of conduct training. A leadership The college also worked in partnership development course for high-potential with the Citizenship, Settlement and Management and accountability executive level staff was also piloted. Multicultural Affairs Division and Migration and Temporary Entry Division to deliver A range of e-learning products and role-based training to citizenship decision virtual classroom technology have been makers, 457 monitoring officers and introduced to provide distance education community liaison officers. in corporate and specialist areas for both onshore and overseas officers. The virtual People committees classroom technology enables a number of posts and state offices to participate in People Management Committee classroom-style training from their home The People Management Committee (PMC) locations. contributes to organisational effectiveness by strengthening the department’s All training delivered by the branch, understanding of strategic human including College of Immigration programs, resource management. The committee’s has been evaluated to ensure effectiveness membership comprises senior line

Managing people 235 managers, human resources and training The NSCF is the department’s peak professionals and two external members. consultative body of union, employee and The committee meets three times a year. management representatives on strategic issues affecting employees. The PMC has responsibility for recommending priorities to the secretary It provides an opportunity to consult on to ensure that planning and policies on matters such as conditions of employment, human resources issues are consistent and the implications of legislative, with government objectives and the funding, organisational, technological and department’s business directions, and procedural changes for employees. The providing advice to the executive on: NSCF meets at least three times per year • leading the change agenda with focus with additional meetings convened when on people support, capability and necessary. training, leadership and culture Values and Standards Committee • ensuring a consistent approach to The Values and Standards Committee people management and workforce was established in December 2005 planning across the department and to date has conducted sixteen • setting and overseeing the department’s meetings. The committee is chaired by a strategic people management as an deputy secretary and membership of the integral part of regular business and committee comprises a selection of division departmental planning processes. and branch heads from departmental The primary achievement of the PMC business areas and four external members in the past 12 months has been the who provide a whole-of-government implementation of the HR Guiding and community perspective. As an Framework and Key Priorities 2006–07. advisory committee, its role is to assist This document provided the strategic the department to ensure that the APS framework and priorities that guided Values are embedded in the work of the HR activity and the work of the People department. Management Committee during 2007–08. Over the past 12 months, the committee The PMC has also contributed to the has taken an interest in a number of development of the DIAC People Plan business initiatives that have been 2008–10, which identifies HR outcomes developed or implemented in the and outputs to be achieved within the department. These include the progress of department over the next three years, the the program of training and development Performance Management Framework, undertaken through the College of the DIAC Workforce Plan 2007–08, the Immigration and the Learning and HR Information Plan, the Workplace Development Branch; keeping the focus on Diversity Plan 2008–10, the Caring for Our ethical behaviour to sustain the momentum Colleagues policy, the DIAC Recruitment to generate cultural change; encouraging Policy, and the learning and development proactive responses by the department to requirements of the department. the staff survey findings; the development of the DIAC Recruitment Policy; and National Staff Consultative Forum the development of strategies to ensure The National Staff Consultative Forum continued high performance for compliance (NSCF) is constituted under the terms of officers, including through improved the department’s Collective Agreement recruitment practices. 2007–2010.

236 Annual Report 2007–08 Health and safety committees the APS Values and Code of Conduct by In line with legislative requirements to departmental employees. In 2007–08, the consult with staff and their representatives VCS received 220 allegations relating to the on OHS issues, the department convenes conduct of the department’s employees. health and safety committees in all national, The VCS is also responsible for the state and territory offices each quarter. development and implementation of a Key OHS issues are referred to the National number of policies related to the OHS Committee, which met four times APS Values and Code of Conduct in during 2007–08. accordance with the Public Service Act 1999 and related legislative framework, Ethical Standards as well as the provision of advice and The Immigration Dilemmas: Ethics, assistance to departmental employees. APS Values and Leadership (IDEAL) The department delivered Values and Code program is an initiative of the Values and of Conduct induction and refresher training Standards Committee and was developed to approximately 3186 employees during by the Values and Standards Branch. 2007–­08. Training was also provided to Implemented across the department in employees participating in the Overseas November 2006, IDEAL is an agency-level Training, Airport Liaison Officer and initiative to encourage ethical decision Fundamentals of Supervision courses. making. Primarily, IDEAL presents Specifically tailored Values and Code hypothetical ethical dilemmas derived of Conduct training was also provided to from real-life scenarios, and provides staff locally engaged employees at overseas the opportunity to discuss them in a safe posts. environment. Further scenarios have been developed in response to results from the 2007 DIAC Staff Survey and formal independent evaluation of the tool. By regularly developing new scenarios, the department hopes to maintain staff engagement with IDEAL and assist all staff, especially managers, to model positive leadership Management and accountability behaviours. The department has also promoted IDEAL as part of training across the department, for example, as a component of the Overseas Training Course, Values and Conduct Training and induction training.

Values and conduct The Values and Conduct Section (VCS) is responsible for the prevention, detection and investigation of allegations of fraud and criminal behaviour, and breaches of

Managing people 237 Workplace relations Senior Executive Service remuneration arrangements Senior Executive Service (SES) remuneration and conditions of Collective Agreement 2007–2010 employment are determined by the The department’s Collective Agreement secretary in accordance with subsection 2007–2010, made under section 328 of the 24(1) of the Public Service Act. All SES Workplace Relations Act 1996, was lodged employees are required to have individual with the Office of the Employment Advocate agreements, which typically provide for on 28 March 2007 and nominally expires on salary, superannuation, performance-based 28 March 2010. pay, access to a motor vehicle or equivalent The collective agreement provides flexibility cash out, and other applicable allowances. around hours of work and service delivery, Individual agreements and an improved performance management system to facilitate regular feedback, A breakdown of employees on individual assessment and earlier intervention on agreements is shown in Table 100. underperformance. Consistent with Tables 101, 102 and 103 provide a APS remuneration policy, the collective breakdown of employees by classification, agreement provides for salary increases the average payment and range of (annualised at 4.3 per cent per annum) in payment, and the aggregated amount of return for productivity improvements. performance payments. Appendix 1 provides details of the department’s classifications and salary rates. Table 99 outlines salary ranges for employees by APS classification.

Table 99: Salary ranges for employees as at 30 June 2008

Classification1 Range of salaries2

APS Level 1 $21 269 – $39 315

APS Level 2 $40 118 – $44 626

APS Level 3 $40 118 – $49 662

APS Level 4 $47 292 – $60 370

APS Level 5 $53 500 – $75 000

APS Level 6 $62 880 – $75 000

EXEC Level 1 $78 574 – $105 335

EXEC Level 23 $83 360 – $205 000

SES Band 1 $125 000 – $162 552

SES Band 2 / SES Band 3 $153 700 – $214 000

1 Classifications such as Medical Officers, Public Affairs Officers and Legal Officers have been reported under the relevant APS Classification in accordance with the Public Service Classification Rules 2000. 2 Salary ranges reflect our Collective Agreement and employees on individual agreements. 3 The Executive Level 2 classification category also includes salaries for the relevant Medical Officer classification as per the Public Service Classification Rules 2000.

238 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 100: Number of departmental staff on individual agreements as at 30 June 2008 (nominal)

Classification On an AWA On a subsection 24(1) Total agreement

APS Level 3 37 1 38

APS Level 4 8 2 10

APS Level 5 24 4 28

APS Level 6 27 4 31

Exec Level 1 119 11 130

Exec Level 2 169 16 185

SES1 82 5 87

Total 466 43 509

1 Does not include the secretary.

Table 101: Employees by classification Table 102: Aggregated amount of who received performance performance payments by pay (nominal) classification level (nominal)

Classification Number of employees who Classification Aggregated amount of received performance pay1 performance pay1

APS Level 3 18 APS Level 3 $41 898

APS Level 4 13 APS Level 4 $39 564

APS Level 5 22 APS Level 5 $103 641

APS Level 6 26 APS Level 6 $120 640

Exec Level 1 63 Exec Level 1 $464 929 Management and accountability Exec Level 2 144 Exec Level 2 $1 284 888

SES Band 1 79 SES Band 1 $891 927

SES Band 2 / 19 SES Band 2 / $326 181 SES Band 3 SES Band 3

Total 384 Total $3 273 667

1 Numbers relate to employees who were paid performance 1 Payments relate to employees who were paid performance bonuses for the appraisal period 1 July 2007 to bonuses for the appraisal period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008. 30 June 2008.

Managing people 239 Table 103: Average bonus payment and range of payments by classification level (nominal)

Classification Average payment Range of payments

APS Level 3 $1 995 $369—$3 689

APS Level 4 $1 978 $868—$3 011

APS Level 5 $3 048 $369—$13 000

APS Level 6 $3 892 $1 250—$7 500

Exec Level 1 $7 380 $1 071—$14 850

Exec Level 2 $8 923 $930—$20 640

SES Band 1 $11 290 $3 565—$21 945

SES Band 2 / SES Band 3 $17 167 $6 205—$32 100

Other non-salary benefits Rewards and recognition The range of benefits, other than base Recognition of staff in the form of positive salary, provided to employees under the feedback and celebration of achievement department’s collective agreement and is an important part of the department’s individual agreements include: culture and business practice. The • community language allowance of up department’s Reward and Recognition to $1580.60 per annum dependent on Scheme provides a framework to recognise employee’s qualifications, and where and reward employees for the achievement there is an identifiable and continuing of corporate goals, providing both cash and operational need for the employee’s non-cash rewards and recognition. language skills Individual and team achievements are also • first aid officer allowance of up to recognised through a number of internal $581.44 per annum to appointed first and external awards. These awards include aid officers dependent on their current the secretary’s citations, Australia Day qualifications awards, Award for Client Service Excellence • volunteer allowance of $293.54 per (ACSE), and external awards such as the annum to employees with recognised Order of Australia and the Public Service responsibilities as a Health and Safety Medal. Australia Day awards within Representative, Harassment Contact the department recognise outstanding Officer or Emergency Control Volunteer achievements of officers in the improvement • Departmental Liaison Officer allowance of the quality of departmental services, of $15 241.50 per annum to employees working environment and management. performing duties of a Departmental The monthly secretary’s ACSE recognises Liaison Officer a member of staff or a team for service excellence on the basis of positive client • leave flexibilities, such as purchased feedback. annual leave, half pay annual leave, ceremonial leave, family leave, sick and personal leave, defence reserve leave, emergency duty with state emergency services leave, jury leave and compassionate leave.

240 Annual Report 2007–08 Health and safety The plan received executive endorsement in 2007 and work under the plan is continuing Occupational Health and Safety to achieve its broad range of targets. The department is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for staff, Health, safety and wellbeing contractors and visitors. This commitment To promote health, safety and wellbeing, is reflected in the new DIAC Occupational the department provided employees and Health and Safety Agreement 2007–2009 contractors with a range of services and which was endorsed by the secretary on activities including: 9 April 2007. • a national influenza vaccination program This agreement was developed in with over 2000 staff vaccinated consultation with staff and their • national DIAC health and safety awards representatives as required under section 16 held for the first time in October 2007 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act • rehabilitation services with the aim of 1991 (the OHS Act). reducing the human and financial costs of work related and non-work related Health and safety management injury and illness arrangements • eyesight testing for screen-based On 15 March 2007, amendments made activities to the OHS Act came into effect. These amendments require employers to develop, • Employee Assistance Program and in consultation with their employees, health counselling services and safety management arrangements • ergonomic workstation assessments (HSMA) that will apply at their workplace. and ergonomic office furniture Employers have been allowed an 18-month • first aid kit refreshers and training. transitional period (from the date of effect Health and safety outcomes of amendments) to develop and implement arrangements. The department experienced a decrease in lost time injuries and prescribed incapacity During 2007–08, consultation on the during 2007–08. Early intervention and HSMA was conducted with all staff and rehabilitation strategies continue to be stakeholders. It is expected that the HSMA successful in reducing 30 day incapacities, Management and accountability will be operational by September 2008 in thereby decreasing the total number of line with legislative requirements. weeks lost.

Injury Prevention and Health and safety representatives Management Plan In accordance with section 24 of the In line with its commitment to reducing work OHS Act, designated work groups have related injury and illness and promoting been established or are in the process of health and safety, the department has being established where the department adopted a three-year planning cycle for has expanded into new office locations. strategically managing health and safety The health and safety representative in the workplace. The Injury Prevention selection process for designated work and Management Plan 2006–09 adopts groups have been reviewed as part of the OHS performance targets issued by the HSMA development process. The new Safety Rehabilitation and Compensation arrangements will become effective when Commission and supported by all Australian the HSMA is implemented. governments, the Australian Council of Trade Unions and employer associations.

Managing people 241 OHS training treatment) or death. The department OHS training was provided as part of reported 98 dangerous occurrences induction training for all staff in state to Comcare during 2007–08. It is the and territory offices and National Office. department’s view that the decrease in Specialised OHS and rehabilitation training reported dangerous occurrences can was also provided as a component be attributed to improvements in the of various role-based training in the classification of incidents by the department department. prior to notification to Comcare. In previous years, a large number of incidents had been Section 29 (Provisional Improvement) notified following incorrect classification: Notices • An ‘incapacity’ is an incident resulting There was one Provisional Improvement in the inability to engage in work and/ Notice issued under section 29 of the OHS or an inability to work at the same level Act pertaining to the department’s Sydney as undertaken immediately before the office on Lee Street. Following consultations injury. between management and the issuer, this • ‘Lost time injuries’ represent the number notice was withdrawn by the issuer within of incidents resulting in one or more the prescribed seven day period. working days incapacity within each financial year. Section 45 (Workplace Not Be Disturbed) Directions • A ‘prescribed incapacity’ represents the number incidents resulting in 30 or more There was one direction issued under successive working days incapacity section 45 of the OHS Act pertaining to five within each financial year. immigration response vessels owned by the department. The ‘do not disturb’ direction • ‘Weeks lost’ represent the total number was made in response to the ongoing of weeks of incapacities within the Comcare investigation into the loss of the financial year. Malu Sara. Mechanism of injury Section 46 (Prohibition) Notices The department, in consultation with There were no Prohibition Notices issued Comcare, identifies actions, events and under section 46 of the OHS Act. exposures that cause serious injury and disease. The mechanism of injury Section 47 (Improvement) Notices descriptors are based on the national There were no Improvement Notices issued type of occurrence classification system under section 47 of the OHS Act. and assist with identifying injury trends and setting injury prevention performance Section 68 (Notification and targets. Reporting of Accidents and Dangerous) Occurrences Workers’ compensation premiums ‘Notifiable fatality’ refers to any work related The primary ‘drivers’ of our compensation death of any employee, contractor or premium are claim frequency and time lost. member of the public. The department had Time lost is the biggest driver in costs in no notifiable fatalities in 2007–08. total. During 2007–08, the department’s premium increased in terms of total dollar A ‘dangerous occurrence’ is an incident premium and as a percentage of payroll. with the potential to cause serious personal injury (requiring emergency medical

242 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 104: Three-year summary of occurrences

2005­–06 2006–07 2007-08

Notifiable fatalities 6 1 0

Dangerous occurrences 304 410 98

Table 105: Three-year summary of incapacity

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Lost time injuries 109 123 55

Prescribed incapacity 28 23.35 44

Weeks lost1 1 577 (24.85) 1 592 (23.33) 1 589.34 (22.37)

Total number of staff 6 345 6 818 7 106

1 Weeks lost (total number of staff as at 30 June x 100).

Table 106: Three-year summary of mechanism of injury

Accepted claims 2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Falls, trips and slips 36 33 17

Hitting objects 7 4 6

Being hit by moving objects 6 10 4

Sound and pressure 1 0 0

Body stressing 63 46 40

Heat, electricity and other environmental 1 0 0

Biological factors 0 0 0 Management and accountability Mental stress 5 8 2

Other or unspecified 26 21 0

Totals 145 122 69

Total number of staff 6 345 6 818 7 106

Table 107: Three-year summary of Comcare premiums

2005–06 2006–07 2007–08

Premium $4 728 063 $5 525 030 $8 468 976

Percentage of payroll 1.39% 1.93% 1.82%

APS-wide average percentage of payroll 1.77% 1.77% 1.55%

Managing people 243 Commonwealth disability • providing access to a rehabilitation case strategy manager for any staff member who is experiencing health issues that impact The department’s new Workplace Diversity on their ability to function at optimal Plan 2008–2010 includes a strategy for the capacity in the work environment—the employment of people with disabilities. This case manager works with the staff strategy was developed in accordance with member, managers and appropriate the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. The support agencies to help the officer’s strategy demonstrates the department’s ongoing participation and contribution commitment to the elimination of disability in the workforce discrimination. In particular, the plan addresses ways in which the department • features in the department’s National can attract, recruit and retain people with Office building help sight and hearing- disabilities. impaired people in elevators as well as facilities for hearing-impaired people The department ensures its workplace in conference rooms, all of which have environment complies with OHS legislation passed independent evaluation and and provides additional services beyond certification those requirements. Following are some of the specific initiatives for people with • option to work flexible hours. disabilities: • all buildings are wheelchair accessible • toilets for people with disabilities are available in every office • shower facilities for people with disabilities are available in National Office • adjustments to the workplace include custom-made height-adjustable workstations, ergonomic equipment and aids • emergency procedures specifically address requirements of people with mobility impairments • a register of technologies available to assist staff with disabilities or injuries is maintained (technologies currently in use include voice-activated software, Zoomtext vision assistance software, specialised phones for hearing-impaired people or for use with hearing aids and a variety of adapted keyboards) • facilitating contact between staff members with intellectual and/ or psychological disabilities and a workplace support person through appropriate agencies

244 Annual Report 2007–08 Asset management The department is responsible for the management of assets with a gross book value of more than $1 billion. The most significant asset classes are infrastructure, plant and equipment, land and buildings and intangible assets (software). The increase in value over the 2006–07 financial year is primarily due to: • the completion and transfer from the Department of Finance and Deregulation of the Christmas Island Immigration Detention Centre • continued delivery of the Systems for People program. The department prepares an annual capital plan reflecting government priorities and ongoing business requirements, ensuring compliance with the government’s financial management framework. Asset acquisitions and disposals are monitored against this plan on a monthly basis. All assets owned by the department are subject to an annual stocktake. This process is used to update and verify the accuracy of asset records as well as an opportunity to review the condition and ongoing utility of the assets held. Depreciation rates, useful lives, residual values and methods are reviewed each Management and accountability year, and are considered by the Australian National Audit Office in forming an overall opinion on the financial statements of the department. Assets, including those leased under contract from our various service providers, are maintained through specific maintenance programs. Additional information on the value, acquisition and disposal of assets can be found in the financial statements in this report.

Asset management 245 Purchasing

The department’s procurement policies As part of its commitment to ensuring are consistent with the provisions of the that the department has well trained and Financial Management and Accountability supported staff, CPAS delivered a series Act 1997 and the Commonwealth of government procurement and contract Procurement Guidelines (CPGs). management education and training courses, ranging from fundamentals to The department’s Contracts and more advanced topics for officers regularly Procurement Advice Section (CPAS) engaged in purchasing and contract provides specialist advice and assistance management. Of particular note was the to all areas of the department engaged in successful training of the 2007–08 graduate procurement, through: intake in government procurement. In • a dedicated help desk for all addition, CPAS also coordinated the procurement requests for advice delivery of accredited training in Certificate • in-house legal advice and the IV in Government (Procurement) and management of external procurement the Diploma in Government (Contract related advice Management). • management of a panel for competitive tendering and contracting advice • development and maintenance of policy documentation including procurement and contracting templates • coordination of the department’s procurement reporting responsibilities • provision of internal and external procurement and contracting training • provision of general procurement information and guidance through the contract management portal. The department makes use of AusTender in its procurement activities. To help in the effective monitoring and reporting of its contracting activities, the department maintains a national contracts register. It also publishes an annual procurement plan on AusTender, in accordance with the requirements of the CPGs and other relevant guidelines.

246 Annual Report 2007–08 Consultants and consultancy services

The department’s policy on selecting and may each supply property or services engaging consultants is in accordance to an agency as specified in the panel with the Commonwealth Procurement arrangements. Guidelines (CPGs) based on the core Tenders are sought from suppliers that principle of value for money. have pre-qualified on the agency panels to During 2007–08, the department entered supply to the government. This category into 52 new consultancy contracts, includes standing offers and supplier panels involving total actual expenditure of where the consultant offers to supply goods $16 855 100. In total, 65 ongoing and services for a pre-determined length of consultancy contracts were active during time, usually at a pre-arranged price. 2007–08, involving total actual expenditure of $33 702 650. Justification for decisions A. Skills currently unavailable within agency Information on expenditure on contracts and consultancies is also available on the B. Need for specialised or professional skills AusTender website at www.tenders.gov.au. C. Need for independent research or Table 108 shows consultancy services assessment. of $10 000 or more in value, entered into during 2007–08. Competitive tendering and contracting Selection processes The department’s standard contract Open tender—a procurement procedure templates include provisions allowing the in which a request for tender is published Australian National Audit Office to access a inviting all businesses that satisfy the contractor’s premises. There are, however, conditions for participation to submit a limited number of contracts that do tenders. not contain the access provisions. These include cases where specific industry- Select tender—a procurement procedure based standard contracts have been used in which the procuring agency selects rather than the department’s standard potential suppliers to submit tenders in

contract template or where there is an Management and accountability accordance with the CPGs. international contract. Direct sourcing—a procurement process in which an agency may contract a single Exempt contracts potential supplier or suppliers of its choice. Details of all contracts that have a value of Where procurement is valued above the $10 000 or more have been published in thresholds set out in the CPGs, direct AusTender in accordance with the reporting sourcing is available only under certain requirements of the CPGs. The department defined circumstances. Conditions for did not let any contracts in excess of direct sourcing apply under the mandatory $10 000 which are exempt from being procurement procedures. published in AusTender during the year. Panel—an arrangement under which a number of suppliers, usually selected through a single procurement process,

Consultants and consultancy services 247 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services

Consultant name Description Selection Justification Value process

A and B Podger Provision of independent Direct C $39 000 Pty Ltd review sourcing

APIS Group Pty Ltd Provision of financial advice Panel C $27 755

Asset Technologies Provision of risk management Open tender C $190 000 Pacific Pty Ltd services

Australian National Provision of research services Direct A $70 000 University sourcing

Blake Dawson Provision of legal advisers Open tender A $5 069 870 Waldron

Booz & Company Reformation of client Panel A $680 000 (Australia) Ltd information capture

Booz & Company Provision of commercial and Open tender A $9 504 000 (Australia) Ltd financial advisers

Business Objects Provision of implementation of Direct A $624 450 Australia Pty Ltd business objects software sourcing

Cogent Business Provision of financial advice Panel C $27 755 Solutions Pty Ltd

Cogent Business Provision of financial advisory Select tender A $50 000 Solutions Pty Ltd services

Cogent Business Provision of financial advice Panel C $50 000 Solutions Pty Ltd

Cogent Business Provision of financial advice Panel C $50 000 Solutions Pty Ltd

Cogent Business Provision of financial advice Panel C $63 000 Solutions Pty Ltd

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of personnel for Panel A $21 059 project team services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $35 047 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $100 867 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $235 928 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $155 807 technology specialist services

248 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services continued

Consultant name Description Selection Justification Value process

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $268 149 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $374 162 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $528 000 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of specialist Panel A $570 572 information technology training services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $979 105 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of project team Panel A $1 595 683 services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $1 653 271 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $2 130 150 technology specialist services

CSC Australia Pty Ltd Provision of information Panel A $2 386 459 technology specialist services

DLA Phillips Fox Provision of probity adviser Open tender C $880 000

EDS (Australia) Pty Ltd Provision of project team Panel A $127 050 Management and accountability services

EDS (Australia) Pty Ltd Provision of specialist Panel A $991 870 information technology training services

Ernst & Young Provision of internal audit Select tender A $1 763 374 services

Fellows Medlock and Provision of workplace Select tender C $49 242 Associates Pty Ltd relations analysis services

Global Foresight Provision of services to build Direct A $27 280 Network Pty Ltd and structure strategic change sourcing process

Consultants and consultancy services 249 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services continued

Consultant name Description Selection Justification Value process

Hay Group Pty Ltd Development of the Open tender A $84 580 employment value proposition

Hinds Workforce Design, development, Open tender C $134 021 Research Pty Ltd implementation, analysis and reporting of the departmental staff survey

Human Synergistics Provide organisational cultural Direct A $125 394 Australia Pty Ltd mapping services sourcing

KPMG Provision of audit, risk Panel C $50 600 management and fraud control services

KPMG Provision of audit, risk Panel C $174 000 management and fraud control services

Laurence Whistler Provision of probity auditor Direct C $120 000 Street sourcing

Margaret Piper and Evaluation and report Select tender B $27 060 Associates on Ballarat humanitarian settlement pilot

Margaret Piper and Evaluation and report on Select tender B $27 060 Associates Mt Gambier humanitarian settlement pilot

Monash University Review of the suicide and self Select tender C $69 392 harm instrument and protocol used in immigration detention

Newd Corp Pty Ltd Development and Select tender A $1 085 365 implementation of creative advertising strategy

Nous Group Pty Ltd Provision of learning and Select tender A $66 000 development courses

Oakton AA Services Provision of financial Panel A $17 505 Pty Ltd assessment of health and detention service providers

Oracle Corporation Provision of technical services Direct A $450 560 Australia Pty Ltd sourcing

250 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services continued

Consultant name Description Selection Justification Value process

Perocin Pty Ltd Provision of services for Open tender A $200 860 tender evaluation adviser

Protiviti Pty Ltd Provision of audit, risk Panel C $52 689 management and fraud control services

Protiviti Pty Ltd Provision of audit, risk Panel C $55 000 management and fraud control services

Protiviti Pty Ltd Provision of risk management Panel A $80 465 and auditing services

PSI Consulting Pty Ltd Provision of probity advice Panel C $20 000

PSI Consulting Pty Ltd Provision of advice for Panel C $44 073 property services

Registries Limited Provision of electronic voting Select tender A $13 556 services for the national staff consultative.

Richardson O’Rourke Provision of project Panel A $179 626 Consulting Pty Ltd management fundamentals training

SMS Consulting Provision of detention/offshore Select tender A $42 075 Group Ltd data entry analysis services

The Open Mind Bridging visa (e) and Select tender B $100 000 Management and accountability Research Group overstayers research and Pty Ltd discussions

The Trustee for Provision of economic analysis Direct A $99 200 Access Economics services sourcing Trust

The Trustee for EPD Production of ‘The People Open tender A $55 350 unit trust of Australia’ series of publications

University of Canberra Provision of dynamic business Direct A $130 000 modelling sourcing

Walter Turnbull Pty Ltd Provision of financial viability Panel C $16 500 advice

Consultants and consultancy services 251 Table 108: Consultants and consultancy services continued

Consultant name Description Selection Justification Value process

Walter Turnbull Pty Ltd Independent review Select tender B $70 980

Walter Turnbull Pty Ltd Provision of audit, risk Panel C $77 000 management and fraud control services

Walter Turnbull Pty Ltd Provision of audit, risk Panel C $93 000 management and fraud control services

Workplace Research Development of work level Direct A $48 290 Associates Pty Ltd standards for medical officers, sourcing legal officers and public affairs officers

Workplace Research Development of job and Direct A $49 500 Associates Pty Ltd organisational design sourcing guidelines

Table 109: Contracts in excess of $100 000 that do not contain the Australian National Audit Office access provisions Name of contractor Description Value

Beethoven Computer Services Software licence $287 418 Pty Ltd agreement

252 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements Financial statements

253 254 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 255 256 Annual Report 2007–08 DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP INCOME STATEMENT for the year ended 30 June 2008

2008 2007 Notes $’000 $’000 INCOME Revenue Revenue from government 3A 1,360,366 1,184,563 Sale of goods and rendering of services 3B 24,148 27,198 Fees and charges 3C 9,042 7,224 Rental income 3D 2,375 828 Royalties 3E 1,987 1,885 Other revenue 3F 11,321 12,294 Total revenue 1,409,239 1,233,992

Gains Sale of assets 3G 515 - Foreign exchange 3H 183 197 Reversals of previous asset write-downs 3I 1,549 1,258 Other gains 3J 767 1,103 Total gains 3,014 2,558 Total income 1,412,253 1,236,550

EXPENSES Employee benefits 4A 546,101 492,396 Suppliers 4B 717,219 713,494 Depreciation and amortisation 4C 94,722 59,906 Finance costs 4D 4,299 685 Write-down and impairment of assets 4E 13,184 9,075 Foreign exchange losses 4F 12 14 Losses from asset sales 4G 711 31 Other expenses 4H 606 2,375 Total expenses 1,376,854 1,277,976

Surplus (Deficit) attributable to the Australian Government 35,399 (41,426)

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Financial statements

Financial statements 257 258 Annual Report 2007–08 - - - 2007 $’000 3,026 (1,275) 21,409 (41,426) 338,863 130,918 132,193 207,945 249,371 227,962 224,936 - - - - 2008 $’000 35,399 (13,591) 851,864 477,602 317,069 174,124 374,262 338,863 338,863 338,863 Total Equity ------2007 $’000 (1,275) 306,451 130,918 132,193 175,533 175,533 175,533 175,533 - - - - - 2008 $’000 (13,591) 784,053 477,602 317,069 174,124 306,451 306,451 306,451 306,451 Equity/Capital ------2007 $’000 65,334 65,334 21,409 65,334 43,925 43,925 ------2008 $’000 65,334 65,334 65,334 65,334 65,334 Asset Revaluation Contributed ------2007 $'000 8,504 8,504 3,026 5,478 (32,922) (41,426) (32,922) ------2008 $’000 2,477 2,477 35,399 (32,922) (32,922) (32,922) Retained Earnings Reserves Financial statements Restructuring (Note 10) DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Closing balance attributable to the Australian Government Transfers between equity components Opening balance Transactions with owners Sub-total transactions with owners Restructuring (Note 10) Contributions by Owners Appropriation (equity injection) Distributions to owners Returns of capital: Total income and expenses Surplus (Deficit) for the period Sub-total income and expenses recognised directly in equity Income and expenses Revaluation adjustment Adjusted opening balance Adjustment for errors Balance carried forward from previous period Adjustment for changes in accounting policies STATEMENT of CHANGES in EQUITY as at 30 June 2008

Financial statements 259 DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the year ended 30 June 2008

2008 2007 Notes $’000 $’000

OPERATING ACTIVITIES Cash received Goods and services 24,337 25,925 Appropriations 1,348,424 1,294,468 Net GST received 73,217 70,105 Other cash received 22,073 25,668 Total cash received 1,468,051 1,416,166 Cash used Employees 527,752 492,744 Suppliers 775,223 758,300 Borrowing costs 4,299 685 Cash transferred to the Official Public Account 113,076 119,865 Other cash used 122 44 Total cash used 1,420,472 1,371,638 Net cash flows from or (used by) operating activities 11 47,579 44,528 INVESTING ACTIVITIES Cash received Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment 671 57 Total cash received 671 57 Cash used Purchase of property, plant and equipment 33,577 49,372 Purchase of intangibles 116,392 108,327 Total cash used 149,969 157,699 Net cash flows from or (used by) investing activities (149,298) (157,642) FINANCING ACTIVITIES Cash received Appropriations - contributed equity 116,227 123,197 Total cash received 116,227 123,197 Cash used Repayment of borrowings 16,446 15,166 Total cash used 16,446 15,166 Net cash flows from or (used by) financing activities 99,781 108,031 Net increase or (decrease) in cash held (1,938) (5,083) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 7,116 12,199 Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 5A 5,178 7,116 The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

260 Annual Report 2007–08 DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP SCHEDULE OF COMMITMENTS as at 30 June 2008

2008 2007 BY TYPE $’000 $’000 Commitments receivable Sublease rental income 4,458 - GST recoverable on commitments 90,742 99,898 Total commitments receivable 95,200 99,898

Capital commitments Land and buildings 1 14,308 20,442 Infrastructure, plant and equipment 2 802 1,996 Intangibles 3 14,201 48,155 Total capital commitments 29,311 70,593

Other commitments Operating leases 4 426,804 420,678 IT services 5 354,137 313,044 Detention 6 41,261 101,382 IHSS 7 123,965 153,888 Other commitments 8 54,079 104,889 Total other commitments 1,000,246 1,093,881 Net commitments by type 934,357 1,064,576

BY MATURITY Commitments receivable GST receivable One year or less 33,728 43,046 From one to five years 44,858 44,706 Over five years 12,156 12,146 Total GST receivable 90,742 99,898

Operating lease income One year or less 1,966 - From one to five years 2,492 - Over five years - - Total operating lease income 4,458 - Financial statements

Financial statements 261 Commitments payable Capital commitments One year or less 28,854 63,849 From one to five years 457 6,109 Over five years - 635 Total capital commitments 29,311 70,593

Other commitments Operating lease commitments One year or less 74,433 72,322 From one to five years 206,391 197,533 Over five years 145,980 150,823 Total operating lease commitments 426,804 420,678

Other - other commitments One year or less 280,542 367,276 From one to five years 292,327 305,616 Over five years 573 311 Total other - other commitments 573,442 673,203 Total other commitments 1,000,246 1,093,881

Net commitments by maturity 934,357 1,064,576

NB: Commitments are GST inclusive where relevant.

