IMMI 06/013

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

Migration Regulations 1994

TRAVEL AGENTS FOR PRC CITIZENS APPLYING FOR TOURIST VISAS

(REGULATION 1218(1)(b)(iii))

1. This Instrument is made under Regulation 1.17 and Subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).

2.                  Regulation 1.17 is the general power to specify matters by way of Gazette Notice and subparagraph 1218(1)(b)(iii) of the Regulations provides that the Minister may specify by Gazette Notice travel agents who can operate Approved Destination Status (ADS) tour groups in Australia.

3.                  The purpose of the Instrument is to amend the list of Australian travel agents specified in the Gazette Notice.

4.                  As this Instrument may have a direct, or substantial indirect, effect on the tTourism industry, the inclusion of Extragreen Holidays (Aust) Pty Ltd as an agent was considered by the consultation was undertaken Government Co‑ordination Group.  The group compriseswith the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC), Tourism Australia (TA), the Australian Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources (DITR).   and Tourism Australia (TA)The Group recommended the inclusion of Extragreen Holidays (Aust) Pty Ltd as a gazetted travel agent. 

5.                  Theis Instrument, IMMI 06/013, commences on 28 February 2006.