People in regional Australia wanting information and advice on regional migration programs now have even more help at their fingertips, with the creation of a network of Regional Outreach Officers (ROOs). The ROO network is just one of the new initiatives recently introduced by the Australian Government, in partnership with State and Territory Governments, to encourage skilled migration.
Australia faces skill shortages in a range of occupations, and the ROO network is one of the programs that address these shortages.
Australia’s current skilled migration intake delivers major economic, social and employment benefits. Skilled migrants make a major contribution to Australia, but some areas of Australia are missing out on much of this benefit. The Australian Government is committed to attracting more skilled migrants to regions in Australia where they are needed most, and has a range of regional migration programs.
The ROO network, which aims to raise the level of awareness of the various regional migration programs and support their operation, is an initiative that will significantly benefit regional Australia. ROOs have a key role in working with all State, Territory and Local Governments, regional authorities, business and employer networks on regional migration programs and outcomes.
ROOs are based in the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs’ (DIMIA) business centres in each State and Territory. They visit regional areas to develop and consolidate partnerships with regional communities. They work to integrate information on regional migration across all levels of government and ensure that there are clear pathways to information and assistance on regional migration programs.
A key activity of the ROOs is raising awareness of the newest initiative for regional Australia, the Skilled Independent Regional (SIR) visa. The SIR visa, introduced by the Australian Government on 1 July 2004, was developed in close consultation with State and Territory Governments. It aims to assist regional and low population growth areas to attract and retain young, skilled, English speaking migrants to fill skill shortages and boost development.
State and Territory Governments can use the SIR visa, and other existing programs such as the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme, Labour Agreements, State/Territory Nominated Independent visa, the Skilled Designated Area Sponsored visa and the Skill Matching Database, to help address skill shortages and to meet the development needs of their areas.
ROOs are a key contact point for Local Government authorities who want advice and information on these programs.
ROO contact details
David Lane
ACT
(02) 6274 4515
David.Lane@immi.gov.au
Ian Moore
NSW
(02) 9893 4023
Ian.Moore@immi.gov.au
Quinn Tran
Victoria
(03) 9235 3808
Quinn.Tran@immi.gov.au
Rajan Arulanantham
Victoria
(03) 9235 3822
Rajan.Arulanantham@immi.gov.au
Anthony Spadavecchia
South Australia
(08) 8237 6691
Anthony.Spadavecchia@immi.gov.au
Margaret Abbott
Western Australia
(08) 9415 9074
Margaret.Abbott@immi.gov.au
Glenda Hutch
Queensland
(07) 3360 5862
Glenda.Hutch@immi.gov.au
Graeme Godkin
Queensland
(07) 4044 5913
Graeme.Godkin@immi.gov.au
Vicki Daniel
Tasmania
(03) 6220 5361
Vicki.Daniel@immi.gov.au
Jenny Bell
Northern Territory
Jenny.Bell@immi.gov.au
ROO profile – Vicki Daniel
Vicki Daniel is the Regional Outreach Officer (ROO) for Tasmania.
“I moved to Tasmania in 1998, fell in love with the place, and have lived here ever since,” Vicki said.
In addition to a law degree, Vicki brings 11 years experience working for the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) to her role as a ROO. Vicki has first hand experience of Australia’s migration program, being a migrant herself.
“I came to Australia in 1985 from Sri Lanka with my husband under the general sponsored migration scheme,” Vicki said.
Before becoming the Tasmanian ROO, Vicki had various roles with DIMIA in areas such as settlement services, client services and compliance.
Vicki says she has been enjoying working with State and Local Government representatives in Tasmania to address the shortage of skilled employees in some professions. Vicki has delivered a range of information seminars across Tasmania on the regional migration schemes available to employers, industry and government bodies, and students.
“There are many options available, but it can be confusing if you’ve never used these schemes. I enjoy explaining the schemes and offering advice on the best option to meet each need,” Vicki said.
More information on regional migration initiatives is available on the DIMIA web site at www.immi.gov.au/migration/regional
