Ketut Royson wrote:
> Does anyone have experience with resolving DIMA service standard
> issues? For example it is a service standard ( as well as a legal
> requirement) that FOI requests are processed within 30 days, yet DIMA
> are routinely taking 12 months to process FOI requests.
>
> Is anyone aware of an instance of DIMA taking their service standards
> seriously or how to get DIMA to address their service standard
> deficiencies?
Ketut
Pollyana has suggested that one option open to you would be to consider
complaining to the Ombusdsman. There have been cases where this has
happened, and the Ombudsman has been very tough in his remarks about
Dim'a handling of the case, though my impression is that that hasn't
done much (if anything) towards actually solving the applicant's
problems. The Ombudsman can require Undertakings from DIMA to get a
move on and so forth, but acting with speed can be a relative term....!
Also, knowing that the Ombudsman has to be answered can divert minds
onto preparing the case for the Ombudsman instead of expediting a
decision about the visa, methinks. In your shoes, I would have a
look at the Ombudsman's website, and read some of the case-histories,
before making a decision on this option.
Another possible option might be a complaint direct to the Minister.
That is likely to produce a reasonably speedy response, I should think.
The Minister's aide responded to me pretty quickly a few months ago
and was very helpful indeed.
I don't know anything about the visa-area you are concerned with, but
your descriptions are very cogent, which is helpful. I think you
accept that you were badly-advised. Who provided the poor-quality
advice? Was it the embassy staff in Berlin? If so, a complaint to the
Ambassador is another option that you could consider.
Finally, what about your MPs both in Australia and Norway? If the
local MP (ie the one representing you where you live in Australia at
present, and the one wherever you might move to in Norway) might be
able to get something done either individually or by helping each other
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