Total Transport Pty Ltd (Migration)

Total Transport Pty Ltd (Migration) [2019] AATA 941 (15 March 2019)
DECISION RECORD
DIVISION:Migration & Refugee Division
APPLICANT:  Total Transport Pty Ltd
CASE NUMBER:  1711872
HOME AFFAIRS REFERENCE(S):           BCC2016/3313360
MEMBER:Karen Synon
DATE:15 March 2019
PLACE OF DECISION:  Melbourne
DECISION:The Tribunal sets aside the decision not to approve the nomination and substitutes a decision that the nomination is approved.
Statement made on 15 March 2019 at 5:15pm

CATCHWORDS
MIGRATION – Employer Nomination – approval of nominated position – Finance Manager – terms and conditions of employment – position located in transport industry – not a qualified accountant – genuine position – tasks of the position – high-level specialised role – plan, organise, direct and control the financial activities of the company – new evidence provided – decision under review set aside
LEGISLATION
Migration Act 1958 (Cth), ss 140GB, 140GBA, 359, 360
Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), rr 2.72, 2.73
CASES
Cargo First Pty Ltd v MIBP [2016] FCA 30

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 and Border Protection on 19 May 2017 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 6 October 2016. 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 did not approve the nomination on the basis that the applicant did not meet Regulation 2.72(10)(f) because she was not satisfied that the position associated with the nomination was genuine.
The applicant was represented in relation to the review by its registered migration agent.
Mr Dimitri Aspropotamitis, on behalf of the review applicant and the registered migration agent attended a Callover on 13 February 2019. A submission addressing some of the 2.72 criteria was received at the Callover. Following the Callover a letter inviting additional information was issued.
On the basis of the evidence provided both before and in response to the s.359(2) letter and having had the benefit of speaking with Mr Aspropotamitis at the Callover, and in accordance with s.360(2)(a) of the Act, the Tribunal considered that it should decide the review in the applicant's favour on the basis of the material before it. It was therefore unnecessary for the review applicant to appear before it at a hearing to give oral evidence in relation to the decision under review.
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 applicant is an approved sponsor and meets the requirements in r.2.72: s.140GB(2). The applicant must also have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination for which they are liable, but this liability only arises for nominations made from 12 August 2018. In addition, for nominations made from 23 November 2013, s.140GBA must be met.
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.
Based on the evidence in the nomination application form and that provided directly to it, the Tribunal finds that the requirements of r.2.72(3) are met:
·The applicant is nominating an occupation under s.140GB(1)(b): r.2.73(1A)(a);
·The nomination was made on the internet using the approved form and fee: r.2.73(2), (3), (5) & (9);
·The applicant identified the nominated visa applicant in the nomination: r.2.73(4A) and r.2.72(5);
·The nomination includes the location at which the occupation will be carried out, being 6 Wayamba Place, Templestowe, 3107, Victoria and the name ‘Finance Manager’ since the applicant is a standard business sponsor: r.2.73(4A).
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 Tribunal finds, based on the evidence provided, that the person making the nomination is a standard business sponsor having been approved on 24 November 2016 with the period of approval ending on 24 November 2021. 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.
On the basis of the information provided in the nomination form, the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant has identified the person to undertake 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
Regulation 2.72(8A) requires the applicant to provide the following information as part of the nomination:
·the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code if there is one;
·if there is no such code, and the applicant is a standard business sponsor, the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code as specified in the instrument IMMI 17/060; or if the applicant is a party to a work agreement the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code (if any) as specified in the work agreement; and
·the location(s) at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.
The applicant clearly identified in the application form that it was nominating a ‘Finance Manager’ ANZSCO Code 132211 to work at the location 6 Wayamba Place, Templestowe, 3107, Victoria.
For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(8A) are met.
Certification relating to conduct under s.245AR(1)
Regulation 2.72(8B) requires that the applicant has, as part of the nomination, certified in writing whether or not they have engaged in conduct, in relation to the nomination, that constitutes a contravention of s.245AR(1) of the Act.
Having reviewed the nomination application form the Tribunal is satisfied that this certification has been made and thus the applicant meets the requirements of r.2.72(8B).
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.
There is no evidence before the Tribunal to indicate that there is any adverse information of the type described in the relevant definitions known to the Department about either the applicant or an 'associated person'.
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 instrument IMMI 17/060, and the occupation must be applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the 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 applicant is a Standard Business Sponsor. It nominated the position of ‘Finance Manager’ which is specified in IMMI 17/060. On 19 April 2017 and further on 1 July 2017 changes were made to the 457 program in respect of this occupation which is now subject to an ‘Inapplicability condition’, which means that the nomination of this occupation is now subject to an additional consideration or caveat.
