1507962 (Migration) [2016] AATA 4702 (28 November 2016)
DECISION RECORD
DIVISION:Migration & Refugee Division
APPLICANT: Amazon Power Pty Ltd
CASE NUMBER: 1507962
DIBP REFERENCE(S): BCC2015/488503
MEMBER:Rania Skaros
DATE:28 November 2016
PLACE OF DECISION: Sydney
DECISION:The Tribunal sets aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substitutes a decision that the nomination is approved.
Statement made on 28 November 2016 at 9:15am
STATEMENT OF DECISION AND REASONS
APPLICATION FOR REVIEW
This is an application for review of a decision made by a delegate of the Minister for Immigration on 26 May 2015 to refuse to approve the applicant’s nomination under s.140GB of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) and r.2.72 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (the Regulations).
The applicant applied for approval on 13 February 2015. A nomination of an occupation for a Subclass 457 visa is made under s.140GB of the Act and r.2.73 of the Regulations. Regulations 2.72(3) to (12) prescribe the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person. These criteria are extracted in the attachment to this decision. For nomination applications made from 23 November 2013, additional criteria are specified in s.140GBA.
The delegate decided not to approve the nomination on the basis that the applicant did not satisfy r.2.72(10)(f) because the delegate was not satisfied that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine.
The applicant has provided a number of documents in response to the Tribunal’s request for information. The documents included current financial reports, an organisational chart, material relating to the operations of the applicant’s business, a list of the business’ clients/customers and information relating to the position and the terms and conditions of employment. In reaching its decision the Tribunal did not consider a hearing to be necessary, as it was able to find in favour of the visa applicant on the basis of the material before it, pursuant to s.360(2)(a) of the Act.
The applicant was represented in relation to the review by its registered migration agent.
For the following reasons, the Tribunal has decided to set aside the decision under review and substitute a decision approving the nomination.
CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE
The issue in the present case is whether the applicant meets the criteria for approval of the nomination. The Tribunal must approve the nomination if the applicable requirements in r.2.72 and, for nomination applications made from 23 November 2013, s.140GBA have been met: s.140GB(2).
The nomination must comply with the prescribed process
Regulation 2.72(3) requires that the applicant has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in r.2.73.
The Tribunal has had regard to the material on the Department’s file and is satisfied that applicant has nominated an occupation under s.140GB(1)(b) of the Act and has identified in the nomination an applicant for a Subclass 457 visa as the person who will work in the occupation. The nomination was made using the approved form and fee. The applicant has identified Ms Vivian…
Grounds of appeal
[14] The appellant contends that the primary judge erred in finding that the respondent had discharged the onus of establishing the matters required under the relevant provision.
[15] It was submitted that his Honour failed to give adequate weight to the evidence of the second witness, and that the findings of fact were not reasonably open on the material before the Court.
[16] The respondent, for its part, submits that no error is disclosed, and that the conclusions reached were well within the range of outcomes available to the primary judge.
Consideration
[17] It is convenient to deal first with the question of construction, as the resolution of that issue informs the remaining grounds advanced by the appellant.
[18] For the reasons that follow, we are of the view that the appeal should be allowed in part and the matter remitted for further determination.
Continue reading 1507962 (Migration)
Sign in free to access the full text
Details
AGLC
1507962 (Migration) [2016] AATA 4702
Case
[2016] AATA 4702
Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal reviewed a decision concerning a nomination for a Subclass 457 visa. The applicant sought to have the decision not to approve the nomination set aside and substituted with a decision approving it. The Tribunal was required to determine whether the applicant met the criteria for approval of the nomination as prescribed by the Migration Regulations 1994, specifically focusing on regulations 2.72 and, where applicable, section 140GBA of the Act.
The Tribunal considered several regulatory requirements. These included whether the nomination was made in accordance with the prescribed process (r.2.72(3)), whether the nominator was a standard business sponsor or party to a work agreement (r.2.72(4)), and whether the nominee was correctly identified (r.2.72(5)). The Tribunal also examined the requirements for providing information about the nominated occupation, including the ANZSCO code and location (r.2.72(8A)), the absence of adverse information (r.2.72(9)), and whether the nominated occupation and its code corresponded to a specified instrument (r.2.72(10)(aa)). Finally, the Tribunal assessed the terms and conditions of employment for the nominee, ensuring they were no less favourable than those provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work (r.2.72(10)(c)).
The Tribunal found that the applicant had complied with all applicable criteria. The nomination was made using the approved form and fee, identifying the nominated occupation as Customer Service Manager (ANZSCO code 149212) and the location as Brookvale NSW. The applicant was an approved standard business sponsor. The nominee, Ms Vivian Rodrigues Aun Machado, was correctly identified as a proposed applicant for the visa. No adverse information was known to Immigration, and the nominated occupation and code were specified in the relevant instrument. The Tribunal was satisfied that the terms and conditions of employment would be no less favourable than those for an Australian worker.
Consequently, the Tribunal set aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substituted it with a decision approving the nomination.
Orders
Orders of the court
Full text does not contain this section.
