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CHAR BAR PTY LTD (Migration) [2019] AATA 1834 (10 June 2019)

Last Updated: 12 July 2019

CHAR BAR PTY LTD (Migration) [2019] AATA 1834 (10 June 2019)

DECISION RECORD

DIVISION: Migration & Refugee Division

APPLICANT: CHAR BAR PTY LTD

CASE NUMBER: 1811908

HOME AFFAIRS REFERENCE(S): BCC2018/889996

MEMBER: Andrew George

DATE: 10 June 2019

PLACE OF DECISION: Darwin

DECISION: The Tribunal affirms the decision not to approve the nomination.

Statement made on 10 June 2019 at 2:12pm

CATCHWORDS
MIGRATION – Employer Nomination – approval of nominated position – Café or Restaurant Manager – genuine position – Current Company Extract – Externally Administered – company no longer trading – position no longer exists – no response to invitation to provide information – not entitled to appear before the Tribunal – decision under review affirmed

LEGISLATION
Migration Act 1958 (Cth), ss 140GB, 140GBA, 359C, 360, 363A
Migration Regulations 1994 (Cth), rr 2.72, 2.73

CASES
Hasran v MIAC [2010] FCAFC 40

STATEMENT OF DECISION AND REASONS
APPLICATION FOR REVIEW

1. This is an application for review of a decision made by a delegate of the Minister for Home Affairs on 6 April 2018 to refuse to approve the applicant’s nomination under s.140GB of the Migration Act 1958 (‘the Act’) and r.2.72 of the Migration Regulations 1994 (‘the Regulations’).
2. The applicant applied for approval on 24 February 2018. A nomination of an occupation for a Subclass 457 visa is made under s.140GB of the Act and r.2.73 of the Regulations. Regulations 2.72(3) to (12) prescribe the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person. These criteria are extracted in the attachment to this decision. For nomination applications made from 23 November 2013, additional criteria are specified in s.140GBA.
3. The delegate decided not to approve the nomination on the basis that the applicant did not satisfy r.2.72(10)(f) of the Regulations because the delegate was not satisfied that the nominee’s position is commensurate with that of a Café or Restaurant Manager – 141111 as described in the ANZSCO.
4. On 14 March 2019 the Tribunal wrote to the applicant pursuant to s.359(2) of the Act, inviting the applicant to provide updated and current information. This invitation included a request for information about the applicant’s current organisational structure and where the nominated position sits in relation to that structure. It also included a request for information about the roles and duties of the nominated position and how they correspond to the nominated occupation’s position description in ANZSCO.
5. The invitation was sent to the last address provided in connection with the review. It advised that, if the information was not provided in writing by 28 March 2019, the Tribunal may make a decision on the review without taking further steps to obtain the information and the applicant would lose any entitlement they might otherwise have had under the Act to appear before the Tribunal to give evidence and present arguments. The applicant has not provided the information within the prescribed period and no extension has been granted. In these circumstances, s.359C applies and pursuant to s.360(3) the applicant is not entitled to appear before the Tribunal. The effect of s.363A of the Act is that if a review applicant has no entitlement to a hearing, the Tribunal has no power to permit them to appear: Hasran v MIAC [2010] FCAFC 40.
6. On 15 May 2019 the Tribunal again wrote to the applicant. The Tribunal invited the applicant to comment on or respond to certain information which it considered would, subject to any comments or response the applicant made, be the reason, or a part of the reason, for affirming the decision under review. The particulars of the information were current Australian Securities and Investment Commission (‘ASIC’) records indicating that the applicant is currently in ‘External Administration’. This information was relevant to the review because it was unclear to the Tribunal that the applicant is continuing to trade, meaning that the nominated position may not exist. If the Tribunal relied on this information in making its decision, it may find that the nominated position is not genuine. These may be grounds for affirming the delegate’s decision.
7. On 30 May 2019 the Tribunal received a reply from the applicant’s registered migration agent noting that they had ceased to act form the applicant and the nominee. The agent stated that it was their understanding that the applicant “... is under administration and no longer in operation by the owners”.
8. For the following reasons, the Tribunal has decided to affirm the decision under review to refuse the nomination.

CONSIDERATION OF CLAIMS AND EVIDENCE

9. The issue in the present case is whether the applicant meets the criteria for approval of the nomination. The Tribunal must approve the nomination if the applicant is an approved sponsor and meets the requirements in r.2.72: s.140GB(2). The applicant must also have paid any nomination training contribution charge in relation to the nomination for which they are liable, but this liability only arises for nominations made from 12 August 2018. In addition, for nominations made from 23 November 2013, s.140GBA must be met.

