As I write this, there is a major kerfuffle in the Australian Federal Parliament about citizenship. In the Australian constitution, you can’t be a dual citizen or even have the entitlement to be a dual citizen, if you interpret Section 44 literally (and I am not a lawyer, not even close). Now as Australia is very much a multicultural society and its parliament should reflect its constituency, this is now starting to pose a big problem for elected parliamentarians from all political persuasions. The current issue is with the Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. Watch this space.

There are rules around what has to be disclosed when a person wants to nominate to run for parliament and having their ID and citizenship status confirmed is one of many. This is also the same when you register with your favourite recruitment agency (obviously people2people). When we opened our doors in February 2005, our request for photo ID for every candidate registering with us was quite novel and we were asked a lot of questions, particularly by those not on overseas working visas, but ‘locals’. In 2017, we are all used to showing our photo ID for just about everything. I was even asked for my ID when I deposited a cheque (of a modest amount I might add) to my bank.

So why?

It’s our business to ensure you are who you say you are and also have the working rights required for the type of work you want to perform, ie permanent or temporary. When a hiring manager lodges a vacancy with us, it’s the expectation that the successful applicant is bona fide and also can work, legally. It’s very rare, actually almost never, that a hiring manager will come to us with the expectation that they will offer a 457 or related sponsorship to enable an applicant to work beyond their visa limitations. So if you are not a permanent resident or an Australian citizen, we will process your application with an immigration department check and ensure that you are notified when your working visa is close to its expiry date. In addition, the use of police background checks is also becoming more common and not just for positions which are in sensitive professions, such as working with children or money.

It’s a fact of life now, that no matter where you go, you will be asked for your ID. When you register for work, this will also include your working rights.

Although sadly, I am not asked for my ID anymore when I buy a beer, they won’t even take it if I offer it…..!