The occupation of ‘Finance Manager’ is now subject to the following inapplicability condition:[1]
(1) The position does not require a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience.
[1] IMMI 17/060. Note 1.
Based on the evidence provided, including the job description, which requires that the successful nominee have at least 5 years’ relevant employment experience, the Tribunal is satisfied that Inapplicably Condition 1 does not apply to this occupation and the requirements of r.2.72(10)(aa) are met. The instrument does not require that the nomination be supported in writing by a specified organisation and therefore 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).
The evidence before the Tribunal is that the review applicant only employs and only intends to employ one ‘Finance Manager’ and this is reflected in the organisational chart. Consequently there is no Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location.
The requirements of IMMI 09/113 do not apply if the annual earnings of the nominee are equal to or greater than those specified in the written instrument IMMI 13/028. The amount of earnings currently specified by the instrument is $250,000: r.2.72(10)(AB). As the nominee’s earnings are contracted to be $70,200 his annual earnings are not equal to or greater than that specified in IMMI 13/038.
As there is no Australian equivalent performing equivalent work at the same location the Tribunal has considered the methodology specified in IMMI: 09/113.
By reference to IMMI 09/113, the Tribunal finds that there is no fair work instrument, State industrial instrument or transitional instrument applying to the nominated occupation and the methodology in schedule a, sub item 2 (one) is not applicable. Thus the Tribunal must instead have regard to “relevant information” in determining the terms and conditions that would be provided to an Australian equivalent employee.
The Tribunal has consulted PayScale[2] which indicates that the median salary for a ‘Finance Manager’ based in Melbourne, at an entry level of experience, which the Tribunal considers to be relevant in this case considering the skills and qualifications of the nominee, is $74,000 with a range of $53,458 to $104,541[3]
[2] < accessed 14 March 2019.
[3]< accessed 14 March 2019.
The Tribunal has also consulted the Australian Government’s Job Outlook database which records the average weekly earnings of a Finance Manager[4] as $2,073 which equates to an annual salary of $107,7896.
[4]< Manager> accessed 14 March 2019.
The Tribunal maintains concerns that the nominee’s proposed salary of $70,200 is considerably below that indicated in Job Outlook. The Tribunal notes that while the nominee has experience as a Finance Manager in his own business, he does not hold any professional financial or accounting qualifications. Whilst he has five years’ experience in the role, is not a qualified accountant. The Tribunal notes that Job Outlook indicates that the skill level rating for this group of positions to be “very high” and that around three quarters of workers have a university degree. It also records that a Finance Manager may be called a Chief Financial Officer, a Finance Director or a Financial Controller. Submissions received assert that 40% of Finance Managers work in financial and insurance services; professional and scientific services; and public administration. This high concentration in highly paid sectors artificially inflates the average salary. In contrast this position is located in the transport industry. The Tribunal considers that, in relation to this case, Job Outlook, does not provide an accurate measure of what a Finance Manager would be paid in the transport sector and instead refers to PayScale as an appropriate basis ‘relevant information’.
Therefore, having regard to the available information, the Tribunal is satisfied that the proposed terms and conditions of employment for the nominated position are no less favourable than the earnings and terms and conditions that are provided, or would be provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident performing equivalent work at the same location.
For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(c) are met.
Base rate of pay
Regulation 2.72(10)(cc) requires the base rate of pay under the terms and conditions of employment that are, or would be, provided to an Australian citizen or permanent resident will be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold (TSMIT) specified in the instrument IMMI: 13/028.
However, this requirement may be disregarded if the base rate of pay will not be greater than the TSMIT, the annual earnings are equal to or greater than the TSMIT and the Minister considers it reasonable to do so: r.2.72(10A). The ‘base rate of pay’ means the rate of pay payable to an employee for his or her ordinary hours of work, but does not include incentive-based payments and bonuses, loadings, monetary allowances, overtime or penalty rates or any other separately identifiable amounts: r.2.57. The meaning of ‘earnings’ is provided in r.2.57A.
Likewise, the requirement in r.2.72(10)(cc) does not apply if the annual earnings of the nominee are equal to or greater than those specified in the instrument IMMI 13/028: r.2.72(10AB).
As the base rate of pay of the nominee’s annual earnings is proposed to be $70,200 (exclusive of superannuation), the base rate of pay for the nominated position is greater than the current TSMIT of $53,900. Therefore the Tribunal finds that r.2.72(10)(cc) is satisfied.
Certification under r.2.72(10)(e)
As part of the nomination, the applicant must certify various matters in writing: r.2.72(10)(e). These include that:
·the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO or specified in the relevant instrument