Position must be genuine

10. Regulation 2.72(10)(f) requires that the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine. For a position to be genuine, it logically must first exist.
11. The Tribunal has regard to the Current Company Extract for CHAR BAR PTY LTD of 13 May 2019 08:42 AM AEST. The Tribunal notes from that document that the applicant’s status is listed as ‘Externally Administered’ and that ASIC was notified on 15 November 2018 of a resolution to wind up the applicant. The Tribunal also has regard to the understanding of the applicant’s former registered migration agent that the applicant is “... no longer in operation by the owners”. On this basis, the Tribunal is satisfied that the applicant is no longer trading and that the position associated with the nominated occupation no longer exists. As this position does not exist, it cannot be genuine.
12. For these reasons the requirements of r.2.72(10)(f) are not met and the Tribunal is not satisfied that the applicant meets the applicable criteria for the nomination to be approved. Accordingly, the decision under review must be affirmed.

DECISION

13. The Tribunal affirms the decision not to approve the nomination.

Andrew George
Member

ATTACHMENT - EXTRACTS FROM THE MIGRATION REGULATIONS 1994

2.72 Criteria for approval of nomination — Subclass 457...

(1) This regulation applies to a person who is:

(a) is any of the following:

(i) a standard business sponsor;

(ii) a person who has applied to be a standard business sponsor;

(iii) a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);

(iv) a party to negotiations to a work agreement (other than a Minister); and

(b) a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister);

who, under paragraph 140GB (1) (b) of the Act, has nominated an occupation in relation to a holder of, or an applicant or a proposed applicant for, a [Subclass 457 visa].

(2) For subsection 140GB (2) of the Act, the criteria that must be satisfied for the Minister to approve a nomination by a person are set out in subregulations (3) to (12).

(3) The Minister is satisfied that the person has made the nomination in accordance with the process set out in regulation 2.73.

(4) The Minister is satisfied that the person is:

(a) a standard business sponsor; or

(b) a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister).

(5) The Minister is satisfied that the person has identified in the nomination the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, who will work in the nominated occupation.

(6) If the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5), the Minister is satisfied that the person:

(a) has listed on the nomination each other holder of a visa of that kind who was granted the visa on the basis of having the necessary relationship with the visa holder as mentioned in clause 457.321 of Schedule 2; and

(b) if the Minister requires the visa holder to demonstrate that he or she has the skills necessary to perform the occupation — the visa holder demonstrates that he or she has those skills in the manner specified by the Minister.

(7) For paragraph (6) (a), the Minister may disregard the fact that 1 or more persons required to be listed on the nomination are not listed, if the Minister is satisfied it is reasonable in the circumstances to do so.

(7A) In addition to subregulation (6):

(a) if:

(i) the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and

(ii) the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);

the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder; and

(b) if:

(i) the person identifies a holder of a [Subclass 457 visa] (the visa holder) for subregulation (5); and

(ii) the person has listed on the nomination a person described in paragraph (6) (a); and

(iii) the [Subclass 457 visa] was granted to the person described in paragraph (6) (a) after the Minister had waived the requirements of paragraph 4006A (1) (c) of Schedule 4 on the basis of a written undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder (as set out in subclause 4006A (2) of that Schedule);

the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided, in writing, an undertaking that is equivalent to the undertaking made by the current sponsor of the visa holder.

(8) If the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 — the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:

(a) if there is a 6digit ASCO code for the nominated occupation — the 6-digit ASCO code;

(b) if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation, and the person is a standard business sponsor — the name of the occupation as it appears in the instrument in writing made for the purposes of paragraph (10) (a);

(c) if there is no 6-digit ASCO code for the occupation and the person is a party to a work agreement — the name of the occupation as it appears in the work agreement;

(d) the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

(8A) If the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the Minister is satisfied that the person has provided the following information as part of the nomination:

(a) if there is a 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit ANZSCO code;

(b) if:

(i) there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and

(ii) the person is a standard business sponsor;

the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code as they are specified in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (10)(aa);

(c) if:

(i) there is no 6-digit ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation; and

(ii) the person is a party to a work agreement;

the name of the occupation and the corresponding 6-digit code (if any) as they are specified in the work agreement;

(d) the location or locations at which the nominated occupation is to be carried out.

(8B) The Minister is satisfied that the person has, in writing, certified as part of the nomination whether or not the person has engaged in conduct, in relation to the nomination, that constitutes a contravention of subsection 245AR(1) of the Act.;

(9) The Minister is satisfied that either:

(a) there is no adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person; or

(b) it is reasonable to disregard any adverse information known to Immigration about the person or a person associated with the person.

