The Tribunal's decision
20 In its reasons, the Tribunal described the issue in the review as whether the appellant met PIC 4020. It referred to the work experience letter as well as to the appellant's response to the Department's letter dated 15 May 2012. It noted that this response included a covering letter which asserted that the appellant did work at Oakleigh Catering JMark but that when he went to contact them they had finished their contract and neither the RSL nor the appellant had been able to contact Mr Phelps. It further noted that the appellant claimed that he had always been employed as a Cook and, after working with Oakleigh Catering JMark, he worked at the Whitehorse Club assisting the chef in the kitchen and then at the Bombay Crown restaurant as a Cook. It noted that the appellant had provided a reference letter from Bombay Crown, signed by the head chef and owner, which certified that the appellant had worked in that restaurant until the date of the letter and had completed more than 600 hours professional cooking work experience. The Tribunal referred to other material provided by the appellant in response to the Department's letter dated 15 May 2012, including his statutory declaration dated 9 July 2012 in which he stated that he had genuinely been employed as a Cook by Oakleigh Catering JMark from 7 April 2007 to 30 July 2008.
21 The Tribunal made reference to material on the Departmental file, including a telephone interview held on 16 May 2011 with Mr Phelps. It noted that the record of interview stated that Mr Phelps was contacted by a Departmental inspector 12 months earlier in relation to workplace references and that Mr Phelps became aware at that time that some of the references issued in the name of his business were not genuine and had not, in fact, been issued by him. The interview recorded Mr Phelps as saying that an unidentified migration agent had issued the references fraudulently and that he had retracted all letters of reference as he could not be confident that they were genuinely issued. Mr Phelps was recorded as saying that, despite all his references being withdrawn, "he was apologetic to any of the students who may have been genuine, however were disadvantaged due to the fraudulent actions of a Migration Agent".
22 Against this background, the Tribunal explained in its reasons that it sought detailed information from the appellant in order to satisfy itself as to whether he had genuinely completed the work experience as claimed by him and as documented in the work experience letter. It is convenient to set out relevant parts of the work experience letter (without alteration):
Oakleigh Catering JMARK
Oakleigh Catering JMARK is located at the Oakleigh Carnegie RSL. The Oasis Bistro that is situated at 95-97 Drummond Street Oakleigh. The Oasis Bistro is fully licensed and has affordable meals with a full range of Australian dishes. The Club offers Gaming and Members Room service which is available to the general public as well as a hall and function room for hire. We cater for meetings, special occasions, product launches and conferences. The Oasis Bistro is open for lunch Monday to Saturday and dinner from Thursday to Saturday.
Training Details
This is to certify that Sikander Singh Gill of G17/43 High Street, Preston 3072 Vic, has completed his training at Oakleigh Carnegie RSL Oasis Bistro from April 07 until the present. He has worked and trained as Cook, attaining over 900 hours of commercial cooking experience under the supervision of Malcolm Phelps, Head Chef/Catering Manager.
As part of his training and working conditions Sikander had to ensure that his knowledge of menu items was sound and that he was able to follow a consistent recipe for all items prepared. He has also had to be aware of the dietary content of dishes and the effect that cooking has on the nutritional value of food. Sikander has a high standard of personal and food hygiene.
…
Duties and Responsibilities
…
Kitchen Duties:
Prepared entrée items and light meals such as:
1. Soup of the Day.
2. Toasted Ham, Cheese and Tomato sandwich.
3. Diggers Hamburger.
4. Roast Beef Roll with Salad.
5. Diggers Steak or Chicken Burger.
Washed and prepared fruits and vegetables for accompanying salads and vegetables. Used proper knife handling and cutting techniques to chop, peel, cut and seed fruits and vegetables:
1. Side dish of roasted vegetables.
2. Side dish of salad.
3. Side dish of chips.
Roasted, Deep Fried, Shallow Fried, Grilled and Baked vegetables, cheese, seafood and meat for dishes such as:
1. Lambs Fry and Bacon.
2. Rissoles.
3. Bangers and Garlic Mash.
4. Chicken Schnitzel/Veal Schnitzel.
5. Mixed Grill.
6. Roast of the Day.
7. Beer Battered Fish.
8. Rump steak.
Prepared sauces for Rump Steak:
1. Pepper sauce
2. Garlic sauce.
3. Dianne sauce.
…
23 At this point, it is desirable to set out extracts from a transcript of the Tribunal hearing prepared by Auscript Australasia Pty Limited and, in particular, to the exchanges which took place concerning the work experience letter and the appellant's recollection of the work he had done at the Oasis Bistro. A full copy of the audio recording was in evidence below and on the appeal. The Minister did not object to the written transcript also being put in evidence on the appeal. The redacted words in the written transcript are the name of the dish to which the appellant referred and in relation to which the parties could not agree the correct transcription:
MS SYNON: Okay. And were there any other work experience students there when you were there?
