Senate debates

Tuesday, 23 February 2021

Committees

Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee; Reference

4:38 pm

Photo of Kim CarrKim Carr (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I move:

That the following matter be referred to the Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 10 August 2021:

The efficacy, fairness, timeliness and costs of the processing and granting of visa classes which provide for or allow for family and partner reunions, with particular reference to:

(a) limitations on eligibility to apply for relevant visas;

(b) waiting times for processing and integrity checking of applications for relevant visas;

(c) waiting times for the granting of relevant visa;

(d) cost of applying for relevant visas;

(e) commitments required for the granting of relevant visas;

(f) government policy settings regarding relevant visas and the role of family reunion in the Migration Program;

(g) eligibility for and access to family reunion for people wh9 have sought protection in Australia;

(h) the suitability and consistency of government policy settings for relevant visas with Australia's international obligations;

(i) the budgetary and governmental impacts of relevant visas, including on state, territory and local governments; and

(j) any other matters deemed relevant by the committee.

Question agreed to.