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1. Which standards will improve outcomes? Why/why not?
Post-assessment support, as highlighted in Principle 6, is likely to have the greatest impact. We also believe that continued collaborative efforts between the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, the Department of Home Affairs and Assessing Authorities is necessary to build a foundational understanding of the whole end-to-end visa process, including looking at skills assessment requirements against specific visa requirements. For example, there are gaps across assessing authorities as to the meaning of ‘expression of interest’, ‘invitations’, and what an applicant needs at what point which would aid in assessing authorities providing more information.
2. Which standards are achievable and why/why not?
From ANMAC’s perspective they are all achievable. Reasonable timeframes would be required to allow for adjustments to work practices.
3. What have we missed?
This draft is comprehensive and covers all areas ANMAC would consider to be relevant to the role of an assessing authority.
4. What changes are needed to improve skills assessment processes to make them simpler and more migrant centric?
4. What changes are needed to improve skills assessment processes to make them simpler and more migrant centric?
• No duplication in process in the migration process.
• Regular, real-time communication.
• No expiry dates on outcome letters.
• Easier to contact the Department of Home Affairs to validate information and confirm need for a skills assessment. This appears to be a frustrating experience for applicants.
5. Are skills assessments appropriately aligned with domestic employment, visa, and licensing/registration requirements? Why/why not?
In ANMAC’s experience, there is a disconnect between the registration body for nurses and midwives and the assessing authority. In the past, licensing policy changes were not communicated to ANMAC which resulted in conflicting and confusing messaging to migrants. The issue was resolved but communication can be improved.
6. How could skills assessment processes be streamlined with occupational licensing and registration schemes?
Better communication between organisations and an acknowledgement of the vital role each plays in the lives of skilled migrants. Collaboration will improvement alignment.
7. What other functions could assessing authorities deliver to support employment and migration outcomes?
A support service post-assessment is something being considered by ANMAC. We see a service offering where skilled migrants can come to us for assistance in preparing for work, attend continuous professional development (CPD) and join support groups in their local region.
8. Should there be more than one assessing authority appointed to assess an occupation? Why/why not?
If migrant-centricity is to be a focus, then the appointment of more than one assessing authority to an occupation goes against this. The migration process is long, timely and costly. Confusion as to which assessing authority to choose for the same outcome adds an additional layer of complexity. If the assessing authority for a specific occupation is providing a timely and efficient process with a reasonable and justified fee structure, then competition would not need to be a consideration.
9. Should English language testing be a skills assessment requirement? Noting English levels are tested as part of the visa application stage.
ANMAC requests English language test results for one of the 4 skills assessments on offer. This assessment looks at migrants who are not yet registered in Australia, so we know they will need to meet the English language requirement to obtain registration. Whilst this does assist us in determining their ability to communicate, we can acknowledge the duplication here is unnecessary.
10. Is there anything else you want to tell us about skills assessments?
No. Thank you for the opportunity to provide a submission.