THE WITNESS: Sorry, what's that?
MS SYNON: Other work experience students?
THE WITNESS: At that time, no. No.
MS SYNON: Okay. And how did you keep track of your 900 hours?
THE WITNESS: I just - like, at that time I have a phone and I, like ---
MS SYNON: You have a what?
THE WITNESS: I have a phone, so I just add my hours - like, every day I work, this, this, this, into my phone and in 2010 I lost my phone. So I ---
MS SYNON: Everybody says that. Isn't that amazing? Everyone keeps their hours in their phone ---
THE WITNESS: Because ---
MS SYNON: --- and then they lose their phone.
THE WITNESS: --- I just got it from my friend.
MS SYNON: I'm so sick of hearing that story at every hearing. Okay. So had you backed up the information on your phone if it was so important?
THE WITNESS: Yes, at that time I thought maybe - I don't need anything for future, so - well ---
MS SYNON: All right. What did your duties include? I've just got to say that story I've heard so many times that I just don't believe it any more. Everyone keeps their hours in there and loses their phone. I'm just so over hearing that same story, because it can't be right in every case. Nonetheless, what were your duties or claimed duties?
THE WITNESS: I do - it's like to make meals.
MS SYNON: What kind of meals?
THE WITNESS: Like, the stuff from menu.
MS SYNON: Sorry?
THE WITNESS: Like, main meals.
MS SYNON: So what were they?
THE WITNESS: Like ---
MS SYNON: What was the most popular meal at that bistro?
THE WITNESS: The bistro is - it was, like, I think, Chicken Parma.
MS SYNON: What's the second most popular?
THE WITNESS: It was chicken schnitzel, veal schnitzel, [redacted].
MS SYNON: What kind of risottos did you serve?
THE WITNESS: Like ---
MS SYNON: What kind of risottos did you serve?
THE WITNESS: The Italian ones.
MS SYNON: Yes. But what was in them?
THE WITNESS: Like ---
MS SYNON: What kind of risottos were on the menu?
THE WITNESS: It was just [redacted].
MS SYNON: Yes, but what was in them? Risotto just means a rice dish. What was in them?
THE WITNESS: Like the normal [redacted].
MS SYNON: Yes, but what is it? What's a normal risotto? Because there's heaps of different kinds and different restaurants serve different types. What did they serve?
THE WITNESS: Yes, we used serve the Italian ---
MS SYNON: Sorry?
THE WITNESS: Italian [redacted]. That's all.
MS SYNON: Okay. Risotto just means rice dish in Italian.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: What kind of risotto was it?
THE WITNESS: It was like a - like, just - I can't explain about which one ---
MS SYNON: Well, you must have - what ingredients did you put in the risotto?
THE WITNESS: Rice and a little flour and ---
MS SYNON: Flour in a risotto. What else?
THE WITNESS: That was it, yes.
MS SYNON: Okay. I don't accept that you made risottos, because that's not - what other dishes did you make? Delve into your cooking skills a bit more, what other dishes?
THE WITNESS: Yes, like, we make like chicken schnitzels.
MS SYNON: Right. Did you crumb them yourself?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: What with?
THE WITNESS: Like, with the oil or - we would just have them, like, baking powder.
MS SYNON: Sorry?
THE WITNESS: Like baking powder, a little bit of powder.
MS SYNON: Baking powder is what you crumbed them with?
THE WITNESS: Yes. It was, yes.
MS SYNON: So you crumbed schnitzels with baking powder? Is that right?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: Is that it?
THE WITNESS: [redacted].
MS SYNON: Did you do a full 900 hours there?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: Really?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: You can't even tell me the basic ingredients for the most popular dishes. How did you make the Chicken Parma? How did you make it? Do you remember? No, you don't remember. You need to have an audible answer so the hearing can - tape can record you?
THE WITNESS: I said "no".
MS SYNON: No. What other dishes were on the menu?
THE WITNESS: I don't remember many dishes at all.
MS SYNON: Sorry, speak up.
THE WITNESS: I don't remember many dishes now, but, yes, there were a few - like, there were ---
MS SYNON: What are some examples of the soup of the day? Remembering, of course, that when you answer these questions I have this information.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: So tell me what some of the soups of the days were?
