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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 9 Hansard (23 August) . . Page.. 3319 ..

Migrants-skills recognition

(Question No 400)

Ms Tucker asked the Minister for Community Affairs, upon notice, on 23 August 2001:

(1) How will the new service differ from the National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition;

(2) How will the service charge migrants to assess their qualifications;

(3) Will there be any concessional rates;

(4) What assessment of need underlies the creation of the office;

(5) Will the office conduct an analysis of the impact of current practices on female migrants.

Mr Humphries: The answer to the member's question is as follows:

(1) The National Office for Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) is the national expert and coordinating body on overseas skills assessments and recognition. The service that the ACT Government is now providing is based on national guidelines formulated by NOOSR. However, there is a major difference between the two services in that the ACT Government service comes free of charge, while the NOOSR service costs at least $150.

(2) There is no charge for this service. However, some complex cases may have to be forwarded to NOOSR or other appropriate organisations for further assessment, registration and licensing, or professional advice. In these cases, fees may be charged by the relevant organisation.

(3) Not applicable.

(4) Advice from NOOSR and NSW overseas qualifications assessment services indicated that approximately 100 ACT residents per year seek assessments of their overseas qualifications.

(5) Statistics are being gathered concerning the assessment services requested. These statistics include:

� gender of applicant;

� type of qualification;

� country of origin; and

� outcome of assessment.

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