Background
Background to the litigation
Full text does not contain this section.
Evidence
Evidence Before The Court
For the following reasons, the Tribunal has decided to set aside the decision under review and substitute a decision approving the nomination. CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE The issue in the present case is whether the applicant meets the criteria for approval of the nomination. The Tribunal must approve the nomination if the applicable requirements in r.2.72 and, for nomination applications made from 23 November 2013, s.140GBA have been met: s.140GB(2). The nomination must comply with the prescribed process Regulation 2.72(3) requires that the applicant has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in r.2.73. The Tribunal has had regard to the material on the Department’s file and is satisfied that applicant has nominated an occupation under s.140GB(1)(b) of the Act and has identified in the nomination an applicant for a Subclass 457 visa as the person who will work in the occupation. The nomination was made using the approved form and fee. The applicant has identified Ms Vivian Rodrigues Aun Machado in the nomination. The nomination includes the location, Brookvale NSW, at which the occupation will be carried out and includes the name and/or 6 digit ANZSCO code, namely Customer Service Manager 149212. Given the above, the Tribunal finds that the requirements of r.2.72(3) are met. Nominator is a standard business sponsor or party to a work agreement Regulation 2.72(4) requires that the person making a nomination is either a standard business sponsor or a party to a work agreement other than a Minister. The applicant was approved as a standard business sponsor on 14 January 2015 for a period of 3 years. The Tribunal is accordingly satisfied that the applicant is a standard business sponsor. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(4) are met.Identification of the nominee Regulation 2.72(5) requires that the applicant identify in the nomination the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, who will work in the nominated occupation. The applicant has identified in the nomination Ms Vivian Rodrigues Aun Machado, who is an applicant for the visa, to work in the nominated occupation. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(5) are met. Requirements for existing Subclass 457 visa holders The criteria for approval of a nomination contain several requirements if a Subclass 457 visa holder is identified as the person to work in the nominated position. As the nominee is not the holder of a Subclass 457 visa, the requirements of r.2.72(6), (7A) and (10)(g) do not apply. Information about the nominated occupation In relation to the requirement in r.2.72(8A), the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant has provided the required information, including the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code, which the applicant indicated is Customer Service Manager 149212, and the location at which the location at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out, which the applicant indicated is Brookvale NSW.
Decision
Reasons for decision
For the reasons given above, the applicant meets all the applicable criteria for the nomination to be approved.DECISION The Tribunal sets aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substitutes a decision that the nomination is approved.Rania SkarosMemberATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 19942.72 Criteria for approval of nomination — Subclass 457…(1)This regulation applies to a person who is:(a)a standard business sponsor; or(b)a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);who, under paragraph 140GB (1) (b) of the Act, has nominated an occupation in relation to a holder of, or an applicant or a proposed applicant for, a [Subclass 457 visa].(2)For subsection 140GB (2) of the Act, the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person are set out in subregulations (3) to (12).(3)The Minister is satisfied that the person has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in regulation 2.73.(4)The Minister is satisfied that the person is:(a)a standard business sponsor; or(b)a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister).(5)The Minister is satisfied that the person has identified in the nomination the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, who will work in the nominated occupation.(6)If the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5), the Minister is satisfied that the person:(a)has listed on the nomination each other holder of a visa of that kind who was granted the visa on the basis of having the necessary relationship with the visa holder as mentioned in clause 457.321 of Schedule 2; and(b)if the Minister requires the visa holder to demonstrate that he or she has the skills necessary to perform the occupation — the visa holder demonstrates that he or she has those skills in the manner specified by the Minister.(7)For paragraph (6) (a), the Minister may disregard the fact that 1 or more persons required to be listed on the nomination are not listed, if the Minister is satisfied it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.(7A)In addition to subregulation (6):(a)if:(i) the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and(ii) the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder; and(b)if:(i) the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and(ii) the person has listed on the nomination a person described in paragraph (6) (a); and(iii) the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted to the person described in paragraph (6) (a) after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder.(8)If the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 — the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:(a)if there is a 6‑digit ASCO code for the nominated occupation — the 6-digit ASCO code;(b)if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation, and the person is a standard business sponsor — the name of the occupation as it appears in the instrument in writing made for the purposes of paragraph (10) (a);(c)if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation and the person is a party to a work agreement — the name of the occupation as it appears in the work agreement;(d)the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.(8A)If the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:(a)if there is a 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code;(b)if:(i) there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and (ii) the person is a standard business sponsor;the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code as they are specified in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (10)(aa);(c)if:(i) there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and(ii) the person is a party to a work agreement;the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code (if any) as they are specified in the work agreement;(d)the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.(9)The Minister is satisfied that either:(a)there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person; or(b)it is reasonable to disregard any adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person.(10)If the person is a standard business sponsor — the Minister is satisfied that:(a)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the nominated occupation corresponds to an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and(aa)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the nominated occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and(b)if required by the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) or (aa) — the nomination of an occupation mentioned in the instrument is supported, in writing to the Minister, by an organisation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and(c)the terms and conditions of employment of the person identified in the nomination will be no less favourable than the terms and conditions that:(i) are provided; or(ii) would be provided;to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident for performing equivalent work at the same location; and(cc)the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment mentioned in paragraph (c), that:(i) are provided; or(ii) would be provided;to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, will be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and(d)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:(A)the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or(B)the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (a); and(ii) if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:(A)the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and(iii) if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:(A)the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and(iv) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:(A)for the occupation in the ASCO; or(B)if there is no ASCO code for the nominated occupation — for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for the purpose of paragraph (a); and(e)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:(A)the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or(B)the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (aa); and(ii) if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:(A)the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and(iii) if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:(A)the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or(B)the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and(iv) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:(A)for the occupation in the ANZSCO; or(B)if there is no ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (aa).