Update on Skilling Australians Fund (SAF)

The Minister for Home Affairs continues to keep us guessing with regards to the timing of the implementation of the Skilling Australians Fund!!

The Governor General provided his Royal Assent of the relevant Acts on 22 May 2018, however, it is the Minister who will decide when the SAF will be implemented. This can be proclaimed at any time, and must be within 6 months of Royal Assent, or it will commence on 23 November 2018 (6 months and one day later).

All indications are that the charges will be as previously announced, with details of payment method and refund provisions to be confirmed in the new legislation.

Those who have followed our updates – which we never expected to be so numerous (!) – will know that the Minister is also the one who will decide on the final details of Labour Market Testing requirements, and when this new legislation will come into effect.

What we do know about the new Labour Market Testing is that it must have been undertaken for at least 4 weeks.

We urge clients not to delay lodgement of applications nor to delay Labour Market Testing for new applications, as the timing of new legislation is still uncertain.

DISCLAIMER This information is current as at 13 June 2018 and subject to change. The information contained in this publication is of a general nature only. It should not be used as legal advice. To the extent permissible by law, Ajuria Lawyers and its associated entities shall not be liable for any errors, omissions, defects or misrepresentations in the information or for any loss or damage suffered by persons who use or rely on such information. Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation.