Australian immigration minister Chris Evans has revealed that as of 1 July 2009, a new authority will be regulating Australia’s registered migration agents.

The decision follows a review which found that dissatisfaction amongst consumers has not been uncommon of late. Moreover, potential conflicts of interest have been noted under the existing system.

As of 1 July, the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) will take over the role of regulating matters which are currently administered under statutory self-regulation by the Migration Institute of Australia.

Senator Evans said in a statement: “The current arrangement has the industry association managing the regulatory function of its own members - which includes the handling of complaints - and this has caused serious concerns among consumers and stakeholders.”

Mr. Evans also highlighted the fact that the change will be taking place in a bid to stop unscrupulous agents affecting the futures of their clients and making a mockery of the Australian immigration system:

“Unprofessional, incompetent or unethical behavior by migration agents affects the lives of consumers, challenges the integrity of Australia’s visa program and brings the entire profession of more than 3700 migration agents into disrepute,” he said, adding, “The changes we are making will provide greater confidence to the consumers of migration advice services and remove concerns about potential conflicts of interest.”
  
The new MARA will be supported by an advisory board, which will include a nominee from the MIA, a nominee from the Law Council of Australia, a consumer representative and a community representative.

Mr. Evans has also suggested that further changes will soon be taking place following the results of the review.