pommie bastard

Even the Pollies here know a mug when they see one , it a good living emptying the pockets of the deluded , easy money.




A POLITICIAN turned migration agent has been accused of preying on vulnerable people desperate to stay in Australia.

The Migration Agents Registration Authority will investigate claims that Sam Piantadosi, a former Labor and Independent member of the Legislative Council, had not acted in the best interests of several clients, one of whom now faced deportation.

Mr Piantadosi acknowledged that he had "made some mistakes" in processing paperwork with the Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, but said allegations in Federal Parliament that he had helped himself to clients' funds were crazy.

The National Crime Authority raided Mr Piantadosi's home and electoral office in 1996 while it was investigating an Asian immigration racket. Police seized bank statements, computer records and other documents, but no charges were laid against him.

There are about 400 migration agents in WA who act as conduits for foreigners wanting to start a new life in Australia. They help with language problems, lodge relevant paperwork and organise for sponsors to financially support applicants. Agents are bound by a code of ethics and can have their licence revoked if a serious complaint against them is upheld.

Canning Liberal MHR Don Randall named Mr Piantadosi in Federal Parliament last month and has complained to the registration authority on behalf of two foreign nationals. He said he would pursue the matter with Immigration Minister Philip Ruddock if need be.

He said about 25 per cent of work done in his electoral office involved immigration matters. Federal MPs delivered the same services as migration agents - but did not charge.

Mr Piantadosi said he did a lot of free work for the Italian and Asian communities. "Sometimes you get a good result, sometimes you don't," he said.

"Many people are often very disappointed in the umpire's decision. I try my best to make sure that decision goes in our favour but it doesn't always work like that."

He said the fees he charged - usually between $3500 and $4500 - were standard. "I've never been in the habit of ripping people off," he said.

"Most of my work comes via word of mouth. If you're not doing a good job, then people won't come to you.

"Money's not a factor, not a consideration and anyway, often I sort out with the client ways that they can pay me back."

John Swift was the last migration agent to be deregistered, in 1999. The authority found the former lawyer, who was struck off the roll of legal practitioners in 1998 after pleading guilty to unprofessional conduct, was not a fit and proper person to hold a migration licence.

Megalania

My turn to ask you to hush.

The fees and taxes earnt from applicant immigrants keeps the Dept of Foreign Affairs ticking over as a nice little earner. Brand new offices to pay off.

pommie bastard

So it another Aussie scam , what ever happened to the 10 pound
Pom them were the good old days.

Megalania

A reward for gallantry in Singapore 1942 Feb 15.

In those days, the Poms really knew how to whinge good and proper. Real entertaining. Throw a squib and get a threepenny bunger. Not like these grandchildrens sniffling, wimpering simpering.

Ah, good old days, gone with the wind.

pommie bastard

Sounds like heady days to me , bring them over by the boat load and stick them in camps , wait a minute the ragheads are still up to that .

Megalania

The Times they are a Changing

Onwards Christian Soldiers!

pommie bastard

Never got the hang of God bothering like his mate though more Australian.

http://www.lirycs.kiev.ua/song/21781

Megalania

DEATH