Media Release: Migration 2009 Conference

1 October 2009 —

Australia's migration experts will take centre stage in Melbourne next week as migration agents meet to discuss changes to the way people from other countries are allowed to live, work and study in Australia in a changing economic, political and globally-aware climate.

The Migration 2009 Conference will attract more than 150 professionals to The Sebel, Albert Park from 8-11 October 2009, including migration advice professionals, lawyers, Commonwealth and State government agencies, skills assessment authorities, education providers, and community and refugee organisations.

CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia, Maurene Horder, said the conference is attracting a range of professionals who are at the forefront of the immigration debate, such as Accredited Immigration Law Specialists and migration academics.

Keynote speakers at the conference include:

• The Honourable Laurie Ferguson, Parliamentary Secretary for Multicultural Affairs and Settlement Services speaking on the 2009-10 Migration program
• Peter Mares,  Journalist and presenter of The National Interest, ABC Radio National speaking on policy challenges posed by Australia’s rapid shift towards temporary migration.
• Dr James Jupp (AM), Director of the Centre for Immigration and Multicultural Studies, ANU speaking on the future of immigration
• Waleed Aly, Lecturer in Politics, Monash University speaking on Immigration and Globalisation - Australia’s Challenges.

"Immigration policy has been going through unprecedented change. People’s lives are being affected by the many recent amendments to all classes of visas. This conference will explore the economic and social impacts.” Ms Horder said.

“This is happening at the same time as an increasing focus on international students. It is time for change in the profession and we’ll also be putting ethics and professional practice of migration agents under the microscope.”

Conference sponsors include Westpac and Medibank Private.

Download the media pass registration form here (PDF) (117 Kb).