1. Land and buildings commitments represent amounts attributable to work at immigration detention centres. 2. Infrastructure, plant and equipment commitments relate primarily to fencing and other security at detention centres. 3. Intangible commitments relate predominently to project work involving Systems for People initiatives. 4. Operating lease commitments include leases for onshore and offshore accommodation and Senior Executive Service vehicles. A substantial portion of the commitments are in relation to rent for the Chan Street offices in Belconnen (Canberra) and the Adelaide Street Brisbane Office. 5. IT service commitments include costs for the CSC, Unisys and Optus. 6. Detention commitments represent amounts related to detention contracts. 7. Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Scheme commitments relate to services provided, through contracted service providers, to refugees for settlement. A new contract was signed in 2005-06. 8. Other commitments include costs for Service Level Agreements with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Austrade and business process outsourcing services.

Nature of lease/General description of leasing arrangement Lease for office accomodation Lease payments are subject to fixed annual increases or annual increases in accordance with upward movements in the Consumer Price Index. The initial periods of office accommodation leases are still current and each may be renewed for up to five years at exercise of option. Agreements for the provision of motor vehicles to senior executives No contingent rentals exist. There are no renewal or purchase options available to the department. Agreements in relation to support costs for computer equipment, software and telecommunications. The department has three agreements relating to support costs. The telecommunications support agreement has four years remaining with no further options available. The two agreements for computer equipment (including software) have terms of three years with no further options, and two years with an additional one year available.

262 Annual Report 2007–08 DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP SCHEDULE OF CONTINGENCIES as at 30 June 2008

Claims for Offshore TOTAL Contingent Assets damages or costs contingencies 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance from previous period ------New ------Re-measurement ------Assets crystallised ------Expired ------Total contingent assets ------

Claims for Offshore TOTAL Contingent Liabilities damages or costs contingencies 2008 2007 2008 2007 2008 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Balance from previous period 2,205 602 4,386 5,439 6,591 6,041 New 1,925 1,795 595 84 2,520 1,879 Re-measurement (1,814) 5 (2) (123) (1,816) (118) Liabilities crystallised (40) (144) (22) (207) (62) (351) Obligations expired (220) (53) - (807) (220) (860) Total contingent liabilities 2,056 2,205 4,957 4,386 7,013 6,591 Net Contingent Assets (Liabilities) ( 7,013) ( 6,591)

Details of each class of contingent liabilities and assets, including those not included above because they cannot be quantified, are disclosed in Note 12: Contingent liabilities and assets.

The above schedule should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. Financial statements

Financial statements 263 264 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 265 266 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 267 Notes to and forming part of the financial statements Note Description 1 Summary of significant accounting policies 269

2 Events after the balance sheet date 280

3 Income 281

4 Expenses 283

5 Financial assets 285

6 Non-financial assets 287

7 Payables 293

8 Interest bearing liabilities 293

9 Provisions 294

10 Restructuring 295

11 Cash flow reconciliation 296

12 Contingent liabilities and assets 297

13 Executive remuneration 298

14 Remuneration of auditors 298

15 Financial instruments 299

16 Income administered on behalf of government 302

17 Expenses administered on behalf of government 303

18 Assets administered on behalf of government 304

19 Liabilities administered on behalf of government 305

20 Administered reconciliation table 306

21 Administered contingent liabilities 306

22 Administered financial instruments 307

23 Appropriations 310

24 Special accounts 313

25 Compensation and debt relief 315

26 Reporting of outcomes 316

268 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 269 270 Annual Report 2007–08 Future Australian Accounting Standard requirements The following new standards, amendments to standards or interpretations have been issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board but are effective for future reporting periods. It is estimated that the impact of adopting these pronouncements when effective will have no material financial impact on future reporting periods. AASB Interpretation 12 Service Concession Arrangements and 2007-2 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB Interpretation 12 AASB 8 Operating Segments and 2007-3 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 8 2007-6 Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arising from AASB 123 AASB Interpretation 13 Customer Loyalty Programmes AASB Interpretation 14 AASB 119 – The Limit on a Defined Benefit Asset, Minimum Funding Requirements and their Interaction

Other The following standards and interpretations have been issued but are not applicable to the operations of the department. AASB 1049 Financial Reporting of General Government Sectors by Governments AASB 1049 specifies the reporting requirements for the General Government Sector. The FMOs does not apply to this reporting or the consolidated financial statements of the Australian Government. 1.5 Revenue Revenue from government Amounts appropriated for departmental output appropriations for the year (adjusted for any formal additions and reductions) are recognised as revenue when the department gains control of the appropriation, except for certain amounts that relate to activities that are reciprocal in nature, in which case revenue is recognised only when it has been earned. Appropriations receivable are recognised at their nominal amounts. Resources received Free of charge Resources received free of charge are recognised as revenue when and only when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense.

Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as Financial statements gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements (refer to note 1.7).

Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature.

Financial statements 271 Other Types of revenue Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised when: xThe risks and rewards of ownership have been transferred to the buyer; xThe seller retains no managerial involvement nor effective control over the goods; xThe revenue and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and xIt is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the entity. Revenue from rendering of services is recognised by reference to the stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date. The revenue is recognised when: xThe amount of revenue, stage of completion and transaction costs incurred can be reliably measured; and xThe probable economic benefits with the transaction will flow to the entity.

The stage of completion of contracts at the reporting date is determined by reference to the proportion that costs incurred to date bear to the estimated total costs of the transaction. Receivables for goods and services, which have 30 day terms, are recognised at the nominal amounts due, less any provision for bad and doubtful debts. Collectability of debts is reviewed at balance date. Provisions are made when collectability of the debt is no longer probable.

1.6 Gains Other resources received free of charge Resources received free of charge are recognised as gains when and only when a fair value can be reliably determined and the services would have been purchased if they had not been donated. Use of those resources is recognised as an expense. Contributions of assets at no cost of acquisition or for nominal consideration are recognised as gains at their fair value when the asset qualifies for recognition, unless received from another government agency or authority as a consequence of a restructuring of administrative arrangements (refer to note 1.7). Resources received free of charge are recorded as either revenue or gains depending on their nature. Sale of assets Gains from disposal of non-current assets is recognised when control of the asset has passed to the buyer. 1.7 Transactions with the government as owner Equity injections Amounts appropriated which are designated as ‘equity injections’ for a year (less any formal reductions) are recognised directly in contributed equity in that year. Restructuring of administrative arrangements Net assets received from or relinquished to another Australian Government Agency or Authority under a restructuring of administrative arrangements are adjusted at their book value directly against contributed equity. Lapsing appropriations Departmental and non-operating appropriations do not lapse at financial year end. However, the responsible Minister may decide that part or all of a departmental or non-operating appropriation is not required and request the Finance Minister to reduce that appropriation. The reduction in the appropriation is effected by the Finance Minister's determination and is disallowable by Parliament. On 26 June 2007, the Finance Minister determined reduction in departmental outputs appropriations following a request by the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship. The amount determined is disclosed at Note 23, Table A.

272 Annual Report 2007–08 1.8 Employee benefits Liabilities for services rendered by employees are recognised at the reporting date to the extent that they have not been settled. Liabilities for ‘short-term employee benefits’ (as defined in AASB 119) and termination benefits due within twelve months of balance date are measured at their nominal amounts. The nominal amount is calculated with regard to the rates expected to be paid on settlement of the liability. All other employee benefit liabilities are measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date. Leave The liability for employee benefits includes provision for annual leave and long service leave. Long service leave does not accrue for overseas posts' locally engaged employees who commenced after 12 December 1976. No provision has been made for sick leave as all sick leave is non-vesting and the average sick leave taken in future years by employees of the department is estimated to be less than the annual entitlement for sick leave. The leave liabilities are calculated on the basis of employees’ remuneration, including the department’s employer superannuation contribution rates to the extent that the leave is likely to be taken during service rather than paid out on termination. The liability for long service leave has been determined by reference to the work of an actuary as at 21 February 2008. The estimate of the present value of the liability takes into account attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation. Locally engaged employees at post Locally engaged employees (LEE) are covered by individual employment contracts which are negotiated between the employee and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on behalf of the department. These contracts are negotiated at post level in order to ensure compliance with local labour laws and regulations. The individual contracts are supported and expanded upon by the LEE Conditions of Service Handbook which is specific to each post. Where there is conflict between the two documents the individual contract takes precedence. Provisions for employee entitlements are recognised in accordance with conditions of service at each post. Separation and redundancy Provision is made for separation and redundancy benefit payments. The department recognises a provision for termination when it has developed a detailed formal plan for the terminations and has informed those employees affected that it will carry out the terminations. For voluntary redundancy, a provision for termination is recognised when the department has made an offer of redundancy to an employee and an indication of acceptance has been received. Financial statements

Financial statements 273 Superannuation Staff of the department are members of the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS), the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme (PSS) or the PSS accumulation plan (PSSap). The CSS and PSS are defined benefit schemes for the Australian Government. The PSSap is a defined contribution scheme. The liability for defined benefits is recognised in the financial statements of the Australian Government and is settled by the Australian Government in due course. This liability is reported by the Department of Finance and Deregulation as an administered item. The department makes employer contributions to the employee superannuation scheme at rates determined by an actuary to be sufficient to meet the current cost to the government of the superannuation entitlements of the department’s employees. The department accounts for the contributions as if they were contributions to defined contribution plans. From 1 July 2005, new employees are eligible to join the PSSap scheme. The liability for superannuation recognised as at 30 June represents outstanding contributions for the final fortnight of the year. The department makes contributions to pension schemes for locally engaged staff at posts in London and New Delhi. These schemes are disclosed in the administered accounts of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. 1.9 Leases A distinction is made between finance leases and operating leases. Finance leases effectively transfer from the lessor to the lessee substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of leased non-current assets. An operating lease is a lease that is not a finance lease. In operating leases, the lessor effectively retains substantially all such risks and benefits. Where a non-current asset is acquired by means of a finance lease, the asset is capitalised at either the fair value of the lease property or, if lower, the present value of minimum lease payments at the inception of the contract and a liability is recognised at the same time and for the same amount. The discount rate used is the interest rate implicit in the lease. Leased assets are amortised over the period of the lease. Lease payments are allocated between the principal component and the interest expense. Finance leases exist in relation to IT and communications equipment, and are non-cancellable. The department guarantees the residual values of all assets leased. Operating lease payments are expensed on a straight line basis which is representative of the pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets. Lease incentives taking the form of 'free' leasehold improvements and rent holidays are recognised as liabilities. These liabilities are reduced by allocating lease payments between rental expense and reduction of the liability. 1.10 Borrowing costs All borrowing costs are expensed as incurred. 1.11 Cash Cash and cash equivalents includes notes and coins held and any deposits in bank accounts with an original maturity of 3 months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Cash is recognised at its nominal amount.

274 Annual Report 2007–08 1.12 Financial assets The department classifies its financial assets in the following categories: · financial assets as ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ ·‘held-to-maturity investments’, ·‘available-for-sale’ financial assets, and ·‘loans and receivables’. The classification depends on the nature and purpose of the financial assets and is determined at the time of initial recognition. Financial assets are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade date’. Effective interest method The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Income is recognised on an effective interest rate basis except for financial assets ‘at fair value through profit or loss’. Loans and receivables Trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an active market are classified as ‘loans and receivables’. They are included in current assets, except for maturities greater than 12 months after the balance sheet date. These are classified as non current assets. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method less impairment. Interest is recognised by applying the effective interest rate. Impairment of financial assets Financial assets are assessed for impairment at each balance date. · Financial assets held at amortised cost - If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss has been incurred for loans and receivables or held to maturity investments held at amortised cost, the amount of the loss is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The carrying amount is reduced by way of an allowance account. The loss is recognised in the income statement. 1.13 Financial liabilities Financial liabilities are classified as either financial liabilities ‘at fair value through profit or loss’ or other financial liabilities. Financial liabilities are recognised and derecognised upon ‘trade date’. Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent fair value adjustments are recognised in profit or loss. The net gain or loss recognised in profit or loss incorporates any interest paid on the financial liability. Financial statements Other financial liabilities Other financial liabilities, including borrowings, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs. Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial liability and of allocating interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash payments through the expected life of the financial liability, or, where appropriate, a shorter period. Supplier and other payables Supplier and other payables are recognised at amortised cost. Liabilities are recognised to the extent that the goods or services have been received (and irrespective of having been invoiced).

Financial statements 275 1.14 Contingent liabilities and contingent assets Contingent liabilities and contingent assets are not recognised in the balance sheet but are reported in the relevant schedules and notes. They may arise from uncertainty as to the existence of a liability or asset or represent an asset or liability in respect of which the amount cannot be reliably measured. Contingent assets are disclosed when settlement is probable but not virtually certain and contingent liabilities are disclosed when settlement is greater than remote. 1.15 Financial guarantee contracts As at 30 June 2008 the department held no financial guarantee contracts (2007: nil). 1.16 Acquisition of assets Assets are recorded at cost on acquisition except as stated below. The cost of acquisition includes the fair value of assets transferred in exchange and liabilities undertaken. Financial assets are initially measured at their fair value plus transaction costs where appropriate. Assets acquired at no cost, or for nominal consideration, are initially recognised as assets and revenues at their fair value at the date of acquisition, unless acquired as a consequence of restructuring of administrative arrangements. In the latter case, assets are initially recognised as contributions by owners at the amounts at which they were recognised in the transferor Agency’s accounts immediately prior to the restructuring. 1.17 Property, plant and equipment Asset recognition threshold Purchases of property, plant and equipment are recognised initially at cost in the balance sheet, except for purchases costing less than $2,000, which are expensed in the year of acquisition (other than where they form part of a group of similar items which are significant in total).

The initial cost of an asset includes an estimate of the cost of dismantling and removing the item and restoring the site on which it is located. This is particularly relevant to ‘makegood’ provisions in property leases recognised by the department where there exists an obligation to restore the property to its original condition. These costs are included in the value of the department's leasehold improvements with a corresponding provision for the ‘makegood’ recognised. Revaluations Fair values for each class of asset are determined as shown below:

Asset Class Fair value measured at Land Market selling price Buildings exc. Leasehold improvements Market selling price Leasehold improvements Depreciated replacement cost Infrastructure, plant and equipment Market selling price

Following initial recognition at cost, property plant and equipment are carried at fair value less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Valuations are conducted with sufficient frequency to ensure that the carrying amounts of assets do not differ materially from the assets’ fair values as at the reporting date. The regularity of independent valuations depends upon the volatility of movements in market values for the relevant assets. Revaluation adjustments are made on a class basis. Any revaluation increment is credited to equity under the heading of asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that it reverses a previous revaluation decrement of the same asset class that was previously recognised through operating result. Revaluation decrements for a class of assets are recognised directly through operating result except to the extent that they reverse a previous revaluation increment for that class.

Any accumulated depreciation as at the revaluation date is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the asset restated to the revalued amount.