(f)the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine; and(g)if the person has identified in the nomination the holder of a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa in relation to whom the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 were met—one of the following applies:(i) the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 continue to be met;(ii) if:(A)the holder would be required to hold a licence, registration or membership that is mandatory to perform the occupation nominated in relation to the holder; and(B)in order to obtain the licence, registration or membership, the holder would need to demonstrate that the holder has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2 and achieved a score that is better than the score specified for the test by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2;the holder demonstrates that he or she has proficiency in English of at least the standard required for the grant (however described) of the licence, registration or membership; (iii) the holder is an exempt applicant within the meaning of subclause 457.223(4) of Schedule 2;(iv) unless subparagraph (ii) applies—the holder:(A)has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2; and(B)achieved within the period specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for this subparagraph, in a single attempt at the test, the score specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2; and(h)either:(i) the person will:(A)engage the visa holder, the applicant for a visa or the proposed applicant for a Subclass 457(Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa only as an employee under a written contract of employment; and(B)give a copy of that contract to the Minister; or(ii) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for sub-subparagraph (e)(iii)(B).(10AA)For paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc), if no Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident performs equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location, the person must determine, using the method specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation:(a)the terms and conditions of employment; and(b)the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment;that would be provided to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident to perform equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location.(10AB)Paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc) do not apply if the annual earnings of the person identified in the nomination are equal to or greater than the amount specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation.(10A)The Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (10) (cc) for the purpose of subregulation (2) if:(a)the base rate of pay will not be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified for that paragraph; and(b)the annual earnings are equal to or greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold; and(c)the Minister considers it reasonable to do so.(11)If the person is a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister) — the Minister is satisfied that:(a)the nominated occupation is specified in the work agreement as an occupation that the person may nominate; and(b)if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:(A)if the nomination is made using an ASCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or(B)if the nomination is not made using an ASCO code -the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and(ii) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement; and(c)if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:(A)if the nomination is made using an ANZSCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or(B)if the nomination is not made using an ANZSCO code -the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and(ii) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement.(12)If the person is a party to a work agreement and the work agreement specifies requirements that must be met by the party to the work agreement — the Minister is satisfied that the requirements of the work agreement have been met.
Ratio Decidendi
Legal Principle Established
For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(8A) are met. No adverse information known to Immigration Regulation 2.72(9) requires that either: there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the applicant or a person associated with the applicant; or it is reasonable to disregard such information. For these purposes, ‘adverse information’ and ‘associated with’ have the meaning given in rr.1.13A and 1.13B. It is submitted that there is no adverse information known about the applicant or a person associated with the applicant and there is no evidence before the Tribunal to suggest that this is not the case. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(9) are met. Specified occupation Subclause 2.72(10)(aa) as it applies in this case, requires that the nominated occupation and its 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and 6-digit code specified in the relevant instrument. In certain circumstances this instrument may also require the nomination of an occupation to be supported in writing to the Minister, by a specified organisation before the nomination can be approved: r.2.72(10)(b). The nominated occupation of Customer Service Manager and its 6 digit code (149212) is specified in the relevant instrument. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(aa) are met. There is no requirement for the nomination to be supported by a specified organisation. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(b) are not applicable.Terms and conditions of employment Regulation 2.72(10)(c) requires that the terms and conditions of employment of the nominee will be no less favourable than those that are, or would be, provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location. For nomination applications made after 1 December 2015, this expressly includes, if applicable, the terms and conditions provided by an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009. A set of terms and conditions of employment is less favourable than another set if the earnings provided for in the first set are less than those in the other set and there is no substantial contrary evidence that the first set is not less favourable than the other set: r.2.57(3A). ‘Earnings’ is defined in r.2.57A and includes the person’s wages; amounts applied or dealt with in any way on the person’s behalf or as the person directs; and the agreed money value of non-monetary benefits. Non-monetary benefits are benefits other than an entitlement to a payment of money to which the employee is entitled in return for the performance of work and for which a reasonable money value has been agreed by the employee and the employer. Reimbursements are specifically excluded, as are payments the amount of which cannot be determined in advance, and certain contributions to a superannuation fund. In circumstances where there are no Australian citizens or permanent residents performing equivalent work at the same location, the person must determine the terms and conditions of employment that would otherwise be provided by a method specified in instrument IMMI 09/113: r.2.72(10AA).