Resources
https://cricos.education.gov.au/
www.australiaawards.gov.au
www.ieaa.org.au
https://my.ieltsessentials.com/IELTS?RA=47b93b41-dea5-49c2-80f5-a5840d476361
News
AAT – New Practice Direction – COVID-19 Special Measures
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal has released a COVID-19 Special Measures Practice Direction and associated Fact Sheet. This Direction comes into effect on 29 April 2020. It makes changes to the operations and procedures of the Migration & Refugee Division of the AAT and to the obligations of parties to a review in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This Direction may take precedence over other Directions that deal with the same matter.
The Practice Direction includes information on lodgement and presentation of documents, signing documents (including electronic signatures), processing priorities, expedited decision requests, preparing for hearings and hearing processes, and use of technology. The Practice Direction is available here
The associated Fact Sheet – Special Measures during the COVID-19 pandemic is available here
NSW Government – Justice of Peace services during COVID pandemic
The NSW Government Communities & Justice Department has released guidelines to support Justices of the Peace (JP) during the COVID pandemic.
JPs are exempt from the two person gathering rule where it is necessary to fulfil a legal obligation and may still perform JP functions, provided they comply with social distancing measures.
It is not unreasonable to refuse to provide JP services if there is a health risk to the JP or their family.
Witnessing documents by audio visual link (AVL)
NSW JPs can now witness statutory declarations and affidavits in real time via audio visual link (AVL). A scanned copy of the signed document can be sent to the witnessing JP. The JP should then sign the document as soon as practicable after witnessing the signing of the document.
All tasks associated with witnessing can also be satisfied via AVL.
The changes have been introduced under Section 17 of the Electronic Transactions Act and will be in effect until 26 September 2020, subject to any further regulation. For more information, please read the Witnessing legal documents online factsheet or visit the Department of Communities and Justice COVID-19 website.
Call for papers – Lexis Nexis Immigration Review
The Lexis Nexis Immigration Review is a quarterly Bulletin featuring analytical articles focusing on current events in migration law and its impact on casework.
We would like to invite you to propose or submit articles related directly to the effect of COVID-19 on migration law and practice for our third edition.
Articles from 1200 to 4000 words in length will be considered. Case notes may be also considered if they examine the reasons why a particular case is relevant for practitioners.
Final articles for the August edition are due 26 June 2020.
Proposals can be forwarded for approval to mvangalendickie@gmail.com
Application Processing Times – Updated
The Department updated average application processing times as at 22 April 2020 on its website.