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End to migration lawyers’ dual regulation ‘necessary’
The Law Council of Australia said the removal of dual regulation for migration lawyers is a “necessary and timely move” for the profession.
Naomi Neilson
The passing of the Migration Amendment Bill 2019 and Migration Agents Registration Application Change Amendment Bill 2019 to remove the dual regulation of migration lawyers has been welcomed by the Law Council of Australia (LCA).
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LCA president Pauline Wright said the removal of dual regulation eliminates confusion over the differences between immigration lawyers and migration agents.
“These issues of dual regulation of lawyers who provide migration assistance [have] been long-debated and the Law Council has worked tirelessly for this bill to be passed. It is long overdue,” Ms Wright said, adding that the discontinuation of dual regulation is in accordance with multiple major recommendations spanning a number of years.
Ms Wright added that the legal profession in Australia is well regulated and has offered effective consumer protection mechanisms, including for vulnerable people. Lawyers must already demonstrate qualifications, fitness to practice and maintenance of their professional standards in order to maintain a practicing certificate.
“Removal of expensive and inefficient dual regulation of migration lawyers will improve access to justice by reducing costs for consumers and allow more lawyers to provide immigration assistance, including on a pro bono basis,” Ms Wright said.
