DIAC Updates
Migration Amendment (Reform of Employer Sanctions) Bill 2012
On 3 August 2012, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, announced the release of the exposure draft of the Migration Amendment (Reform of Employer Sanctions) Bill 2012 for comment.
This follows a commitment made in December 2011 to consult stakeholders on exposure draft legislation prior to its introduction in Parliament later in 2012.
The reforms implement the recommendations of the Howells Review with some adjustments that take account of outcomes of consultations held in 2011 with industry, unions, government agencies and the community.
The reforms will include legislative amendments to supplement the criminal offences with graduated sanctions of infringement notices and civil penalties.
Enquiries and submissions on the exposure draft Bill should be sent to the department by 21 August 2012.