THE WITNESS: I'm just trying to think or
MS SYNON: You can't remember the soups of the day? It is better if you're honest with me. It goes better for you in the long run if you're honest. Can you remember the soups of the day?
THE WITNESS: No.
MS SYNON: Okay. Tell me some of the sauces that you provided for the steaks? What are the types of sauces that were offered?
THE WITNESS: One was a garlic sauce or ---
MS SYNON: Garlic?
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: What else? What was the most popular sauce for steaks? Can you remember any other sauces? Can you remember any other sauces? No? Did you say "no"?
THE WITNESS: No.
MS SYNON: Okay. Tell me how you made the garlic sauce?
THE WITNESS: I can't remember, no, this one.
MS SYNON: I'm giving you an opportunity to be honest with me now and I will record if you are.
THE WITNESS: Yes.
MS SYNON: Did you do 900 hours work experience at Jay Mark Catering as claimed?
THE WITNESS: Yes. I worked there.
MS SYNON: You worked there. For how long?
THE WITNESS: For about, like - yeah, nine - like, yes, 11 months, 12 months.
MS SYNON: What were the burgers called?
THE WITNESS: What were they?
MS SYNON: What were the burgers called?
THE WITNESS: Chicken burgers and ham/cheese burgers.
MS SYNON: No, they have a name. What were they called on the menu?
THE WITNESS: Like
MS SYNON: Sorry?
THE WITNESS: A name
MS SYNON: What were they called? What was their menu title?
THE WITNESS: Chicken burgers they were called. Ham/cheese burgers.
MS SYNON: Okay. What - explain if you made any sandwiches there, any toasted sandwiches? Were there toasted sandwiches on the menu?
THE WITNESS: Toasted sandwiches. I think not.
MS SYNON: Good. Explain what bangers and mash is?
THE WITNESS: Mash?
MS SYNON: That's on the menu. Explain what it is, bangers and mash?
THE WITNESS: Mash is like - to mash the potatoes.
MS SYNON: Mashed potatoes, yes. But what is the dish, bangers and mash?
THE WITNESS: Bangers?
MS SYNON: Bangers and mash, what is the dish? What is it?
THE WITNESS: Bangers and mash.
MS SYNON: What is it? Do you know what it is?
THE WITNESS: No, I can't remember.
24 It is now desirable to set out all of [20] of the Tribunal's statement of decision and reasons, in which the Tribunal provides a summary of the appellant's oral evidence relating to his work experience:
20. In summary, the relevant oral evidence of the applicant was:
• He completed both a Certificate III in Hospitality and an Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management at the South Pacific Institute: [sic]
• He first approached Malcolm Phelps in March 2007 while studying his Certificate III. He was referred to Malcolm Phelps through a friend, Jagdev Singh, with whom he was living at the time. He said the restaurant was located in Drummond Street Oakleigh and he travelled there are via train from Reservoir disembarking at Oakleigh station which was a 3 to 4 minute walk from the premises. He described the building as yellow with the front gate on Drummond Street.
• He said both Malcolm Phelps and his brother Robert Phelps worked there with Robert both helping to manage and cook. Asked if he was sure Robert was Malcolm's brother he said yes. Malcolm had told him this. The applicant said he spoke to Malcolm and gave him his résumé. Malcolm said he would call him but when he did not do so he visited again a month later and on this occasion Malcolm told him he was able to give him volunteer work.
• He commenced working there in April typically working from 3pm to 10pm three nights a week, usually Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays but also occasionally on a Sunday. He said the busiest day is Friday. The applicant said the main Cook was Malcolm and other people who worked there were: Guy, Rachel and Alex. He said there were no other work experience students when he worked. The applicant said for the first day he just looked at what was happening and on the second day Malcolm showed him what to do.
• The applicant said he kept track of his 900 hours on his phone which he lost in 2010.
• The applicant said his duties were to make the meals and the most popular dishes were Chicken Parmigianas, Schnitzels and Risottos. Asked how he made a risotto the applicant said this was rice and flour. The Tribunal confirmed this was his evidence. Asked how he crumbed schnitzels the applicant said he did so with baking powder. Asked how he prepared a chicken parmigiana, after considerable hesitation, the applicant said he did not know. The Tribunal asked the applicant to explain some of the 'soup of the day' examples to which the applicant replied he could not remember. The Tribunal asked the applicant which sauces he prepared. He said garlic but could not remember any other sauces. Asked how he made the garlic sauce the applicant said he could not remember. At this stage the Tribunal confirmed with the applicant that he claimed he had worked there for 11 or 12 months. He said yes. Asked the name of the particular burgers offered on the menu he responded chicken burgers and ham and cheese burgers. Asked if there were toasted sandwiches on the menu the applicant said no. Asked what the dish bangers and mash was the applicant did not know.
