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What is IARC

IARC is a not-for-profit registered charity specialising in Australian immigration and refugee law and policy. IARC is a strong advocate in policy and law reform; is a leader in immigration education and continuing professional development for legal and immigration practitioners; and provides free immigration advice to financially disadvantaged immigrants and refugees in New South Wales.

Established in 1986, IARC provides free immigration advice to financially disadvantaged people in New South Wales. IARC is not part of the Department of Immigration or any other Government department. All migration advice given on behalf of IARC is given by Registered Migration Agents who must comply with the Code of Conduct for migration agents.

IARC is a registered charity. All donations made to IARC are tax deductible.

In addition to our advice services, IARC is also a leader in immigration education, continuing professional development activities and promoting community awareness through community information sessions regarding Australian immigration services and processes. For further information, go to Education.

IARC is also a strong participant in advocacy on immigration policy and law reform, promoting the interests of the non-profit sector and the clients who rely on our services to access independent and free advice and assistance. For further information, go to Law Reform.

IARC is responsible for several publications including: The Immigration Kit, a practical, plain English guide to Australian immigration law and practice; the Immigration News, a quarterly newsletter; and numerous plain English information sheets regarding immigration processes and visas. For further information go to Publications.

For further information regarding IARC, please see IARC’s Annual Reports.

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How is IARC funded


IARC is a community legal centre funded primarily by Commonwealth and State Legal Aid. IARC also receives some funding under the Immigration Application Advice and Assistance Scheme (IAAAS) administered by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Further information on the IAAAS can be found at www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/63advice_providers.htm

In addition, IARC generates its own funds through its education initiatives and publications, as well as through donations. Further information about IARC’s funding and structure can be viewed in IARC’s Annual Reports.

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Our People



IARC is an associated incorporation and a registered charity. The organisational structure of IARC is comprised of a voluntary Management Committee (‘Board’), Chief Executive Officer, Principal Solicitor, employed staff and volunteers.

Our Management Committee

IARC’s management committee includes:

  • President: Lisa D’Ambra, an accredited specialist/ Solicitor in Immigration law.
  • Vice President : Kathryn Viegas Solicitor
  • Treasurer: Suzette Peters, CFO and Chartered Accountant
  • Board Member: Graeme Coss, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Law, University of Sydney
  • Board Member: Tony McInerney, Barrister
  • Board Member: Peter Gesovic, Medical and Business Consultant.
  • Board Member: Rick Samimi, Pharmacist
  • Board Member: Wendy Stephens, Marketing Consultant

Further information regarding IARC’s management committee can be found in IARC’s Annual Reports.

Our Staff

Chief Executive Officer & Registered Migration Agent:  Anthony Hughes

Anthony is a lawyer admitted to practice in Australia and Scotland. Anthony became a registered migration agent upon his arrival in Australia. Anthony was previously the Director and Principal Solicitor of an agency similar to IARC whilst living in Scotland. Anthony is responsible for the Centre's operations, management of the Immigration Kit, and also provides advice and casework services at IARC. Anthony's Registered Migration Agent number ("MARN") is 1175166.

Solicitor, Registered Migration Agent: Louise Reeves

Louise has been with IARC since early 2009. She has held a NSW Solicitor's Practising Certificate since 2006 and has been a Migration Agent since 2001 and has previously worked for Legal Aid, undertaken aid work in refugee camps in Africa and previously worked as a Teacher. Louise works part-time as a Solicitor, providing advice and casework services at IARC. Louise's MARN is 0210182.

Solicitor, Registered Migration Agent: Louisa McKimm

Louisa is a Solicitor who started working at IARC in early 2012. She has held a NSW Solicitor's Practising Certificate since 2010. Louisa is a Solicitor who provides advice and casework services at IARC and is also responsible for co-ordinating IARC policy and law reform submissions. Before working at IARC Louisa worked in a private generalist practice and is also the Co-ordinator of the Michael Marslew Peace Foundation. Louisa works full-time at IARC. Louisa's MARN is 1276342.

Solicitor, Registered Migration Agent: Xanthe Emery

Xanthe is a Solicitor  who started working at IARC in early 2012. Xanthe provides advice and casework services and is responsible for coordinating IARC's quarterly Immigration News publication. She was admitted to practice as a Barrister/Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the ACT in 2010 and obtained a Practising Certificate for NSW in 2012. Prior to working at IARC, Xanthe worked with the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health in India. She has also worked in family law, as a research assistant for various human rights and development NGOs, and completed internships at Legal Aid ACT and the Youth Law Centre ACT. Xanthe works full-time at IARC. Xanthe's MARN is 1276335.

Solicitor, Registered Migration Agent: Jessica Schulman

Jessica is a Solicitor who started working at IARC in late 2012. Jessica provides advice and casework services and is responsible for coordinating IARC's information factsheets. She was admitted to practice as a Barrister/Solicitor of the Supreme Court of the ACT in late 2011 and obtained a Practising Certificate for NSW in early 2012. Prior to working at IARC, Jessica worked in a private immigration firm working specifically with irregular maritime arrivals. She has also undertaken an internship with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Thailand, volunteered with a charitable organisation working with asylum seekers in the Australian community, and completed internships at both RACS and the HIV/AIDS Legal Centre. Jessica works full-time at IARC. Jessica's MARN is 1276304.

Financial Administrator: Meg Stephens

Meg is IARC's part time Financial Administrator and looks after IARC’s general administrative and accounting needs.

Administrative Assistant: Elena Simms

Elena is an administrative assistant who assists all IARC staff and users of IARC services. Elena handles general inquiries by the public, and can refer you to the most appropriate IARC staff member to assist you with your query.

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Annual Reports

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IMMIGRATION NEWS

Free online Publication
Informing the migration profession of developments in migration legislation, case law, policy...... and more
For prior issues click here

SUBSCRIBE TO GET MORE NEWS


SUPPORT IARC
MAKe a donation

By donating to IARC you are helping us to promote and protect the rights and dignity of disadvantaged refugees and migrants. You are also part of a movement directly influencing the Australian government to change unfair laws affecting people who are already suffering from wars, persecution and discrimination.
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