Annual Report Of 2012-13 Highlights Work Of The Department

30 Oct 2013

The DIBP (Department of Immigration and Border Protection) formerly called as the DIAC (Department of Immigration And Citizenship) released the 2012-13 annual report. Martin Bowles, Secretary of the Department said that the tabled report details a busy year of activity.

Mr. Bowles said the work of the Department in 2012-13 included granting almost 4.7 Million temporary and permanent visas; managing over 33 Million border movements and answering over 2.5 Million calls at its Call Centers.

Mr. Bowels said, this year has seen unprecedented change for the department and the staff has been operating in an unpredictable and challenging operational environment.

Among the highlighted achievements in the annual report was a 2nd consecutive year of growth in the applications of citizenship, with over 120,000 people becoming Citizens of Australia at ceremonies. On Australia Day alone, a record 17,059 people became Australian Citizens.

Mr. Bowles said compliance with the migration system of Australia also remained high, with over 99% of the more than 5.1 Million temporary migrants during the year adhering to their visa conditions.

The migration program increased by 5,000 places to a total of 190,000 places in 2012-13 attributed to a great extent to the implementation of the department’s ingenious skilled migration selection system which was introduced in July 2012, SkillSelect.

The temporary residence program also saw a number of initiatives launched, including the addition of the significant investor visa to bring foreign investment of at least $5 Million.

Mr. Bowles said, the department has been instrumental in shaping the future of an inclusive, prosperous Australia, and he commended the continued efforts of the staff who work tirelessly in offices across the world.