• The applicant said he worked at Oakleigh Catering as claimed but cannot prove it as it was 7 to 8 years ago. He said he had tried to phone Malcolm about 10,000 times but his phone is disconnected. The applicant said he did not keep in contact with anyone else at the bistro. After completing his work at Oakleigh Catering he laid carpet for a few months, worked as a waiter at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, worked at the Whitehorse Club as a kitchen hand and worked at Bombay Crown where he was employed for about two nights a week as a Cook. The applicant said he has another casual job cleaning about two days a week.
• Later the applicant completed 450 hours' work experience at the Heritage Indian Restaurant which he needed to complete to get his second skills assessments. He has been employed since January 2013 as a Chef on a casual basis. He provided a copy of his recent PAYG certificate that records an income of $7035 from the Heritage Indian Restaurant for the year ending 2013.
• Invited to make any submissions in relation to compelling or compassionate and compelling circumstances in relation to the waiver provisions of PIC 4020, the applicant did not make any submissions.
• In final comments the applicant said he has been living in Australia for eight years and has essentially grown up here, coming here after finishing his last year of school in India. He said he can't prove his TRA work experience as he doesn't have the evidence and it is too long ago. He said he has tried to continue working in the hospitality industry and emphasised he now has a new skills assessment.
25 The Tribunal acknowledged in [21] of its reasons that it was "mindful" that the appellant's claimed work experience related to a period in 2007 and 2008 (i.e. more than six years before the Tribunal's hearing), but added that it expected nevertheless that he would "retain at least some accurate recollection of the menu items and/or dish components it was claimed he prepared in a period exceeding 900 hours". It found that he was unable to do so. The Tribunal stated at [21] (without alteration and with emphasis added):
… Whilst providing evidence that the most popular dishes in the Bistro were Chicken Parmigianas, Schnitzels and Risottos he was unable to accurately describe how we might have prepared any of these dishes or what ingredients they comprised. In particular his evidence that he prepared risotto using rice and flour and that he crumbed schnitzels with baking powder and further that he did not know how to prepare a chicken parmigiana, create in the Tribunal's mind significant doubt as to whether the work experience letter the applicant provided to TRA is genuine. Not only was the applicant unable to describe how these menu items were prepared but only one of the "most popular" menu items the applicant specified was noted in his work experience reference. The work experience reference also states that the applicant "prepared entree items and light meals such as" soup of the day, toasted sandwiches and Diggers Hamburgers. In relation to these items the applicant said he could not remember any of the soup of the day examples, toasted sandwiches were not on the menu and could not name Diggers Hamburgers although did say he prepared chicken burgers and ham and cheese burgers. The work experience reference also states the applicant "prepared sauces for rump steak" but the applicant could only name one of the three sauces listed in the work experience reference saying only that he had made garlic sauce but could not remember how to do it.
26 Thus, relying on the work experience letter and the appellant's oral evidence to the Tribunal, the Tribunal said at [22] that it did not accept that he performed the claimed work experience described in the work experience letter. While the Tribunal accepted that the appellant had visited the former premises of Oakleigh Catering and may have met Mr Phelps and "even performed some basic kitchen hand duties", it did not accept that the contents of the work experience letter were genuine or that he had completed the duties and responsibilities set out in that letter, including over 900 hours of commercial cooking experience.
27 It might be noted at this point that the Tribunal made no reference, either in the transcript or in its reasons for decision, to the fact that risotto was not one of the dishes to which explicit reference was made in the work experience letter.
28 The Tribunal repeated at [23] that while it acknowledged the appellant's knowledge of his employment duties performed seven or eight years previously "may become diminished in some aspects", it did not accept that he would not be able to remember basic elements of the dishes it was claimed he cooked and/or prepared. The Tribunal described the appellant's evidence "to be lacking in credibility and detail". It found that the work experience letter was not genuine and it "reasonably suspects" that the skills assessment was obtained because of a false or misleading statement, namely the information in the work experience letter (the reference to "reasonably suspects" is obviously a reference to that phrase as it appears in the definition of "bogus document" in s 97 of the Act, which is set out in [57] below). These findings informed the Tribunal's ultimate conclusion that the appellant did not meet PIC 4020. Furthermore, the Tribunal declined to waive the requirements of PIC 4020.