Queensland’s first migration experts graduate

The first students to complete Queensland’s only migration law degree program have graduated from Griffith University.

Griffith is one of only four universities nationally to offer a migration law program.

Program Convenor Janine McMaster-Kirkwood said the Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice was a requirement for people seeking registration as an Australian Migration Agent.

“The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) selected the Griffith Law School to develop the program as the university’s lecturers have a high level of Australian migration law expertise,” Ms McMaster — Kirkwood said.

“The Griffith Law School also has strong ties to the local migration sector through its undergraduate clinical program running at the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service, which provides our students with practical training.”

Nearly 20 students will graduate, including recruitment specialist with Hudson Technical and Engineering Chris Logan.

Chris said he enrolled in the program to upgrade his skills in this important area.

“Migration law is important as it is the primary mechanism that provides protection of Australia’s borders,” Chris said.

“In the current global climate, strict control of the people entering and remaining in Australia is vital, but also needs to be balanced with a framework that protects people’s rights and legal avenues to appeal unfavourable decisions.

“In my role I conduct international recruitment projects. I felt for some time that to provide credible and valid advice to clients on Visas and Migration I really needed the appropriate knowledge, skills and qualifications — skills that only the Graduate Certificate could provide.”

Chris plans to use the qualification to advance Hudson’s international recruitment capabilities (and his career) to provide a holistic range of services to clients, as well as advice and guidance to his colleagues.

“The Griffith lecturers insightful, ‘real-life’ experiences provided clarity to what otherwise would have been a complex and confusing range of laws and concepts,” Chris said.

“I would like to thank Griffith University, in particular Janine McMaster-Kirkwood for her flexibility, advice and assistance throughout the course.”

The Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice is taught at both Griffith’s South Bank and Gold Coast campuses in intensive blocks. For further information visit www.griffith.edu.au/school/law