276 Annual Report 2007–08 Depreciation Depreciable property plant and equipment assets are written-off to their estimated residual values over their estimated useful lives to the department using, in all cases, the straight-line method of depreciation. Leasehold improvements are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the improvements or the unexpired period of the lease. Depreciation rates (useful lives), residual values and methods are reviewed at each reporting date and necessary adjustments are recognised in the current, or current and future reporting periods, as appropriate. Depreciation rates applying to each class of depreciable asset are based on the following useful lives: 2008 2007 Buildings on freehold land 30 to 50 years 40 to 50 years Leasehold improvements Lease term or 10 years Lease term or 10 years Plant and equipment 3 to 10 years 3 to 10 years Impairment All assets were assessed for impairment at 30 June 2008. Where indications of impairment exist, the asset’s recoverable amount is estimated and an impairment adjustment made if the asset’s recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount. The recoverable amount of an asset is the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. Value in use is the present value of the future cash flows expected to be derived from the asset. Where the future economic benefit of an asset is not primarily dependent on the asset’s ability to generate future cash flows, and the asset would be replaced if the department were deprived of the asset, its value in use is taken to be its depreciated replacement cost. No indicators of impairment were found for assets at fair value. 1.18 Intangibles The department's intangibles comprise internally developed software for internal use. These assets are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. The recognition threshold for internally developed software is $100,000 and for purchased software $10,000 per licence. A Software is amortised on a straight-line basis over its anticipated useful life. The useful lives of the department's software are 3 to 10 years (2006-07: 3 to 10 years). All software assets were assessed for indications of impairment as at 30 June 2008.

1.19 Taxation Financial statements The department is exempt from all forms of taxation except fringe benefits tax (FBT) and the goods and services tax (GST). Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of GST: xexcept where the amount of GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office; and xexcept for receivables and payables. 1.20 Foreign currency Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are converted at the exchange rate at the date of the transaction. Foreign currency receivables and payables are translated at the exchange rates current as at balance date. Associated currency gains and losses are not material.

Financial statements 277 278 Annual Report 2007–08 1.22 Prior period adjustments

During the 2007-08 financial year, two errors were discovered relating to prior financial periods. In accordance with AASB 108 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors , the department has now restated the affected comparative figures for the 2007-08 financial statements. The net effect of these adjustments on the 2006-07 income statement is a $1,409,000 increase to expenses. Prepaid property expenses Rent adjustments relate to the timing of payments for commercial property leases. Some lease and property expenses were found to be paid one month in advance and had previously been recognised as an expense at the time of payment. This prior period adjustment has several impacts on the financial statements: - Decrease in 2006-07 expenses of $969,000 ($251,000 provision of services and $718,000 minimum lease payments). This is the net effect of prepaid property expenses as at 30 June 2006 and 30 June 2007; - Increase in 2006-07 non-financial assets (prepayments) of $3,995,000. This reflects property expenses relating to July 2007 that were originally recorded in the 2006-07 financial year; and - Increase in the opening balance of accumulated results (that is, equity as at 30 June 2006) of $3,026,000. This reflects property expenses relating to July 2006 that were originally recorded in the 2005-06 financial year.

Amortisation - Computer software Amortisation adjustments relate to software licences used in the development of several software projects. These licences were initially capitalised as assets under construction with no amortisation applied. This correction recognises licenses as individual assets with amortisation commencing in the 2006-2007 financial year.

This prior period adjustment has two impacts on the financial statements: - Increase in 2006-07 expenses of $2,378,000 for amortisation of intangible assets; and - Decrease in non-financial assets (for accumulated deprecation on intangible assets) of $2,378,000.

The following changes were required: Notes 2006-07 2006-07 2006-07 Original Movement Restated $’000 $’000 $’000 INCOME STATEMENT

EXPENSES Suppliers 4B Provision of services - external parties 584,882 (251) 584,631 Minimum lease payments 72,570 (718) 71,852 Depreciation and amortisation 4C Amortisation - computer software 15,752 2,378 18,130 Total expenses 1,276,567 1,409 1,277,976

Surplus (Deficit) (40,017) (1,409) (41,426)

BALANCE SHEET

ASSETS Intangibles 6C Accumulated amortisation - purchased (8,006) (2,378) (10,384) Other non-financial assets Prepayments 6D 16,231 3,995 20,226 Total assets 677,008 1,617 678,625 Financial statements Net assets 337,246 1,617 338,863

EQUITY Retained surplus (accumulated deficit) (34,539) 1,617 (32,922) Total equity 337,246 1,617 338,863

Current assets 165,454 3,995 169,449 Non-current assets 511,554 (2,378) 509,176

STATEMENT of CHANGES in EQUITY Opening balance Adjustment for errors - 3,026 3,026 Adjusted opening balance 5,478 3,026 8,504 Income and expenses recognised directly in equity 5,478 3,026 8,504 Surplus (Deficit) for the year (40,017) (1,409) (41,426) Closing balance attributable to the government (34,539) 1,617 (32,922)

Financial statements 279 280 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 281 Gains

Note 3G: Sale of assets Land and buildings Proceeds from sale 462 - Carrying value of assets sold - - Selling expense - - Infrastructure, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale 64 - Carrying value of assets sold 11 - Selling expense - - Intangibles Proceeds from sale - - Carrying value of assets sold - - Selling expense - - Net gain from sale of assets 515 -

Note 3H: Foreign exchange Non-speculative gains 183 197 Total foreign exchange gains 183 197

Note 3I: Reversals of previous asset write-downs Write back of debtors 1,543 1,182 Write back of non-current assets 6 76 Reversal of impairment losses - - Total reversals of previous asset write-downs 1,549 1,258 Note 3J: Other gains Resources received free of charge 767 1,103 Total other gains 767 1,103

282 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 283 Note 4E: Write-down and impairment of assets Asset impairments from financial instruments 8,301 8,470 intangible assets 2,303 25 Asset Write-Downs from land and buildings 1,202 233 infrastructure, plant and equipment 600 347 intangible assets 778 - Total write-down and impairment of assets 13,184 9,075

- Integrated Client Services Environment has several software defects impacting its operation. The carrying amount of the software exceeded the recoverable amount and the carrying amount was adjusted by $650,081 to reflect this impairment. - Budget Estimates Framework software was developed with four distinct functions but due to changes in the requirements of Department of Finance and Deregulation's budget system only three of those functions are being used. An impairment loss of $57,467 was recorded to adjust the carrying amount down to recoverable amount. - Living in Harmony database software became obsolete in 2007. The recoverable amount of the software was determined at its net selling price which was nil, as there is no active market for the software. - Settlement Reporting Facility software became impaired in 2006, but was still in use. Work is underway to improve the system by incorporating additional reporting functions which are expected to be available in November 2008. - Executive Reporting Tool has several software defects impacting its operation. The carrying amount of the software exceeded the recoverable amount and the carrying amount was adjusted by $1,595,687 to reflect this impairment. - The total impairment write-off relating to software where the carrying amount exceeded the recoverable amount of the assets was $2,303,235. ($25,224 in 2006-07).

Note 4F: Foreign exchange losses Non-speculative losses 12 14 Total foreign exchange losses 12 14

Note 4G: Losses from assets sales Land and buildings Proceeds from sale - 4 Carrying value of assets sold - 16 Selling expense - - Infrastructure, plant and equipment Proceeds from sale 145 53 Carrying value of assets sold 856 72 Selling expense - - Intangibles Proceeds from sale - - Carrying value of assets sold - - Selling expense - - Total losses from assets sales 711 31

Note 4H: Other expenses Other expense 606 2,375 Total other expenses 606 2,375

284 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 285 Reconciliation of the allowance for impairment: Goods and Goods and services services 2008 2007 $'000 $'000 Opening balance 8,950 10,808 Amounts written off (6,003) (7,991) Amounts recovered and reversed (148) (531) Increase/decrease recognised in net surplus 5,354 6,664 Closing balance 8,153 8,950

Note 5C: Other financial assets Property bonds 1,031 996 Education bonds 140 118 Comcare 156 167 Total other financial assets 1,327 1,281

All other financial assets are current assets.

286 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 287 Note 6C: Intangibles Computer software at cost: Internally developed – in progress 64,469 104,865 Internally developed – in use 223,861 94,996 Purchased 40,741 40,161 Total computer software 329,071 240,022 Accumulated amortisation - internally developed (82,684) (57,281) Accumulated amortisation - purchased (13,947) (10,384) Total intangibles (non-current) 232,440 172,357

Impairment losses relating to software where the carrying amount exceeded the recoverable amount of the assets was $2,303,235. ($25,224 in 2006-07). Details are disclosed in note 4E.

Note 6D: Other non-financial assets Prepayments 20,398 20,226 Total other non-financial assets 20,398 20,226

All other non-financial assets are current assets. No indicators of impairment were found for other non-financial assets.

288 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 289 - 76 180 (89) - - (1,275) 74 (74) - - 27,433 27,433 2 (15) - - 2 (15) s - g leasehold Total land and Other Buildin - - - (233) (233) (347) (580) - - (1,275) (1,275) - (701) (701) (5,512) (6,213) - 31 52,114 52,145 5,485 57,630 $’000 $'000 $’000 $’000 $’000 Buildings improvement buildings IP & E Total - (3,423) (52,751) (56,174) (37,205) (93,379) - - (3,035) (29,314) (32,349) (33,251) (65,600) - - - - (2,830) (20,695) (23,525) (18,251) (41,776) - 6,394 - (7,652) (1,258) 1,438 - - - 11,385 13,813 (2,597) 22,601 1,423 24,024 42,546 42,546 37,458 34,035 184,809 132,058 264,813 208,639 104,861 67,656 369,674 276,295 53,931 51,443 53,931 151,006 54,478 256,380 180,320 79,325 288,729 335,705 112,576 401,305 53,931 51,443 151,006 256,380 79,325 335,705 Land $’000 by finance lease by purchase from acquisition of entities or operations (including restructuring) Write back of assets previously expensed Other From disposal of entities or operations (including restructuring) Other disposals Item Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment Additions: As at 1 July 2006 Gross book value Net book value 1 July 2006 Revaluations and impairments through equity Reclassification Depreciation/amortisation expense Impairments recognised in the operating result Other movements: Disposals: Net book value 30 June 2007 Net book value as of 30 June 2007 represented by: Gross book value Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment TABLE B – Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances property, plant equipment (2006-07)

290 Annual Report 2007–08 ------(2,303) - r 44 96,743 (52) (1,416) (23) (1,303) ute p $’000 $’000 software Com purchased Total - - - 96,699 (1,364) (2,303) (1,280) 199,861 142,580 40,161 29,777 240,022 172,357 205,646 26,794 288,330 205,646 232,440 40,741 26,794 329,071 232,440 (57,281) (10,384) (67,665) (28,686) (2,952) (31,638) (82,684) (13,947) (96,631) $’000 software internally developed Computer (2007-08). Financial statements by purchase or internally developed by finance lease from acquisition of entities or operations (including restructuring) from disposal of entities or operations (including restructuring) other disposals As at 1 July 2007 Gross book value Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment Net book value 1 July 2007 Additions: Item Note 6E: Intangibles Table C: Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances intangibles Reclassifications Amortisation Impairments recognised in the operating result Disposals: Net book value 30 June 2008 Net book value as of 30 June 2008 represented by: Gross book value Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment

Financial statements 291 - - - - (25) - - - - - r ute p $’000 $’000 software Com purchased Total - - - - (25) 1,846 (2,056) (210) 95,564 32,976 128,540 60,274 1,908 62,182 uter 102,498 9,241 111,739 142,580 29,777 172,357 142,580 29,777 199,861 172,357 40,161 240,022 (42,224) (7,333) (49,557) (57,281) (10,384) (67,665) (15,079) (3,051) (18,130) p $’000 software internally developed Com (2006-07). by purchase or internally developed by finance lease from acquisition of entities or operations (including restructuring) from disposal of entities or operations (including restructuring) other disposals As at 1 July 2006 Gross book value Accumulated amortisation and impairment Net book value 1 July 2006 Additions: Table D: Reconciliation of the opening and closing balances intangibles Item Reclassifications Amortisation Impairments recognised in the operating result Disposals: Net book value 30 June 2007 Net book value as of 30 June 2007 represented by: Gross book value Accumulated depreciation/amortisation and impairment

292 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 293 294 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 295 296 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 297 298 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 299 15D Credit risk

The maximum exposure to credit risk is the risk that arises from potential default of a debtor. This amount is equal to the total amount of trade receivables of $20,884,000 in 2008 (2007: $17,578,000). The department has assessed the risk of the default on payment and has allocated $8,153,000 in 2008 (2007: $8,950,000) to an allowance for doubtful debts account. The department holds no collateral to mitigate against credit risk. Credit quality of financial instruments not past due or individually determined as impaired

Not Past Due Not Past Due Past due or Past due or Nor Impaired Nor Impaired impaired impaired 2008 2007 2008 2007 Financial Assets $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Loans and receivables Cash and cash equivalents 5,178 7,116 - - Goods and services receivable 7,125 3,946 13,759 13,632 Total 12,303 11,062 13,759 13,632

Ageing of financial assets that are past due but not impaired for 2008

0 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+ days days days days Total Financial Assets $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Loans and receivables Goods and services receivable 569 113 87 204 973 Total 569 113 87 204 973

Ageing of financial assets that are past due but not impaired for 2007

0 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+ days days days days Total Financial Assets $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Loans and receivables Goods and services receivable 856 303 191 242 1,592 Total 856 303 191 242 1,592

The following assets have been individually assessed as impaired for 2008

Not Past 1 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+ Due days days days days Total Financial Assets $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Loans and receivables Goods and services receivable 2,089 1,107 952 1,066 7,572 12,786 Total 2,089 1,107 952 1,066 7,572 12,786

The following assets have been individually assessed as impaired for 2007

Not Past 1 to 30 31 to 60 61 to 90 90+ Due days days days days Total Financial Assets $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Loans and receivables Goods and services receivable 1,687 1,838 1,157 913 6,445 12,040 Total 1,687 1,838 1,157 913 6,445 12,040

300 Annual Report 2007–08 15E Liquidity risk

The department's financial liabilities are trade creditors, finance leases and operating lease creditors. The exposure to liquidity risk is based on the notion that the department may encounter difficulty in meeting its obligations associated with financial liabilities. This is highly unlikely due to appropriation funding and mechanisms available to the department (e.g. Advance to the Finance Minister) and internal policies and procedures put in place to ensure there are appropriate resources to meet its financial obligations.

