Author: Leanne Taylor
New Skills in Demand visa proposed from late 2024
One of the 8 keys actions forming part of Australia’s new Migration Strategy relates to a new visa category known as a Skills in Demand visa. The commitment to develop this new visa envisages its holders having full mobility in terms of their employment parameters and a clear pathway to permanent residence.
Strengthening Australian visa refusal and cancellation parameters
A new immigration Ministerial Direction (known as MI110) aimed at tightening the parameters for decision makers regarding what factors should be given weight when considering Australian visa refusals or cancellations came into effect from 21 June 2024.
Increased protection for temporary migrant workers
The Migration Amendment (Strengthening Employer Compliance) Act 2024 received royal assent on 20 February 2024 and commences from 1 July 2024. These changes are being introduced to try to curb temporary migrant worker exploitation and hold employers who conduct themselves this way accountable.
Can I claim TPD and income protection at the same time?
When a worker is sick or injured and unable to return to work, they may claim on disability insurance policies they hold. In this blog, we explain the circumstances where you can claim both TPD and income protection at the same time.
Can I return to work after a successful TPD claim?
Workers who claim TPD benefits after injury or illness often ask us if there are any options to return to work after receiving their TPD payout. The short answer is, there are some options but there are limitations and conditions.
Direct Pathway for New Zealand Citizens Applying for Australian Citizenship
In April 2023, the Australian government announced a new direct pathway for eligible New Zealand Citizens applying for Australian Citizenship. The new direct pathway commences from 1 July 2023 and is available to New Zealand citizens holding a Special Category Visa and who meet the eligibility criteria.
Temporary concessions to permanent residence pathway for certain employer sponsored visa holders
The Department of Home Affairs introduced changes to the transitional pathway to permanent residence for some employer sponsored visa holders, from 1 July 2022.
Insurance options inside superannuation
Most superannuation funds provide very cost-effective insurance options for workers, including TPD, income protection and death benefits. Learn more about these types of insurance available through your super.
Difference between accumulation and defined benefit super funds
There are two primary types of super funds; defined benefit funds and accumulation funds. In this article, we look at the differences between these types of funds.
Permanent residency for New Zealanders living in Australia
A close look at one option for permanent residency for New Zealand citizens: Skilled Independent (Subclass 189) (New Zealand Stream) Visa for Subclass 444 visa holders.
Australian citizenship applications and the character test
Someone granted citizenship who later displays attributes which bring into question their “good character” can find themselves in circumstances where the government seeks to revoke their citizenship status.
Federal Court determines insurer acted unfairly in cancelling policy and demanding $24,649.91 from the insured individual
After being diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2014, a woman made a claim on her income protection insurance. Not only was the claim was denied by TAL, but they also cancelled her insurance policy and advised her that she owed them $24,649.91 for a “breach of your duty of good faith”.