(10) If the person is a standard business sponsor — the Minister is satisfied that:

(a) if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the nominated occupation corresponds to an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(aa) if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the nominated occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code correspond to an occupation and its corresponding 6-digit code specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph and the occupation is applicable to the person identified in the nomination in accordance with the specification of the occupation; and

(b) if required by the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) or (aa) — the nomination of an occupation mentioned in the instrument is supported, in writing to the Minister, by an organisation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(c) the terms and conditions of employment of the person identified in the nomination will be no less favourable than the terms and conditions (including, if applicable, the terms and conditions provided by an enterprise agreement under the Fair Work Act 2009) that are provided or would be provided to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident for performing equivalent work at the same location; and

(cc) the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment mentioned in paragraph (c), that:

(i) are provided; or

(ii) would be provided;

to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident, will be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this paragraph; and

(d) if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A) the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or

(B) the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (a); and

(ii) if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:

(A) the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or

(B) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and

(iii) if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:

(A) the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or

(B) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-paragraph; and

(iv) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:

(A) for the occupation in the ASCO; or

(B) if there is no ASCO code for the nominated occupation — for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for the purpose of paragraph (a); and

(e) if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 – the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A) the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or

(B) the nominated occupation specified in an instrument in writing for paragraph (aa); and

(ii) if the person is lawfully operating a business outside Australia but does not lawfully operate a business in Australia:

(A) the nominated occupation is a position in the business of the standard business sponsor; or

(B) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and

(iii) if the person lawfully operates a business in Australia:

(A) the nominated occupation is a position with a business, or an associated entity, of the person; or

(B) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this sub-subparagraph; and

(iv) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified:

(A) for the occupation in the ANZSCO; or

(B) if there is no ANZSCO code for the nominated occupation - for the occupation in the instrument in writing made for paragraph (aa).

(f) the position associated with the nominated occupation is genuine; and

(g) if the person has identified in the nomination the holder of a Subclass 457 (Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa in relation to whom the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 were met—one of the following applies:

(i) the requirements in subclause 457.223(6) of Schedule 2 continue to be met;

(ii) if:

(A) the holder would be required to hold a licence, registration or membership that is mandatory to perform the occupation nominated in relation to the holder; and

(B) in order to obtain the licence, registration or membership, the holder would need to demonstrate that the holder has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2 and achieved a score that is better than the score specified for the test by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2;

the holder demonstrates that he or she has proficiency in English of at least the standard required for the grant (however described) of the licence, registration or membership;

(iii) the holder is an exempt applicant within the meaning of subclause 457.223(4) of Schedule 2;

(iv) unless subparagraph (ii) applies—the holder:

(A) has undertaken a language test specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(iv) of Schedule 2; and

(B) achieved within the period specified by the Minister in a legislative instrument for this subparagraph, in a single attempt at the test, the score specified by the Minister under subparagraph 457.223(4)(eb)(v) of Schedule 2; and

(h) either:

(i) the person will:

(A) engage the visa holder, the applicant for a visa or the proposed applicant for a Subclass 457(Temporary Work (Skilled)) visa only as an employee under a written contract of employment; and

(B) give a copy of that contract to the Minister; or

(ii) the nominated occupation is an occupation specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for sub-subparagraph (e)(iii)(B).

(10AA) For paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc), if no Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident performs equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location, the person must determine, using the method specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation:

(a) the terms and conditions of employment; and

(b) the base rate of pay, under the terms and conditions of employment;

that would be provided to an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident to perform equivalent work in the person’s workplace at the same location.

(10AB) Paragraphs (10) (c) and (cc) do not apply if the annual earnings of the person identified in the nomination are equal to or greater than the amount specified by the Minister in an instrument in writing for this subregulation.

(10A) The Minister may disregard the criterion in paragraph (10) (cc) for the purpose of subregulation (2) if:

(a) the base rate of pay will not be greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold specified for that paragraph; and

(b) the annual earnings are equal to or greater than the temporary skilled migration income threshold; and

(c) the Minister considers it reasonable to do so.

(11) If the person is a party to a work agreement (other than a Minister) — the Minister is satisfied that:

(a) the nominated occupation is specified in the work agreement as an occupation that the person may nominate; and

(b) if the nomination was made before 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A) if the nomination is made using an ASCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ASCO; or

(B) if the nomination is not made using an ASCO code -the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and

(ii) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement; and

(c) if the nomination is made on or after 1 July 2010 - the person has certified as part of the nomination, in writing, that:

(i) the tasks of the position include a significant majority of the tasks of:

(A) if the nomination is made using an ANZSCO code - the nominated occupation listed in the ANZSCO; or

(B) if the nomination is not made using an ANZSCO code -the nominated occupation specified in the work agreement; and

(ii) the qualifications and experience of the visa holder, or the applicant or proposed applicant for the visa, identified in relation to the nominated occupation are commensurate with the qualifications and experience specified for the occupation in the work agreement.

(12) If the person is a party to a work agreement and the work agreement specifies requirements that must be met by the party to the work agreement — the Minister is satisfied that the requirements of the work agreement have been met.