The following tables illustrates the maturities for financial liabilities

On within 1 1 to 5 > 5 demand year years years Total 2008 2008 2008 2008 2008 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Finance leases - 18,609 27,020 - 45,629 Trade creditors - 137,460 - - 137,460 Operating lease creditors - 1,019 - - 1,019 Total - 157,088 27,020 - 184,108

On within 1 1 to 5 > 5 demand year years years Total 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 $'000 Finance leases - 14,245 26,019 - 40,264 Trade creditors - 141,174 - - 141,174 Operating lease creditors - 365 - - 365 Total - 155,784 26,019 - 181,803

15F Market risk

The department holds basic financial instruments that do not expose the department to material market risk. Financial statements

Financial statements 301 302 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 303 304 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 305 306 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 307 308 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 309 310 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 311 312 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 313 314 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial statements

Financial statements 315 316 Annual Report 2007–08 ------334 334 ------10,846 - - 1 1 26 3,316 98 12,995 60 11,450 76 8,593 75 10,884 10 4,001 85 14,885 68 6,459 354 64,593 404 88,314 292 64,966 366 61,276 100 13,106 164 31,924 152315 27,823 276271 59,747 95,096 69,405 224 70,106 142 38,709 474 179,625 136 14,879 145 55,438 281 70,317 135 62,211 369 106,095 261 46,526 329 52,985 229 19,509 Other non-tax revenue Total revenue ------2 2 14 27 60 42 79 (1) 12,326 57,644 802 755 120 178 139 318 544 273 168 400 104 708 914 102 Funded by: & services Sales of goods ------10,809 - 3,991 - 14,800 - 331 331 govt Revenue from ------904 904 479 2007 ------4 3,541 3,276 1 1 4 4,177 7,809 4 6,086 6,289 23 14,316 12,886 64 43,596 31,582 8774 75,924 72,334 94,276 67,864 1,270 41 34,225 27,532 86 62,982 69,609 69 48,756 38,399 48 13,449 12,793 37 61,714 62,016 16 14,286 11,348 77 52,480 44,896 1,369 81 58,566 51,185 1,471 31 22,245 19,201 (1) 6,981 10,846 (1) 198 83,104 63,027 1,212 148 93,751 87,108 135 85,292 96,962 1,637 7,923 106,522 111 67,014 63,919 163 82,162 59,639 1,271 105 77,821 59,114 782 429,180 386,817 5,810 9,466 402,093 342 211,424 178,751 104 100,607 104,812 (33) 25,420 55,266 (64) 3,697 (21) 197,276 175,198 17,264 1,012 193,474 ------9 25 25 47 141 631 613 9,552 49,887 45,319 564 1,136 26,068 13,619 1,124 663 755 967 108 641 (172) 11,682 158 808 (237) 15,858 112 789 ------Departmental expenses 585 585 287 ------293 293 488 6,447 184 1,630 1,766 7,236 6,426 7,093 32,629 4,871 19,497 3,292 20,263 1,898 8,163 39,760 2,462 1,103 51,488 68,885 1,151 5,598 7,140 8,442 52,480 8,322 4,981 1,377 2,688 5,118 6,095 1,255 2,348 6,557 8,730 1,383 4,587 43,813 35,664 3,429 47,990 41,428 4,185 39,348 42,356 3,453 33,851 30,089 2,963 42,318 36,068 3,613 21,45936,875 20,374 37,854 1,699 2,987 34,02333,634 37,946 35,003 3,868 3,623 15,416 17,480 1,288 30,134 29,750 3,012 22,171 24,498 2,018 34,930 159,509 16,643 24,227 73,736 2,540 25,471 24,941 1,991 26,854 29,528 2,103 11,256 10,169 68,894 122,163 6,240 216,186 193,797 18,415 161,985 319,335 29,777 10,210 521,307 494,218 2,654 13,713 510,585 423,502 591,331 53,666 12,201 1,080,700 1,009,365 9,934 23,777 1,043,076 492,396 713,494 59,906 12,180 1,277,976 1,184,563 27,198 24,789 1,236,550 ------37 ------26 59 7,300 16 9,131 84 11,371 21 4,689 63 5,317 33 13,927 762 69,787 176 18,218 679 66,523 318 29,632 390 34,121 477 139,030 477 139,030 221 62,439 104 91,733 163 12,798 330 74,176 103 11,024 791 8,505 106 12,731 127 17,420 719 72,844 782 78,161 115 15,510 Other non-tax revenue Total revenue Employees Suppliers Depre-ciation Other Total expenses ------6 9 8 9 3 11 79 44 5,057 54,534 44 11 39 32 22 65 395 1,269 97,702 302 474 10,649 120,177 191 1,163 77,935 113 242 5,375 84,166 198 847 1,289 125,790 177 1,209 74,037 227 1,615 117,289 385 385 158 110 1,471 117,874 107 116 Funded by: & services Sales of goods ------12,625 - 4,668 - 17,293 govt Revenue from ------276 191 2008 ------18 2,100 38 7,003 7,128 15 15,874 9,109 91 8,124 7,705 79 11,341 11,279 94 11,998 18 4,735 58 5,118 5,245 583 68,918 68,723 965 71,343 76,581 154 15,223 17,963 276 29,789772 29,116 65,783 64,534 1,310 991 74,006 72,651 307 29,631 33,687 412 49,306 62,060 147 12,503 12,596 287 66,054 73,814 385 11,268 10,899 989 109,290 116,293 112 16,924 539 70,700 72,018 597 75,818 77,263 105 16,034 15,330 283 14,685 13,891 Financial statements ------3 90 203 862 947 986 537 468 957 210 352 623 ------17 Departmental expenses 816 152 ------39 259 1,263 4,430 2,332 8,365 5,842 6,501 35,787 6,606 5,564 5,845 9,826 54,049 1,892 5,935 3,962 2,533 4,963 1,069 9,725 4,933 6,014 2,248 2,259 7,220 8,425 1,167 2,047 2,661 9,364 5,942 1,864 10,118 2,420 45,747 38,075 6,299 1,134 91,255 96,038 45,997 19,961 2,377 53,048 57,367 8,360 1,395 120,170 109,054 38,736 27,543 4,099 48,342 31,180 4,656 1,136 85,314 88,072 1,816 1,347 91,235 37,367 38,906 3,255 3,995 83,523 78,549 14,69022,677 13,36651,282 25,54028,999 1,457 63,765 1,798 30,512 8,647 3,719 5,500 1,253 53,734 124,947 49,433 123,654 80,28139,801 94,277 28,921 14,147 4,293 2,025 190,730 188,188 2,157 1,968 192,313 10,412 5,357 15,340 12,664 1,320 65,553 46,942 5,703 1,313 119,511 115,447 20,707 107,126 13,117 2,106 143,056 138,168 20,707 107,126 13,117 2,106 143,056 138,168 12,233 69,976 12,714 1,452 96,375 91,618 24,927 78,544 4,830 31,850 35,382 2,929 33,897 38,043 3,281 77,272 141,072 12,321 2,086 232,751 222,777 17,587 2,528 242,892 245,928 183,116 26,859 5,423 461,326 463,559 3,381 15,451 482,391 468,829 576,147 82,401 16,726 1,144,103 1,137,589 6,561 25,211 1,169,361 546,101 717,219 94,722 18,812 1,376,854 1,360,366 24,148 27,739 1,412,253 Employees Suppliers Depre-ciation Other Total expenses Output 1.2.1 Output 1.2.2 Note 26B - Major classes of departmental income and expenses by output groups outputs Outcome 1 Output group 1.1 Output 1.1.1 Output 1.1.2 Output 1.1.3 Output 1.1.4 Output 1.1.5 Output 1.1.6 Output 1.1.7 Output 1.1.8 Total output group 1.2 Total output group 1.1 Output group 1.3 Output 1.3.1 Output 1.3.2 Output 1.3.3 Output 1.3.4 Output 1.3.5 Output group 1.2 Output 1.3.6 Total output group 1.3 Output group 1.4 Output 1.4.1 Output 1.4.2 Output 1.4.3 Total output group 1.4 Output group 1.5 Output 1.5.1 Output 1.5.2 Total output group 1.5 Output group 1.6 Output group 1.7 Output group 1.8 Total outcome 1 Outcome 2 Output group 2.1 Output 2.1.1 Output 2.1.2 Output 2.1.3 Output 2.1.4 Output 2.1.5 Total output group 2.1 Output group 2.2 Output 2.2.1 Output 2.2.2 Output 2.2.3 Total output group 2.2 Output group 2.3 Output 2.3.1 Output 2.3.2 Total output group 2.3 Output group 2.4 Output group 2.5 Total outcome 2 TOTAL

Financial statements 317 318 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 1: Classifications and salary rates Appendix 2: Freedom of Information Appendix 3: Advertising and market research Appendix 4: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance Appendix 5: Discretionary grants Appendix 6: Membership of non-statutory bodies Appendix 7: Citizenship statistics Appendix 8: Compliance with legal services directions Appendix 9: Correction of material errors

Appendices Appendices

Appendices 319 Appendix 1: Classifications and salary rates

Table 110: Classifications and salary rates APS Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement (after 4.3 per (4.2 per cent) (4 per cent) (0.4 per cent) with the OEA cent pay rise)

Aboriginal $11 742 $12 247 $12 761 $13 272 $13 325 Cadets’ pay $13 699 $14 288 $14 888 $15 484 $15 546 rates during full time study. $15 852 $16 534 $17 228 $17 917 $17 989 60% of full time APS1 $17 808 $18 574 $19 354 $20 128 $20 209 junior rates $19 570 $20 412 $21 269 $22 120 $22 208

APS 1 and $19 5701 $20 412 $21 269 $22 120 $22 208 Aboriginal $22 8312 $23 813 $24 813 $25 805 $25 909 Cadets during practical $26 4203 $27 556 $28 713 $29 862 $29 981 training $29 6824 $30 958 $32 259 $33 549 $33 683

$32 617 $34 020 $35 448 $36 866 $37 014

$33 928 $35 387 $36 873 $38 348 $38 501

$35 052 $36 559 $38 095 $39 619 $39 777

$36 175 $37 731 $39 315 $40 888 $41 051

Graduate APS $42 044 $43 852 $45 694 $47 521 $47 712

$43 138 $44 993 $46 883 $48 758 $48 953

$44 432 $46 343 $48 289 $50 221 $50 421

$45 695 $47 660 $49 662 $51 648 $51 855

1 Under 18 years old (60%) 2 18 years (70%) 3 19 years (81%) 4 20 years (91%)

320 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 111: APS level and executive level employees APS Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement with (after 4.3 per (4.2 per cent) (4 per cent) (0.4 per cent) the OEA cent pay rise)

APS Level 1 $19 5701 $20 412 $21 269 $22 120 $22 208

$22 8312 $23 813 $24 813 $25 805 $25 909

$26 4203 $27 556 $28 713 $29 862 $29 981

$29 6824 $30 958 $32 259 $33 549 $33 683

$32 6175 $34 020 $35 448 $36 866 $37 014

$33 928 $35 387 $36 873 $38 348 $38 501

$35 052 $36 559 $38 095 $39 619 $39 777

$36 175 $37 731 $39 315 $40 888 $41 051

APS Level 2 $36 914 $38 501 $40 118 $41 723 $41 890

$37 929 $39 560 $41 221 $42 870 $43 042

$38 924 $40 598 $42 303 $43 995 $44 171

$39 938 $41 655 $43 405 $45 141 $45 322

$41 062 $42 828 $44 626 $46 411 $46 597

APS Level 3 $42 044 $43 852 $45 694 $47 521 $47 712

$43 138 $44 993 $46 883 $48 758 $48 953

$44 432 $46 343 $48 289 $50 221 $50 421

$45 695 $47 660 $49 662 $51 648 $51 855

APS Level 4 $46 860 $48 875 $50 928 $52 965 $53 177

$48 350 $50 429 $52 547 $54 649 $54 868

$49 610 $51 743 $53 916 $56 073 $56 297

$51 010 $53 203 $55 438 $57 655 $57 886 Appendices

APS Level 5 $52 268 $54 516 $56 805 $59 077 $59 314

$53 906 $56 224 $58 585 $60 929 $61 172

$55 548 $57 937 $60 370 $62 785 $63 036

1 Under 18 years old (60%) 2 18 years (70%) 3 19 years (81%) 4 20 years (91%) 5 Bottom salary point for adult salary

Appendices 321 Table 111: APS level and executive level employees continued

APS Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement with (after 4.3 per (4.2 per cent) (4 per cent) (0.4 per cent) the OEA cent pay rise)

APS 6 $56 452 $60 346 $62 880 $65 396 $65 657

$57 858

$59 442 $61 998 $64 602 $67 186 $67 455

$62 429 $65 113 $67 848 $70 562 $70 844

$65 037 $67 834 $70 683 $73 510 $73 804

Exec Level 1 $72 298 $75 407 $78 574 $81 717 $82 044

$74 222 $77 414 $80 665 $83 892 $84 227

$76 048 $79 318 $82 649 $85 955 $86 299

$78 831 $82 221 $85 674 $89 101 $89 457

Exec Level 2 $83 360 $86 944 $90 596 $94 220 $94 597

$87 946 $91 728 $95 580 $99 403 $99 801

$91 233 $95 156 $99 153 $103 119 $103 531

$94 520 $98 584 $102 725 $106 834 $107 261

$97 684 $101 884 $106 164 $110 410 $110 852

322 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 112: Legal officers APS Local title Salary points Salary at Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to date of 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement lodgement (4.2 per (4 per cent) (0.4 per with the OEA (after 4.3 per cent) cent) cent pay rise)

APS Level 4 Legal Officer $49 610 $51 743 $53 916 $56 073 $56 297

APS Level 5 $53 906 $56 224 $58 585 $60 929 $61 172

APS Level 6 $56 452 $60 346¹ $62 880 $65 396 $65 657

$59 442 $61 998 $64 602 $67 186 $67 455

$62 429 $65 113 $67 848 $70 562 $70 844

$65 037 $67 834 $70 683 $73 510 $73 804

Exec Level 1 Senior Legal $72 298 $75 407 $78 574 $81 717 $82 044 Officer $78 831 $82 221 $85 674 $89 101 $89 457

$85 534 $89 212 $92 959 $96 677 $97 064

$88 318 $92 116 $95 985 $99 824 $100 223

Exec Level 2 Principal $97 175 $101 354 $105 610 $109 835 $110 274 Legal Officer $100 338 $104 653 $109 048 $113 410 $113 863

1 Matches new bottom salary point for APS 6.

Table 113: Public affairs officers APS Local title Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement (after 4.3 per (4.2 per (4 per cent) (0.4 per with the OEA cent pay rise) cent) cent)

APS Level 4 Public Affairs $48 350 $50 429 $52 547 $54 649 $54 868 Officer 1 $50 882 $53 070 $55 299 $57 511 $57 741 Appendices APS Level 5 $53 906 $56 224 $58 585 $60 929 $61 172

$55 548 $57 937 $60 370 $62 785 $63 036

Appendices 323 Table 113: Public affairs officers continued APS Local title Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement (after 4.3 per (4.2 per (4 per cent) (0.4 per with the OEA cent pay rise) cent) cent)

APS Level 6 Public Affairs $59 442 $61 998 $64 602 $67 186 $67 455 Officer 2 $60 935 $63 555 $66 225 $68 874 $69 149

$62 429 $65 113 $67 848 $70 562 $70 844

$64 338 $67 105 $69 923 $72 720 $73 011

$66 947 $69 826 $72 758 $75 669 $75 971

Exec Level 1 Public Affairs $78 831 $82 221 $85 674 $89 101 $89 457 Officer 3 $83 819 $87 423 $91 095 $94 739 $95 118

$85 534 $89 212 $92 959 $96 677 $97 064

$88 318 $92 116 $95 985 $99 824 $100 223

Exec Level 2 Senior $91 734 $95 679 $99 697 $103 685 $104 100 Public Affairs $94 896 $98 977 $103 134 $107 259 $107 688 Officer B

Senior $96 794 $100 956 $105 196 $109 404 $109 842 Public Affairs $99 958 $104 256 $108 635 $112 980 $113 432 Officer A

Table 114: Medical officers APS Salary points Salary at date Salary at Salary at Salary at classification prior to of lodgement 13/12/2007 11/12/2008 19/03/2009 lodgement with (after 4.3 per (4.2 per cent) (4 per cent) (0.4 per cent) the OEA cent pay rise)

Medical Officer $93 241 $97 250 $101 335 $105 388 $105 810 Class 2 $96 922 $101 090 $105 335 $109 549 $109 987

Medical Officer $104 223 $108 705 $113 270 $117 801 $118 272 Class 3 $107 676 $112 306 $117 023 $121 704 $122 191

Medical Officer $113 667 $118 555 $123 534 $128 475 $128 989 Class 4 $118 102 $123 180 $128 354 $133 488 $134 022

$120 330 $125 504 $130 775 $136 006 $136 550

$123 492 $128 802 $134 212 $139 580 $140 139

324 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 2: Freedom of Information

This information complies with section 8 of FOI requests with contact addresses in the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Victoria, West Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory should Information about the department, including be sent to: its structure, appears earlier in this report. Decision making powers are vested in Parliamentary and Public Access Section the minister and the secretary under Department of Immigration and Citizenship various Acts. The minister or the secretary GPO Box 241E may delegate most of their powers to Melbourne VIC 3001 departmental staff. FOI requests with contact addresses in Generally, the department prefers to provide New South Wales, Queensland and the access to documents in the form of copies. Australian Capital Territory should be sent to: Private viewing of personal files may be Privacy and FOI Section done by appointment at state and regional Department of Immigration and Citizenship offices. PO Box 9984 Initial telephone enquiries in relation to Sydney NSW 2001 Freedom of Information (FOI) matters may be made through the client service line on 131 881.

Table 115: Freedom of Information documents maintained Type Description

Documents of decision making bodies1 These documents relate to the business of these bodies and including agenda, minutes and other records.

Cabinet documents1 These documents are records of cabinet matters including cabinet submissions and cabinet minutes.

Representations to the Minister for The minister and the parliamentary secretary receive Immigration and Citizenship and the a large number of written representations each year parliamentary secretary1 concerning all aspects of migration, population, settlement, citizenship policies and portfolio administration.

Documents on internal departmental These documents include personnel records, organisation administration1 and staffing records, and internal operating documentation Appendices such as internal working documents and correspondence.

Program documents1 These documents contain information relating to grants provided to various organisations under the programs the department administers and programs administered under enactments including the Migration Act 1958 and the Australian Citizenship Act 2007.

1 Some records are either not available or only available to the public under the FOI Act, where access may be subject to a charge.