·if the applicant is lawfully operating a business outside, but not in, Australia, the nominated occupation is in the business of the standard business sponsor or is specified in the instrument IMMI 13/067.
·if the applicant lawfully operates a business in Australia, the nominated occupation is with a business, or an associated entity, of the applicant or else, is an occupation specified in IMMI 13/067 and
·the qualifications and experience of the nominee are commensurate with those specified for the occupation in the ANZSCO or, if there is no ANZSCO code, in the relevant instrument.
Based on information before it, including in the visa application, the Tribunal is satisfied that the requisite and relevant certification has been made and for these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(e) are met.
Position must be genuine
Regulation 2.72(10)(f) requires that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine. This was considered in Cargo First Pty Ltd v MIBP [2016] FCA 30, where the Court (at [34]) upheld the Tribunal’s approach of qualitatively assessing the position and comparing this with the occupation nominated in order to determine whether it was genuine.
The delegate refused the nomination because she was not satisfied that the nature of the role reflected the high-level specialised nature of the occupation. The delegate observed that this is a highly specialised role which significantly shapes organisations and businesses’ directions and is typically associated with organisations operating with a competitive and complex of the business environment, with significant turnover, number of staff, resources services and client commitments. The delegate noted that the applicant operates a transport logistics company offering services such as delivery and assembly of furniture items and house and office moves. While she was satisfied that the nominated position exists, she was not satisfied that it is what it purports to be – a Finance Manager. The delegate also noted concerns that the person in the nominated position would be regularly undertaking lower skill tasks such as assisting with accounts receivables and bookkeeping and noted there was no apparent position within the business structure reporting to the nominee. The delegate considered it highly likely that the nominee would be performing lower-level operational, day-to-day tasks rather than the planning, organising directing, controlling and coordinating the financial and accounting activities of the organisation commensurate with the skill level of a Finance Manager. The delegate did not consider the organisational structure to be consistent with a full-time position dedicated to the highly skilled tasks of the Finance Manager.
However, having had the benefit of talking with the review applicant, considering the new evidence provided and with the benefit of over 18 months since the original decision was made, during which the company has stablished and become more profitable, the Tribunal is satisfied that the position is genuine. In arriving at this level of satisfaction the Tribunal notes:
·The review applicant is a transport and logistics company offering delivery services and assembly of furniture items. It was established in 2006 and operates over 2 sites which include a storage facility and an office. It currently employs 16 staff.
·The job description provided aligns with the tasks outlined in the ANZSCO dictionary and with a high level of financial and budgetary control and includes both formulating and monitoring of budgetary accounting policies and procedures.
·The evidence provided is that the nominee has introduced new measures to streamline business costs and improve profitability while the director now coordinates the logistics of the business.
·At the time the position of Finance Manager was created, the directors were finding it difficult to run the business efficiently as they had to attend to planning, organising directing, monitoring, controlling, coordinating and preparing for the financial activities of the company as well as ensuring its statutory obligations and strategic growth objectives were met. Due to these diverse and time consuming responsibilities, in 2015 the company determined to strengthen its organisational structure by employing and Office Manager who undertakes administrative tasks including bookkeeping; a Transport Manager to organise the operations of its transport fleet of vehicles; and a Finance Manager to plan, organise, direct and control the financial activities of the company. This restructure was implemented to achieve more efficient operations, increase profit margins and free the directors up to focus on company expansion.
·The Finance Manager reports directly to the director/owner of the business, Mr Aspropotamitis, and the Office Manager undertakes all administrative tasks including bookkeeping. This addresses one of the delegate’s key concerns that the Finance Manager would eb engaged in transactional bookkeeping and lower level day to day tasks.
·The organisation has continued to grow with income at the end of the financial year 2017 at $2,079,076, up from $1,881,464 at the end of the 2016 financial year.
·The nominee is working full-time in the business and has been for a period of 3 years. Payslips confirm his employment and current salary of $70,200 per annum. Both the Transport Manager and the Operations Manager report through the Finance Manager to the director.
·The Tribunal accepts the evidence provided that the nominee is now an integral and important part of the business and has been crucial in analysing and implementing changes in the way that businesses operates and that he has been particularly important in combating weaknesses identified in mid-2015 where the company’s costs were outstripping its income. Since then there has been a sustainable development and growth in turnover, cash flow and profit margins with increased return in revenue and on investment.

