Like Bermuda explained, taxation is just a specialism within accountancy. Also, we study for professional qualifications over and above the degree etc we may have studied for. Professional experience is a pre-requisite for qualifying as an accountant as it shows a level of competency which can only be gained from doing rather than studying.

The whole qualified / part qualified is a massive debate within the industry but I would categorically state that a couple of years studying in college in no way can compare you with a qualified, experienced accountant. Bear in mind that a qualified accountant has passed the exams and professional experience requirements of the institute of which they are a member and not just studied in college for a couple of years.

For my part I have no formal further education accountancy qualification but am a qualified member of C.I.M.A. and as such would feel insulted to be compared to a twentysomething who has only learned the theory in college

I think I have not explained myself correctly.

I fully agree with you 100% ... The point I was trying to get across was that because they have studied in Australia as opposed to another country, they would come out fresh knowing all relevant legislations which may differ from other countries.

Yes... around 900 hours post qualification.... and thats it! For accountancy it is zero. Not sure about hairdressers. Before some lefty starts calling me a racist, no thats not the case. Its just that bogus claiments via the PR student qualification route from these countries are also undermining the opportunities of their own countrymen who are genuine within their professions. Why has the Australian government not acted? MONEY. Why do you think we missed the recession here durrrr. International students contribute heaps to the coffers! Currently we charge $26,000 dollars. (Per year, for a two year course). Plus what they, the student(s) contribute by way of accommodation etc. etc. to the local economy. There are over 70,000 Indian students alone in Sydney. Melbourne even more. I'm not sure of the statistics for other students from overseas or other states. Before same said lefties attack me for singeling out a 'particular racial group' its only because of the alarm bells raised within the media because of rising attacks against students of Indian origin that was highlighted earlier this year.
There are even more students from Asia. Why does the government not stop it. Education is now our third biggest money maker. We end up giving worthless quals, taught by worthless - and very, very dubious private universities and registered training organisations. (Its a business for them, not a passion). The first thing a student asks normally is not about duration, content, the teaching environment or facilities - but 'when will it give me PR'. All things said and done, why am I still teaching. Because around 2% (as little as it is) are from genuine individuals wantng to achieve - and I derive enourmous pleasure in helping them. Whilst it generates MILLIONS the status quo will remain and affect genuine migrants from whatever country of origin. Which means that as perceived quotas of skilled migrants are deemed to be met, you will find a shifting of jobs' on the MODL and CL list commensurate with the professions which will lead to PR. In other words bogus students chasing the skills to achieve PR. Once PR is obtained having achieved a 2/3 year qualification for a perceived skilled shortage, their are no checks in place. Remember, 2/3 years of your life to achieve PR is a small price to pay. How many of us have university degrees and work in totally different areas. Cynical yes. But a reality..

Hmmm, very insightful and disturbing. I suppose the abuses of the system will always be there.

That's a real pity for the genuine people that want to apply to get in, especially when the doors are closed/closing because of the abuse that's taking place.