Appendices 325 Table 115: Freedom of Information documents maintained continued Type Description

Personal information documents1 The department holds information about applications for migration and Australian citizenship. Personal information incidental to these applications is also collected. This information is located on individual files and departmental databases.

Documents available for access or The department’s annual report is available online. purchase subject to a fee or other Legislation and policy instructions are available for charge purchase via an online subscription service, LEGENDcom, or our website. The Freedom of Information Handbook is available from our Freedom of Information units.

Documents available free of charge The department holds and makes available on request on request2 (free of charge) a range of documents including fact sheets, some research documents, general information leaflets (some in a number of languages) and a leaflet about FOI that is published by the Attorney-General’s Department.

1 Some records are either not available or only available to the public under the FOI Act, where access may be subject to a charge. 2 These are available on the department’s website at www.immi.gov.au and at the public enquiry counters of the department’s Australian and overseas offices.

326 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 3: Advertising and market research

The following table lists expenditure on advertising and market research contracts during 2007–08.

Table 116: Expenditure on advertising and marketing Market research Value

Australian Survey Research Group Pty Ltd $27 800

Survey of working holiday makers and employers

Blue Moon Research and Planning Pty Ltd $506 050

Research for the citizenship test communication campaign

Open Mind Research Group $100 000

Research to develop communication strategy for Bridging E visas and visa overstayers

The Value Creation Group $21 472

External value creation workshops

The Value Creation Group $43 255

Student and working holiday maker focus groups

University of Queensland Social Research Centre $83 837

2008 Client Satisfaction Survey

University of Queensland Social Research Centre $50 593

Client service intercept poll

University of Queensland Social Research Centre $12 055

Overseas client research data analysis tool

Sub-total $845 062 Appendices

Appendices 327 Table 116: Expenditure on advertising and marketing continued Advertising agencies Value

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $42 619

Advertising costs for the introduction of the Maritime Crew visa

Newd Corp. Pty Ltd $1 006 695

Development and implementation of a creative advertising strategy for the Australian citizenship test and values statements public information campaign

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $15 717

Advertising costs for the complex case support tender

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $12 877

Advertising costs for the Australian Citizenship Act 2007

Universal McCann $88 372

Management of placement of citizenship campaign advertising

Singleton Ogilvy & Mather (Sydney) Pty Ltd $35 346

Development and implementation of an advertising strategy for the Australian citizenship communication campaign

Sub-total $1 201 626

Media advertising Value

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $57 941

Recruitment advertising

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $20 900

Working holiday programs—web banner advertising

LBC Radio $17 800

Advertising for Australia Needs Skills Expos

Manchester Evening News $13 090

Advertising for Australia Needs Skills Expos

Metro Newspaper London $23 777

Advertising for Australia Needs Skills Expos

Universal McCann $3 880 567

Advertising for the citizenship test

HMA Blaze Pty Ltd $35 161

Advertising for funding applications under the Settlement Grants Program

Sub-total $4 049 236

Total $6 095 924

328 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 4: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance

The department’s ecologically sustainable • subscribing the entire departmental development and environmental vehicle fleet to Greenfleet’s Vehicle performance during 2007–08 has focused Emissions Offset Program; progressively on the expansion of initiatives to provide changing over fleet vehicles to smaller, wider environmental awareness within the more fuel efficient vehicles; and using department. ethanol/petrol blended fuel where possible The department is committed to further development of its environmental practices • expanding the use of the new style to minimise the environmental impacts of its waste recycling bins in National Office operations while providing a workplace that to state and territory offices conforms to Commonwealth occupational • joining the Government Agencies health and safety requirements. Environmental Network to initiate and share best practice ideas and The department’s Environmental processes across Commonwealth Management System (EMS) is agencies currently being updated to enhance the documentation which underpins • including Green Lease Schedule in the environmental aspects and provide negotiations for all new office building for better results in a number of areas leases greater than 2000m² and with including: a lease term over two years. Green • energy consumption Lease Schedule now covers offices in Canberra, Hobart, Perth, Sydney and • office consumables Brisbane. • waste to landfill To support the implementation of • transportation environmental initiatives, the staff • staff awareness and training. volunteer network known as Envirowatch The enhancement of the EMS will help the has been further expanded to include department achieve compliance with the state and territory representatives in a new Australia/New Zealand Standard whole of department ‘Green Forum’ that ISO 14001. This standard assists receives senior management support. organisations achieve effective This enhanced network of environmental environmental management and increase ‘champions’ continues to promote environmental and financial gains. environmental awareness among staff and the development of environmental policy for Appendices The department is working towards the department. certification of its EMS for the new building at 5 Chan Street in Belconnen by 2011. Environmental initiatives undertaken by the department in 2007–08 included: • promoting and managing a Business Clean Up Day and Mobile Muster in National Office, as well as participating in the inaugural global Earth Hour

Appendices 329 Table 117: Ecologically sustainable development and environmental performance

Building tenant light and power Building central services

Financial year Megajoules per person Megajoules per square metre per annum per annum (Target of 400 MJ to be met by 2011–12) (Target of 7500 to be met by 2011–12)

2003–04 7 519 287

2004–051 5 940 402

2005–06 6 588 461

2006–072 7 479 639

2007–08 7 486 575

1 The 2004–05 figures (with the exclusion of building central services) are higher due to the addition of Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination (OIPC) to the department’s portfolio. The OIPC became part of the Department of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in 2005–06. 2 The 2006–07 figures are higher than the previous year due to the addition of several new leases to service business demand and provide for a number of large projects. The central services figures increased due to significant operational demands on the department’s computer centre due to the Systems for People upgrades.

330 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 5: Discretionary grants

Discretionary grants are payments where the portfolio minister or paying agency has discretion in determining whether or not an applicant receives funding and may or may not impose conditions in return for the grant. The department administered the following discretionary grants programs during 2007–08: • Multicultural affairs—Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia • Living in Harmony • National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security • Settlement Grants Program. Appendices

Appendices 331 Appendix 6: Membership of non-statutory bodies

Immigration Detention Advisory Detention Health Advisory Group— Group Mental Health Sub-Group The Hon. John Hodges (chair) Professor Louise Newman (chair) Dr Mohammed Taha Alsalami Mr Jorge Aroche Mr Paris Aristotle, AM Dr Michael Dudley Air Marshal Ray Funnell, AC (retired) Ms Amanda Gordon Major General Warren Glenny, Professor Ian Hickie AO, RFD, ED (Retd) Associate Professor Nicholas Procter The Hon. Gerry Hand Dr Choong-Siew Yong Associate Professor Harry Minas Detention Health Advisory Group— The Hon. Margaret Reid, AO Infectious Disease Sub-Group Sister Loreto Conroy Dr Maxine Whittaker (chair) Mr Tsebin Tchen Dr David Burgner Immigration Detention Advisory Dr Natalie Gray Group—Research Sub-Group Dr Vicki Krause Mr Paris Aristotle, AM Professor Raina MacIntyre Air Marshal Ray Funnell, AC (Retd) Dr James McCarthy Associate Professor Harry Minas Ms Doreen Rae

Detention Health Advisory Group Refugee Resettlement Advisory Associate Professor Harry Minas (chair) Council Mr Jorge Aroche The Hon. Bruce Baird (chair) Ms Sandra Eagar Mr Paul Power Ms Amanda Gordon Mr Daniel Zingifuaboro Professor Ian Hickie Mr Mohamad Issa Dr Paul Kotala Ms Samia Baho Dr Tim Lightfoot Ms Jenny Semple Professor Louise Newman Mr Paris Aristotle, AM Dr Gillian Singleton Mr Kevin Liston Associate Professor Anna Whelan Ms Margaret Piper Dr Maxine Whittaker Ms Carmel Guerra Dr Choong-Siew Yong Ms Mary Durkin (observer status)

332 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 7: Citizenship statistics

The following tables show the number of people who were conferred Australian Previous country or citizenship Persons citizenship at ceremonies, details of their Brunei Darussallam 19 former nationality/citizenship, and the country in which they were ordinarily Bulgaria 52 resident before entering Australia Burkina Faso 3

Table 118: Previous country of nationality Burundi 114 or citizenship of people who were conferred in 2007–08 Cambodia 463 Previous country or citizenship Persons Cameroon 6

Afghanistan 3 174 Canada 1 054

Africa (so stated) 4 Channel Islands 15

Albania 77 Chile 780

Algeria 26 China, People’s Republic of 8 402

American Samoa 5 Colombia 285

Angola 3 Congo 128

Argentina 268 Congo, Democratic Republic of 3

Armenia 20 Cook Islands 3

Austria 104 Costa Rica 8

Azerbaijan 7 Cote d’Ivoire 4

Bahamas 2 Croatia 197

Bahrain 4 Cuba 21

Bangladesh 1 067 Cyprus 42

Barbados 2 Czech Republic 83

Belarus 49 Czechoslovakia, former 7

Belgium 252 Denmark 67 Appendices

Belize 1 Djibouti 5

Bermuda 1 Dominican Republic 2

Bolivia 8 Ecuador 43

Bosnia-Herzegovina 201 Egypt, Arab Republic of 395

Botswana 5 El Salvador 64

Brazil 316 Eritrea 114

*As stated in application forms

Appendices 333 Table 118: Previous country of nationality or citizenship of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued

Previous country or citizenship Persons Previous country or citizenship Persons

Estonia 6 Japan 192

Ethiopia 369 Jordan 187

Falkland Islands 1 Kazakhstan 35

Fiji 1 546 Kenya 307

Finland 143 Kiribati 8

France 462 Korea, Democratic People’s Republic 8 of French Polynesia 1 Korea, Republic of 2 388 Gambia 2 Kuwait 12 Georgia 3 Kyrgyzstan 19 Germany, Federal Republic of 828 Laos 78 Ghana 131 Latvia 31 Greece 215 Lebanon 1 031 Grenada 1 Liberia 680 Guatemala 2 Libya 3 Guinea 12 Liechtenstein 1 Guyana 7 Lithuania 20 Haiti 2 Luxembourg 1 Hong Kong (SAR of PRC) 1 298 Macau (SAR of PRC) 35 Hungary 107 Macedonia, Former Yugoslav 276 Iceland 6 Republic of

India 9 053 Madagascar 2

Indonesia 2 007 Malawi 7

Iran 736 Malaysia 2 717

Iraq 4 216 Maldives 16

Ireland 1 474 Mali, Republic of 2

Isle of Man 4 Malta 965

Israel 389 Marshall Islands 1

Italy 1 043 Mauritius 384

Jamaica 10 Mexico 81

*As stated in application forms

334 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 118: Previous country of nationality or citizenship of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued

Previous country or citizenship Persons Previous country or citizenship Persons

Micronesia, Federated States of 1 Saint Lucia 1

Moldova 23 Samoa 79

Mongolia 1 Saudi Arabia 4

Montenegro, Republic of 2 Senegal 1

Morocco 29 Serbia and Montenegro, former 48

Mozambique 7 Serbia, Republic of 58

Myanmar (Burma) 397 Seychelles 29

Namibia 34 Sierra Leone 491

Nauru 11 Singapore 1 320

Nepal 442 Slovakia 126

Netherlands 689 Slovenia 28

Netherlands Antilles 1 Solomon Islands 40

New Caledonia 4 Somalia 169

New Zealand 6 806 South Africa, Republic of 5 490

Nicaragua 4 Spain 164

Nigeria 151 Sri Lanka 2 921

Norway 19 Sudan 3 017

Oman 2 Suriname, Republic of 1

Pakistan 1 185 Swaziland 3

Palestinian Authority 102 Sweden 330

Panama 4 Switzerland 206

Papua New Guinea 166 Syria 137 Appendices Paraguay 3 Tadjikistan 1

Peru 199 Taiwan 870

Philippines 3 827 Tanzania 48

Poland 407 Thailand 1 246

Portugal 300 Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of 79

Romania 215 Togo 3

Russian Federation 660 Tonga 275

Rwanda 14 Trinidad and Tobago 23

*As stated in application forms

Appendices 335 Table 118: Previous country of nationality or citizenship of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued Previous country or citizenship Persons

Tunisia 8

Turkey 624

Turkmenistan 4

Tuvalu 6

USSR, former 21

Uganda 48

Ukraine 224

United Arab Emirates 4

United Kingdom 27 369

United States of America 2 003

Uruguay 93

Uzbekistan 43

Vanuatu 5

Venezuela 87

Vietnam 2 185

Yemen 2

Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of 366

Zambia 54

Zimbabwe 972

Not stated/other 2 654

Total 121 221

336 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 119: Previous country of residence of people who were conferred in 2007–08

Previous country of residence Persons Previous country of residence Persons

Afghanistan 2 545 Canada 1 076

Africa* 10 Cayman Islands 5

Albania 65 Chad 1

Algeria 20 Channel Islands 46

American Samoa 7 Chile 777

Angola 3 China, People’s Republic of 8 298

Argentina 285 Colombia 275

Armenia 23 Congo 86

Australia 1 035 Congo, Democratic Republic of 3

Austria 113 Cook Islands 34

Azerbaijan 7 Costa Rica 7

Bahamas 3 Cote d’Ivoire 11

Bahrain 52 Croatia 181

Bangladesh 999 Cuba 22

Barbados 3 Cyprus 81

Belarus 44 Czech Republic 77

Belgium 208 Czechoslovakia, former 8

Belize 1 Denmark 74

Bermuda 7 Djibouti 7

Bolivia 8 Dominican Republic 3

Bosnia-Herzegovina 192 Ecuador 40

Botswana 79 Egypt, Arab Republic of 1 628

Brazil 316 El Salvador 65 Appendices

Brunei Darussallam 80 Eritrea 57

Bulgaria 53 Estonia 7

Burkina Faso 4 Ethiopia 229

Burundi 67 Equatorial Guinea 1

Cambodia 446 Fiji 1 550

Cameroon 5 Finland 119

*As stated in application forms

Appendices 337 Table 119: Previous country of residence of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued

Previous country of residence Persons Previous country of residence Persons

France 386 Kenya 1 416

French Polynesia 6 Kiribati 9

Gambia 4 Korea, Democratic People’s 11 Republic of Gaza Strip* 2 Korea, Republic of 2 292 Georgia 4 Kuwait 57 Germany, Federal Republic of 883 Kyrgyzstan 17 Ghana 343 Laos 55 Greece 252 Latvia 34 Grenada 1 Lebanon 1 148 Guam 1 Lesotho 9 Guatemala 2 Liberia 202 Guinea 572 Libya 20 Guyana 7 Liechtenstein 1 Honduras 3 Lithuania 19 Hong Kong (SAR of PRC) 1 986 Luxembourg 10 Hungary 107 Macau (SAR of PRC) 43 Iceland 4 Macedonia, Former Yugoslav 269 India 8 128 Republic of

Indonesia 2 028 Madagascar 3

Iran 1 709 Malawi 44

Iraq 2 547 Malaysia 2 629

Ireland 1 435 Maldives 18

Isle of Man 25 Mali, Republic of 1

Israel 380 Malta 978

Italy 983 Mauritania 1

Jamaica 7 Mauritius 384

Japan 308 Mexico 83

Jordan 644 Micronesia, Federated States of 1

Kazakhstan 37 Moldova 21

*As stated in application forms

338 Annual Report 2007–08 Table 119: Previous country of residence of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued

Previous country of residence Persons Previous country of residence Persons

Monaco 1 Reunion 3

Mongolia 2 Romania 199

Montenegro, Republic of 4 Russian Federation 613

Morocco 25 Rwanda 11

Mozambique 17 Samoa 71

Myanmar (Burma) 321 Saudi Arabia 125

Namibia 38 Senegal 1

Nauru 8 Serbia and Montenegro, former 48

Nepal 408 Serbia, Republic of 194

Netherlands 679 Seychelles 46

Netherlands Antilles 2 Sierra Leone 229

New Caledonia 17 Singapore 1 994

New Zealand 7 014 Slovakia 123

Nicaragua 5 Slovenia 27

Nigeria 127 Solomon Islands 41

Niue 2 Somalia 89

Norfolk Island* 7 South Africa, Republic of 5 802

Northern Mariana Islands 1 South America* 2

Norway 26 Spain 165

Oman 68 Sri Lanka 2 640

Pakistan 1 485 St Vincent and the Grenadines 1

Palestinian Authority 50 Stateless* 34

Panama 4 Sudan 1 832 Appendices

Papua New Guinea 241 Suriname, Republic of 1

Paraguay 6 Swaziland 13

Peru 182 Sweden 327

Philippines 3 690 Switzerland 231

Poland 386 Syria 372

Portugal 232 Tadjikistan 2

Qatar 34 Taiwan 859

*As stated in application forms

Appendices 339 Table 119: Previous country of residence of people who were conferred in 2007–08 continued Previous country of residence Persons

Tanzania 334

Thailand 1 373

Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of 109

Togo 1

Tonga 258

Trinidad and Tobago 25

Tunisia 5

Turkey 782

Turks and Caicos Islands 1

Turkmenistan 7

Tuvalu 7

U.S.S.R, former 19

Uganda 372

Ukraine 222

United Arab Emirates 586

United Kingdom 25 523

United States of America 2 203

Unknown* 197

Uruguay 94

Uzbekistan 42

Vanuatu 12

Venezuela 99

Vietnam 2 160

Yemen 8

Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of 294

Zambia 82

Zimbabwe 1 212

Total 121 221

*As stated in application forms

340 Annual Report 2007–08 Appendix 8: Compliance with legal services directions DIAC Legal Services Expenditure 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008 This is a statement of legal services expenditure by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for 2007–08, published in compliance with paragraph 11.1 (ba) of the Legal Services Directions 2005.