For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(f) are met.
Employment under contract
Regulation 2.72(10)(h) requires that the applicant will engage the nominee only as an employee under a written contract of employment and give a copy of that to the Minister, unless the nominated occupation is specified in the a legislative instrument. No occupations are currently thus specified.
A contract of employment dated 15 June 2017 and an addendum increasing the nominee’s salary with effect from 3 October 2017, has been provided to the Tribunal which sets out the main terms and conditions of employment and the annual salary (exclusive of superannuation) of $70,200.
Therefore the requirements of r.2.72(10)(h) are met.
Work agreements
Separate criteria apply where the applicant is a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister): r.2.72(11), (12). In these circumstances, the nominated occupation must be specified in the work agreement as an occupation that the person may nominate. Certain matters relating to the tasks of the position and the qualifications and experience of the nominee must be certified as part of the nomination. In addition, if the work agreement specifies requirements that must be met by applicant, these must have been met.
The applicant is not a party to a work agreement, and for this reason the requirements of r.2.72(11) and (12) are not applicable.
Labour Market Testing
Section 140GBA requires a standard business sponsor who nominates an occupation and associated position, to fulfil the ‘labour market testing condition’ unless the major disaster or skill and occupational exemptions in s.140GBB-140GBC apply, or the Minister has determined it would be inconsistent with a specified international trade obligation.
For these purposes, labour market testing means testing of the Australian labour market to demonstrate whether a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen or permanent resident is readily available to fill the position. To satisfy the labour market testing condition, the testing must be undertaken within a prescribed period as set out in IMMI 13/136. In addition:
·the nomination must be accompanied by the evidence specified in s.140GBA(5) and (6) relating to labour market testing, and information about any Australian citizen or permanent resident redundancies or retrenchments from relevant occupations in the previous four months; and
·the Minister must be satisfied a suitably qualified and experienced Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible temporary visa holder (as defined) is not readily available to fill the nominated position.
In this case, the nominated occupation of ‘Finance Manager’ (ANZSCO Code 132211) is classified as Skill Level 1 in the ANZSCO dictionary. Skill level 1 designated occupations are exempt under IMMI: 13/137. Therefore evidence of labour market testing is not required.
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.
Karen Synon
Member

ATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 1994
2.72 Criteria for approval of nomination — Subclass 457…
(1)This regulation applies to a person who is:
(a)is any of the following:
(i) a standard business sponsor;
(ii) a person who has applied to be a standard business sponsor;
(iii) a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);
(iv) a party to negotiations to a work agreement (other than a Minister); and
(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.
(8B)The Minister is satisfied that the person has, in writing, certified as part of the nomination whether or not the person has engaged in conduct, in relation to the nomination, that constitutes a contravention of subsection 245AR(1) of the Act.;
(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 the occupation is applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the specification of the occupation; 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 (including, if applicable, the terms and conditions provided by an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009) that are provided or 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.

[2019] AATA 941

15 March 2019

Key Legal Topics

Areas of Law

Immigration

Administrative Law

Legal Concepts

Judicial Review

Statutory Construction

Procedural Fairness

Remedies