Forrest Highway opens to traffic

The Kwinana Freeway extension and Forrest Highway has officially opened three months ahead of schedule.

The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship and Senator for Western Australia, Chris Evans, said the new 70.5 kilometre road was one of the largest road infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Western Australia.

Representing the Federal Government at today’s opening ceremony, Senator Evans said the opening marked the culmination of more than five years of work, including almost three years of construction, to deliver this vital piece of infrastructure.

‘It’s a great day for the south-west,’ Senator Evans said at the opening.

‘In particular, I congratulate the Southern Gateway Alliance, as well as the 3000 workers and more than 1000 local suppliers and subcontractors involved in building this road, on a job well done.

‘I would also like to acknowledge the former Federal and State governments for getting the work started on this vital piece of infrastructure for the people of Western Australia.

‘For the first time ever, motorists will be able to travel on a continuous dual carriageway from Perth to the fast-growing communities in the state’s south-west, bypassing the heavily populated areas of Mandurah and Dawesville.

‘The new road will provide better driving conditions and cut travel times by up to 30 minutes for the 30 000 motorists expected to use it each day. It will also take the pressure off other routes, including the Old Coast Road and South Western Highway.

‘Over the longer term, it will promote economic development across the region – which in turn will create even more job opportunities within local communities.’

The $705 million project was jointly funded by the Federal ($330 million) and Western Australian ($375 million) governments.

The Rudd Labor Government is investing $3.4 billion over six years to modernise and maintain the State’s road and rail infrastructure – an investment that will deliver significant benefits for both the Western Australian and national economies.

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Qantas jet hit by lightning… again

Qantas Airbus operating the QF72 Singapore to Perth flight was struck by lightning soon after departure from Changi Airport, the airline confirmed.

A spokesman for the airline said the incident had not presented any safety issue to the aircraft or passengers.               

The plane landed safely in Perth at its scheduled arrival time of 2.20pm, where it will now be inspected.

“The A330-300 aircraft will be inspected by engineers after landing,” the spokesman said.

“It is too soon to say if any maintenance will be required.”

To allow the necessary checks to be undertaken, the return QF71 flight to Singapore will be delayed by about two-and-a-half hours.

It will now depart Perth at 6pm.

Qantas said passengers booked on QF71 would be provided with refreshment vouchers.

“We will be keeping them informed of developments in the lead up to the departure,” the spokesman said.

Source  :  www.watoday.com.au

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Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession in Australia

Migration agents operating in Australia are required by law to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA).

Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (Office of the MARA)

Prior to 1 July 2009, the MIA acted as the MARA under a Deed of Agreement between the MIA and the department. The 2007-08 Review of Statutory Self-Regulation of the Migration Advice Profession, which was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the regulatory scheme, recommended that the government consider establishing a regulatory body separate from the MIA.

In response to the review recommendation, the Minister announced the establishment of the Office of the MARA as a discrete office attached to the department and headed by a specifically designated senior officer solely responsible for Office of the MARA activities. The new body is located in Sydney and assumed functions from the MIA from 1 July 2009.

The Office of the MARA is supported by a representative advisory board, which includes a nominee from the MIA, a nominee from the Law Council of Australia, a consumer advocate and a community representative.

The Office of the MARA undertakes a range of functions including:

• processing registration and re-registration applications
• administering the profession’s entrance exam and continuing professional development program
• monitoring the conduct of registered migration agents
• investigating complaints about registered migration agents
• taking appropriate disciplinary action against registered migration agents who breach the migration agents Code of Conduct or otherwise behave in an unprofessional or unethical way.

See: Office of the MARA website

Source  :  http://www.immi.gov.au/gateways/agents/regulation-of-advice-profession.htm

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