Description Cost (ex. GST)

Total legal services expenditure $42 330 209

Total external legal services expenditure $28 609 232

External expenditure on solicitors1 $22 881 436

External expenditure on counsel $4 435 719

Number of matters in which male counsel briefed—1 2042

Estimated value of briefs to male counsel2 $2 790 888

Number of matters in which female counsel briefed—5712

Estimated value of briefs to female counsel2 $887 329

Disbursements on external legal services $1 292 077

Total internal legal services expenditure $13 720 977

Salaries $12 603 389

Overheads (for example, office stores and stationery, training and travel) $1 117 588

1 As the department has entered into a fixed fee arrangement for the payment of some of its litigation matters, this figure will also include some expenditure on counsel and disbursements that cannot be separately identified. 2 These statistics relate to litigation matters only. Appendices

Appendices 341 Appendix 9: Correction of material errors

The following errors were detected after publication of the Annual Report 2006–07.

Page 38 The total number of Skill Stream visas was incorrectly noted as 97 920, in both the text and Table 4. The correct figure is 97 940.

Page 68, Table 32 The last measure in the table is incorrectly described as ‘40 sanctions issued where there has been breach of visa and/or sponsorship conditions’. The measure should refer to ‘408 sanctions’.

Page 70, final paragraph The final paragraph incorrectly notes the number of sponsors who were formally warned or had a bar imposed on sponsoring workers. The paragraph should read: ‘During the year, 313 sponsors were formally warned and 95 sponsors had a bar imposed on sponsoring further workers, including 14 who had their sponsorship agreement cancelled.’ This error was addressed in an erratum inserted in the annual report prior to distribution.

Page 90 The sixth paragraph incorrectly refers to ‘formal’ Protection visa applicants. The reference should be to ‘former’ applicants.

Page 104, Figure 17 The y axis within the figure, specifying the number of infringement notices issued to airlines, has been incorrectly increased by a factor of 10. The corrected range should begin at 0 and end at 6000.

Page 121 The figure for removals and departures in 2006–07 was incorrectly noted as 6768 in both the text and Table 45. The correct figure is 9489, comprising 5055 removals, 4433 monitored departures and one criminal deportation. Page 163 The total figure for people assisted under the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy was noted as 12 307, comprising 6230 refugees, 5993 Special Humanitarian Program entrants and 84 protection visa holders. The updated figure should be 12 355, comprising 6248 refugees, 6023 Special Humanitarian Program entrants and 84 protection visa holders. The statistics are obtained from the department’s Humanitarian Entrant Management System (HEMS), which is a live database. This correction is a result of data cleansing within HEMS.

342 Annual Report 2007–08 Page 353 The Compliance Index incorrectly noted the pages for a series of references, as follows:

Reference Incorrect Correct

Impact and features of certified agreements and AWAs 227 230

Training and development undertaken and its impact 240

Statistics on staffing 246 226

Performance pay 241 236 Appendices

Appendices 343 Glossary

4CC Four Countries Conference

AAT Administrative Appeals Tribunal

ACSE Award for Client Service Excellence

ADS Approved Destination Status

ALO Airline Liaison Officer

AMEP Adult Migrant English Program

ANAO Australian National Audit Office

APEC Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation

APIMRP Australian Population, Immigration and Multicultural Research Program

APP Advance Passenger Processing

APS Australian Public Service

ARMS AMEP Reporting and Management System

ASA Asylum Seeker Assistance

ASCO Australian Standard Classification of Occupations

AusAID Australian Agency for International Development

AUSCO Australian Cultural Orientation

BVE Bridging E visa

BSI Border Security Initiative

CCS Complex Case Support

CLG Corporate Leadership Group

CMAL Central Movement Alert List

COAG Council of Australian Governments

CPAS Contracts and Procurement Advice Section

CPG Commonwealth Procurement Guideline

CSGP Citizenship Support Grants Program

CSSS Community Settlement Services Scheme

CSWE Certificates in Spoken and Written English

DAC Departmental Audit Committee

DEEWR Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

DeHAG Detention Health Advisory Group

344 Annual Report 2007–08 DFAT Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

DIAC Department of Immigration and Citizenship

DoHA Department of Health and Ageing

DRC Detention Review Committee

DVS Document Verification Service

EC European Commission

EU European Union

EDRC Executive Detention Review Committee

ELICOS English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students

ELT English Language Tuition

EMS Environmental Management System

ENS Employer Nomination Scheme

ETA Electronic Travel Authority

ETAS Electronic Travel Authority System

FECCA Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia

FOI Freedom of Information

GDEN Global Document Examination Network

GFU Global Feedback Unit

GSM General Skilled Migration

HREOC Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission

HSMA Health and Safety Management Arrangement

IAAAS Immigration Advice and Application Assistance Scheme

ICS Immigration and Citizenship Service

ICT Information and communication technology Glossary ICSE Integrated Client Services Environment

IDAG Immigration Detention Advisory Group

IDC Immigration Detention Centre

IDEAL Immigration Dilemmas: Ethics, APS Values and Leadership

IECN International Events Coordinator Network

IGC Inter-governmental consultations

IHSS Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Strategy

Glossary 345 IOM International Organization for Migration

IRC Identity Resolution Centre

ISR Identity Services Repository

JSCM Joint Standing Committee on Migration

KPI Key Performance Indicator

LA Labour Agreement

LEE Locally engaged employee

MAL Movement Alert List

MARA Migration Agents Registration Authority

MCIMA Ministerial Council on Immigration and Multicultural Affairs

MCV Maritime Crew visa

MIA Migration Institute of Australia Limited

MODL Migration Occupations in Demand List

MOU Memorandum of Understanding

MRC Migrant Resource Centres

MRT Migration Review Tribunal

MSA Migrant Service Agencies

MSL Minimum salary level

NAATI National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters

NAP National Action Plan to Build on Social Cohesion, Harmony and Security

NEAS National ELT Accreditation Scheme

NGO Non-government organisations

NIVA National Identity Verification and Advice

NSCF National Staff Consultative Forum

NSW New South Wales

OIPC Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination

OPC Offshore Processing Centre

OPC Office of the Privacy Commissioner

PAES Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements

PAS Preferred Aussie Specialist

PBS Portfolio Budget Statement

PDMS Pre-departure medical screening

346 Annual Report 2007–08 PMC People Management Committee

PNG Papua New Guinea

POPC Perth Offshore Processing Centre

PRC People’s Republic of China

PWR Parliament of the World’s Religions

PY Professional Year

RCOA Refugee Council of Australia

RFT Request for tender

RMAS Regional Movement Alert System

RPBV Removal Pending Bridging visa

RRAC Refugee Resettlement Advisory Council

RSMS Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme

RRT Refugee Review Tribunal

SBS Special Broadcasting Service

SDB Settlement Database

SES Senior Executive Service

SfP Systems for People

SGP Settlement Grants Program

SHP Special Humanitarian Program

SRS Security Referral Service

TAFE Technical and Further Education

TB Tuberculosis

THV Temporary Humanitarian visa

TIS Translating and Interpreting Service Glossary TPV Temporary Protection visa

TRIPS Travel and Immigration Processing System

UHM Unaccompanied Humanitarian Minor

UK United Kingdom

UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund

USA United States of America

VCS Values and Conduct Section

VEVO Visa Entitlement Verification Online

Glossary 347 Compliance index

This report is prepared in accordance with the Requirements for Annual Reports approved by the Joint Committee of Public Accounts and Audit under subsections 63(2) and 70(2) of the Public Service Act 1999. This index refers to mandatory and suggested reporting items.

Description Requirement Page

Letter of transmittal Mandatory iii

Table of contents Mandatory v

Glossary Mandatory 344–7

Index Mandatory 352–9

Contact officer Mandatory ii

Website addresses for homepage and report Mandatory ii

Review by secretary

Review by departmental secretary Mandatory 4–15

Summary of significant issues and developments Suggested 4–15

Summary of performance and financial results Suggested 4–15, 24–5

Outlook for 2008–09 Suggested 4–15

Significant issues and developments—portfolio Suggested 4–15

Overview

Overview description Mandatory 16–7

Role and functions Mandatory 16–7

Organisational structure Mandatory 20–1

Outcome and output structure Mandatory 22–3

Variations from the PBS Mandatory 25

Portfolio structure Mandatory 16

Report on performance

Review of performance in relation to outputs and contribution to Mandatory 4–15, 26–207 outcomes

Actual performance in relation to performance targets set out in Mandatory 29–33, 161–3 PBS/PAES

Performance of purchase/provider arrangements If applicable, Throughout mandatory the report

Where performance targets differ from PBS/PAES, details of Mandatory Nil to report former and new targets, and reasons for variation

348 Annual Report 2007–08 Description Requirement Page

Narrative discussion and analysis of performance Mandatory 4–15, 26–207

Trend information Suggested 4–15, 26–207

Factors, events or trends influencing performance Suggested 4–15, 26–207

Significant changes in nature of principal functions or services Suggested 4–15

Performance against service charter customer service Mandatory 218–20, standards, complaints data and the response to complaints 222–6

Social justice and equity impacts Suggested 159–207

Discussion and analysis of financial performance Mandatory 24–5

Discussion of any significant changes from the prior year or from Suggested Throughout budget the report

Summary resource tables by outcomes Mandatory 24–5, 317

Developments since the end of the financial year that have If applicable, Nil affected or may significantly affect operations or financial results mandatory in future

Management and accountability

Corporate governance Mandatory 210–4

Statement of the main corporate governance practices in place Mandatory 210–4

Names of the senior executive and their responsibilities Suggested 18–9

Senior management committees and their roles Suggested 210–4

Corporate and operational planning and associated Suggested 210–4 performance reporting and review

Approach adopted to identifying areas of significant financial or Suggested 212 operational risk and arrangements in place to manage risks

Agency heads are required to certify that their agency complies Mandatory 212–4 with the Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines

Policy and practices on the establishment and maintenance of Suggested 236–7

appropriate ethical standards Compliance index

How nature and amount of remuneration for SES officers is Suggested 238 determined

External scrutiny

Significant developments in external scrutiny Mandatory 222–6

Judicial decisions and decisions of administrative tribunals Mandatory 222

Reports by the Auditor-General Mandatory 215–6

Reports by parliamentary committees Mandatory 225–6

Reports by the Commonwealth Ombudsman Mandatory 222–4

Compliance index 349 Description Requirement Page

Management of human resources

Assessment of effectiveness in managing and developing Mandatory 227–44 human resources to achieve departmental objectives

Workforce planning, staff turnover and retention Suggested 234

Impact and features of certified agreements and AWAs Suggested 238

Training and development undertaken and its impact Suggested 235

Occupational health and safety performance Suggested 241–4

Productivity gains Suggested Throughout the report

Statistics on staffing Mandatory 228–33, 238–40

Certified agreements and AWAs Mandatory 238–40

Performance pay Mandatory 238–40

Assets management

Assessment of effectiveness of assets management Mandatory 245–52

Purchasing

Assessment of purchasing against core policies and principles Mandatory 246

Consultants

Number of consultancy services contracts let and total Mandatory 247 expenditure on consultancy services

Competitive tendering and contracting contracts let and Mandatory 247–52 outcomes

Contracts exempt from the AusTender process Mandatory 247

Competitive tendering and contracting

Absence of provisions in CTC contracts allowing access by the Mandatory 247, 252 Auditor-General

Commonwealth Disability Strategy

Report on performance in implementing the Commonwealth Mandatory 244 Disability Strategy

Financial statements

Financial statements Mandatory 253–318

350 Annual Report 2007–08 Description Requirement Page

Other information

Occupational health and safety—section 74 of the Occupational Mandatory 241–3 Health and Safety (Commonwealth Employment) Act 1991

Freedom of information—subsection 8(1) of the Freedom of Mandatory 325–6 Information Act 1982

Advertising and market research—section 311A of the Mandatory 327–8 Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918

Ecologically sustainable development and environmental Mandatory 329–30 performance—section 516A of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Discretionary grants Mandatory 331

Correction of material errors in previous annual report Mandatory 342–3 Compliance index

Compliance index 351 Index Australia Day, 11, 162, 164, 180–185, 240 National Australia Day Council, 18, 162, A 164, 183 Access Economics, 29, 35, 251 Australian Citizenship Act 1948, 10, 179 act of grace payments, 151 Australian Citizenship Act 2007, 10, 17, administered expenses, 25, 194 179, 183, 184, 222, 225, 325, 328 administered items, 139–159, 193–207 Australian Administrative Appeals Tribunal, 3, 182, citizenship, 3, 10, 11, 16–19, 23, 25, 222, See also AAT 82, 107, 159–164, 179–185, 222, 225, 325, 326, 333 Adult Migrant English Program, 10, 23, 165, 171, 193–197 See also AMEP Cultural Orientation Program, 80 See also AUSCO Advance Passenger Processing, 30, 91, 94 see also APP Federal Police, 9, 112 113, 116, 133, 148 advertising, 251, 327, 328 National Audit Office, 103, 214, 215, Afghanistan, 76, 105, 182, 333, 337 245, 247, 252 Africa, 9, 21, 29, 80, 81, 83, 143, 182, 192, Population, Immigration and 333, 337 Multicultural Research Program, 147 Airline Liaison Officer, 3, 94, 104, 107, 227, see also APIMRP 228 see also ALO Red Cross, 75, 110, 119, 129, 150, AMEP, 20, 165, 171, 194–197, See also 188 Adult Migrant English Program Award for Client Service Excellence, 240 ANAO, 103, 214–216 See also Australian National Audit Office B Andrews MP, Kevin, 4, 17 Bangladesh, 76, 143, 333, 337 APEC, 92, 93 see also Asia-Pacific Baxter Immigration Detention Centre, 8, Economic Cooperation 131 APIMRP, See Australian Population, Beirut, 83 Immigration and Multicultural Research Program biometric technologies, 103, 142, 215 APP, 94, 99 see also Advance Passenger biometrics, 6, 92, 95, 102, 103, 107, Processing 137, 142, 215, 216 See also Identity management Art-SLAM21, 202 border security, 2, 4, 6, 7, 20, 22, 25–28, Asset management, 209, 245 91–99, 104, 135–138, 141, 190, 235 asylum seeker, 10, 22, 25, 27, 28, 88, 90, Bulgaria, 35, 51–53, 333, 337 132, 139, 148–150 Burma, 9, 75, 143, 335, 339 AusAID, 36, 57, 59, 77, 82, 133, 143, 148, business entry, 29, 35 AUSCO, 80, 82 see also Australian Cultural Orientation Austrade, 228

352 Annual Report 2007–08 C Client Satisfaction Survey, 12, 173, 218, 327 Cambodia, 101. 105, 333, 337 Client Service Charter, 217, 218 Canada, 31, 51, 54, 56, 76, 89, 93, 333, 337 Closure of facilities, 131 cancellation, 9, 30, 39, 61, 88, 113, 115, CMAL, 50, 94, 95, 101, 135, 136, 116, 118, 222 see also Central Movement Alert List Caring for our Colleagues, 14, 235, 236 College of Immigration, 13, 235, 236 case management, 4, 6, 11, 20, 105, Commonwealth Fraud Control Guidelines, 109–114, 119, 121, 122, 129, 135–138, 212, 213 190, 235 Commonwealth Ombudsman, 120, 129, CCMD, 113, 114 See also Compliance, 130, 223, 224 Case Management and Detention Community Care Pilot, 110, 111, 119, 153 CCS, 10, 165 see also Complex Case see also CCP Support Community Settlement Services Scheme, Central Movement Alert List, 6, 50, 94, 101, 3, 170, 200 see also CSSS 135, 138 see also CMAL Community Status Resolution Trial, 111 Centrelink, 19, 44, 82, 103, 112, 122, 140, 179, 181 complaints, 89, 157, 173, 217–224 Certificate IV in Government (Procurement), Complex Case Support, 10, 165, 328 246 see also CCS Certificate IV in Government (Statutory Compliance, Case Management and Compliance), 68 Detention, 113, 114 See also CCMD Certificates in Spoken and Written English, Compliments and complaints, 219 195 Consultants and consultancy services, 209, Certificates of Evidence of Resident Status, 247–252 22, 34, 71, 72 contracts, 10, 54, 132, 137, 162, 171, 176, Child Migrants Trust, 198 194, 196, 246, 247, 252, 327, Chile, 55, 333, 337 contributory parent, 42, 44, 45 Choir of Hard Knocks, 164 Corporate Leadership Group, 210 Christmas Island, 8, 9, 24, 131, 133, 216, corporate values, 14 245 Council of Australian Governments, 65,

Citizenship, 4, 7, 10, 11, 16–25, 35, 58, 187, 188 see also COAG Index 61–65, 77, 82, 95, 96, 103, 106–109, counter-terrorism, 18, 91, 92, 101 158–166, 179–205, 213, 222–225, 235, See also terrorism 325–336, 341–343 Customs, 7, 93–98, 215 Citizenship Cyprus, 35, 51, 53, 333, 337 Day, 11, 180, 183, 184 Czech Republic, 52, 333, 337 Information Line, 3, 181 test, 7, 11, 95, 103, 165, 166, 179– 183, 190, 191, 196, 225, 327, 328 Test Review, 11, 166, 179

Index 353 D E Deegan, Ms Barbara, 6, 64, 65, 226 East Timor, 101, 105 Department of Economic Education, Employment and Workplace advancement, 16, 22–28 Relations, 35, 36, 65, 225 growth, 34 Finance and Deregulation, 13, 24, 36, Ekala, Operation, 34 136, 245 Electronic Travel Authority, 2, 36, 49, 50, Foreign Affairs and Trade, 36, 103, 215 see also ETA 186, 225, 226, 227 ELICOS, 19 Health and Ageing, 47, 55, 225 Employer Nomination Scheme, 39, 68 Departmental Audit Committee, 210, 212, 214 employer sanctions amendments, 8 departmental overview, 16 English language tuition, 10, 165, 171, 194–197 deportation, 113, 122, 342 ENS, See Employer Nomination Scheme deputy secretary, 18–20, 119, 230, 233, 236 entry and stay requirements, 30 deserters, 96, 101 environmental performance, 329, 330 detection onshore, 22, 109, 115, 116 Envirowatch, 329 detention centre, 8, 9, 24, 33, 103, 120, ePassports, 93, 142 122, 127–133, 137, 245 Eritrea, 73, 333, 337 Detention Health Advisory Group, 8, 17, ETA, 45–54, 95, 215 see also electronic 130, 332 travel authority detention service providers, 8, 250 European Commission, 32, 53, 141 detention, community, 33, 120, 126, 129, Evans, Senator the Hon. Chris, 4, 11, 17, 130 64, 76 DIAC Plan 2007–08, 16 evidence-based policy, 4 DIAC Strategic Plan 2008–11, 16 eVisa, 29, 35, 51–57, 62 Disability Discrimination Act 1992, 244 Executive Committee, 32, 75, 76, 210–214 discretionary grants, 331 Executive Detention Review Committee, document 119 examination, 95, 102–105 examiner, 95, 101–105 F FECCA, 187, 188, 201 document fraud, 91 Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils Document Verification Service, 95, 106, 138 of Australia, See FECCA domestic violence, 44 feedback, 12, 15, 35, 75, 94, 114, 117, driver training, 192 129, 146, 161, 173, 192, 196, 216–221, 238, 240 duty of care, 131 Ferguson, MP Mr Laurie, 4, 17 DVS, See Document Verification Service

354 Annual Report 2007–08 Financial I Health Review, 4, 13, 24 IAAAS, 90 performance, 24, 25 IDEAL, 237 statements, 24, 209, 214, 216, 245 Identity Financial Management and Accountability fraud, 91 Act 1997, 151, 246 management, 7, 95, 102–106, 142 Four Countries Conference, 103 See also biometrics Freedom of Information Act 1982, 222, Management Strategy, 7, 95, 102, 105, 224, 325 106 Illegal G foreign fishers, 2, 103, 107, 122–126, Gambaro, MP Teresa, 4, 17 129 GDEN, 105 see also Global Document worker, 2, 8, 109, 113, 115, 117 Examination Network Immigration Get Wise, 196 Advice and Application Assistance Given the Chance, 73 Scheme, 90 Global Detention Advisory Group, 8, 17, 129, 332 Document Examination Network, 105 detention centre, 8, 9, 33, 103, 120, Feedback Unit, 12, 217, 219 122, 127–133, 245 governance, 7, 20, 145, 209–215, 224 residential housing, 8, 33, 120, 130, Governance and Assurance Branch, 212 131 grants, 2, 3, 29, 30, 42, 45, 50, 54–62, IMtel, 101, 105 66–68, 79, 88, 89, 121, 161, 165, 170, income, 29, 140, 150, 156 181, 193, 199, 200, 216, 325, 328, 331 India, 9, 35, 39, 51–54, 58–62, 80, 82, 83, Green Lease Schedule, 329 182, 334, 338 Indonesia, 12, 35, 52, 54, 58, 61, 62, 76, H 105, 120, 134, 139, 143, 144, 154, 155, Haneef, Dr Mohamed, 9 174, 334, 338 Harmony Day, 3, 163, 188, 189 Integrated Humanitarian Settlement

Strategy, 3, 10, 82, 161, 165, 168, 342 Index Humanitarian Program, 2, 9, 16, 22, 28, 30, 32, 74, 78–81, 88, 140, 152, 168, 169, internal audit, 196, 212, 214, 249 174, 182, 200, 201, 207, 342 International Events Coordinator Network, humanitarian visa holders, 80, 82, 83 55 See also IECN Hungary, 334, 338 interpreting, 3, 16, 23, 25, 159, 160, 165, 172–178, 205 See also Translating and Interpreting Service IOM, 77, 80–83, 110, 111,119. 132, 133, 134, 141–154

Index 355 Iran, 80, 82, 334, 338 Middle East, 9, 21, 79, 80, 83, 86, 143, 192 Islam, Arts of, 203 Migrant ISR, 103, 106 community services grants, 170 IT, 20, 28, 116, 150, 215, 216 Resource Centres, 200 L Service Agencies, 200 Labour Agreement, 39, 41, 65, 68 Migration (Visa Application) Charge Act 1997, 17 leadership, 10, 13, 16, 187, 189, 202, 210, 211, 235, 236, 237 Migration Act 1958, 8, 17, 31, 55, 91, 98, 109, 157, 222, 325 learning and development, 235, 236, 250 Migration Lebanon, 80–83, 334, 338 agents, 17, 90, 109, 116, 139, 146, legal services expenditure, 341 157, 222, 346 Legislation, 17, 44, 326 Agents Registration Authority, 157 Lithuania, 52, 334, 338 Institute of Australia, 157 litigation, 3, 9, 20, 123, 222, 341 Occupations in Demand, 29, 34 Living in Harmony, 11, 186–188 program, 4, 5, 29, 30, 34–44, 64, 65, Local Hero Award, 164 102, 182, Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Review Tribunal, 16, 44, 222 Australia, 36 Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, 4, 17, 64, 166, 183, 325 M ministerial intervention, 88, 89, 111, 120, Malaysia, 9, 51, 54, 58, 61, 77, 80–83, 121 101, 105, 334, 338 mobile team, 80, 81 Malu Sara, 14, 242 MOU, 33, 55, 130, 215 management and accountability, 151, 246 Movement Alert List, 50, 94, 215, 216 MARA, 346 See also MAL market research, 327 Muslim, 186, 189, 202, 203 marketing, 327, 328 Mattalatta, Mr Andi, 11, 76 N NAATI, 174, 175, 178, 205, 346 See MCIMA, 188, 346 also National Accreditation Authority for MCV, 7, 91 see also visa, Maritime Crew Translators and Interpreters media coverage, 183, 188, 189 NAP, 196–197, 210–211 Metcalfe, Secretary Andrew, 15, 18, 20, National Accreditation Authority for 146, 221 Translators and Interpreters, 174, 175, 178, 205 See also NAATI

356 Annual Report 2007–08 National Action Plan to Build on Social People Cohesion, Harmony and Security, 11, 163, smuggling, 12, 76, 77, 92, 94, 101, 186–189, 202–204, 331 see also NAP 107 National Communications Branch, 13, 21 trafficking, 112, 116 National Staff Consultative Forum, 236 with disabilities, 234, 244 Nepal, 9, 58, 75, 80–83, 143, 335, 339 performance pay, 238, 239, 343 Netherlands, 52, 335, 339 Peru, 335, 339 New Zealand, 31, 36, 42, 93, 182, 329, Philippines, 105, 182, 335, 339 335, 339 PMC, 235, 236 non-statutory bodies, 17, 332 police, 9, 76, 112–118, 133, 148, 167, 176 O portal, 6, 31, 113, 114, 135–138, 190, 191, 246 Occupational Health and Safety, 241, 329 Practitioner Information Forum, 12, 146 offshore processing centre, 33, 44, 74, 132, 148, 149 Preferred Aussie Specialist, 50, 52 Oman, 335, 339 Privacy Commissioner, 103, 224 on-site interpreting, 23, 172, 173, 178 privacy complaint, 224 overseas project management, 92, 215, 251 posts, 14, 80, 95, 104, 152, 179, 181, Public Service Act 1999, 237, 238 237 PWR, 206 staff, 137, 228 overstayer, 2, 30, 110, 115–118, 121, 251, Q 327 Qatar, 339 overview, 16, 82 R P Rau, Cornelia, 5 See also Palmer Report Pacific Strategy, 8, 33, 74, 133, 148 recycling, 329 Palmer Report, 5, 6, 13, 15, 16, 24, 135, refugee, 4, 9, 10, 16, 19, 24, 32, 73–83, 190, 217, 235 See also Rau 89, 139, 141–146, 152, 160–162, 170, Papua New Guinea, 8, 33, 74, 77, 99, 105, 192, 194 132, 133, 148, 335, 339 Index Refugee Parliament of the World’s Religions, 187, Council of Australia, 73, 75, 80 193, 206 Resettlement Advisory Council, 10, 17, PAS, 52 166, 332 passenger and crew, 2, 30, 98–99 Review Tribunal, 24, 230 People Management Committee, 210, 211, Week, 80, 180 235, 236

Index 357 Refugees Convention, 74, 88 skilled Regional migrant, 28, 34–37, 65, 68, 200 migration, 34, 37, 40 migration, 2, 4, 5, 24, 29, 34–41, 64, 65, 66, 137, 138, 226 Movement Alert System, 92 skills shortages, 5 Sponsored Migration Scheme, 39, 68 Solon, Vivian Alvarez, 5 reintegration, 139, 144, 153 South Africa, 39, 80, 81, 182, 335, 339 research, 35, 36, 59, 63, 70, 129, 139, 145, 147, 163, 167, 171, 188, 189, 194, South East Asia, 21, 80, 192 206, 215–218, 227, 247–252, 326, 327, South West Asia, 79, 86 332 Special Broadcasting Service, 163, 188 risk management, 130, 171, 212, 213, 248, see also SBS 250, 251, 252, special eligibility, 5, 22, 34, 46 RMAS, 92, 93, See also Regional Movement Alert List Sri Lanka, 74, 105, 143, 144, 182, 335, 339 Romania, 35, 51, 53, 82, 335, 339 SRS, 91, 92, 136 Rudd MP, Kevin, 4, 17, 185 stakeholder, 12, 16, 129, 146, 188, 213 Russia, 52, 174, 335, 339 Stakeholder Engagement Practitioner Handbook, 12 S stakeholder relationship, 146, 188, 213 safe haven, 22, 25, 27, 28, 134, 139, 156 strategic priorities, 16, 210 safe haven allowances, 156 student visa program, 57, 61, 62 SBS, 163, 188 see also Special Broadcasting Service students, 4, 24, 29, 30, 34, 35, 57–62, 118, 133, 148, 162, 186 seaport, 2, 13, 94–100, 138, 235 subclass 457 program, 65, 68, 226 Seaports officer, 96, 98 Sudan, 82, 161, 169, 182, 335, 339 security checks, 8, 91, 96 Sweden, 31, 141, 335, 339 Security Referral Service, 7, 91, 136, 138 Systems for People, 4, 6, 16, 22–28, 103, Senior Executive Service, 227, 233, 238 106, 116, 135–138, 159, 160, 190, 191, Senior Executive Service remuneration, 238 245, 330 Settlement Database, 165, 167 T telephone interpreting, 3, 23, 165, 172–178 Grants Program, 3, 161, 170, 200, 216, 328, 331 temporary entry, 2, 4, 16, 20, 22, 25–29, 30, 3,4 35, 136, 235 services, 3, 10, 16, 17, 23, 25, 137, 159–170, 186, 191, 200, 207 temporary residents, 2, 22, 29, 34, 46, 63, 64, 70 skill stream, 5, 29, 34–40, 182, 342

358 Annual Report 2007–08 terrorism, 12, 18, 76, 91–93, 101 See also VEVO, 35, 117, see also Visa Entitlement counter-terrorism Verification Online Thailand, 35, 54, 55, 58–62, 80–82, 101, Vietnam, 52, 61, 105, 174, 175, 178, 194, 105, 143, 335, 340 336, 340 tourism industry, 30,50, 52, 53 Visa Translating and Interpreting Service, 16, bridging, 68, 88, 112, 118–123, 221, 23, 25, 159, 160, 165, 172–178 See also 251, 327 interpreting business visitor, 47, 54, 93 Translators and Interpreters, National cancellation, 9, 30, 39, 61, 88, 113, Accreditation Authority, 193, 205 115, 116, 118, 222 Travel and Immigration Processing System, Entitlement Verification Online, 8, 110, 99, Maritime Crew, 6, 7, 91, 96, 100, 135, TRIPS, 99, 100 137, 328, Trucking Industry Working Group, 64 protection, 10, 16, 22, 32, 47, 52, 63, tuberculosis, 31, 130 70, 74, 78, 79, 88, 89, 90, 113, 118, 124, 126, 150, 168, 169, 207, 222, 342, U Resolution of Status, 10, 46, unauthorised arrivals, 118, 124 student guardian, 57, 113, 116 UNHCR, 32, 75, 76, 77, 80, 81, 83, 143, 144 temporary business, 29, 35, 111, 225 united and diverse society, benefits of, 23, Temporary Humanitarian, 10, 74, 78, 25, 159, 160, 186, 189 88, 140 United Arab Emirates, 336, 340 Temporary Protection, 10, 32, 74, 78, 79, 88, 89 United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 9, 32, 75, 80, 81, 141, 143, 211 tourist, 30, 35, 36, 47, 49, 50, 51, 53, see also UNHCR 95, 110 United States of America, 51, 54, 58, 76, visitors, non-genuine, 47 89, 93, 336, 340 See also USA voluntary compliance, 8, 30, 109, 110 University of Queensland Social Research Centre, 217, 218, 327 W unlawful non-citizen, 109, 112, 115–118, website, 3, 7, 12, 17, 35, 36, 137, 163,

122, 124, 129 Index 167, 179, 182, 184, 188, 189, 196, USA, 31, 35, 55, 76, 93 See also United 216–219, 247, 236 States of America Welch, Jonathon, 164 World Refugee Day, 184 V World Youth Day, 6, 36, 50 value statement, 217 Values and Conduct Section, 237 Values and Standards Committee, 210, 211, 236

Index 359