The following information has been received by me from DIAC this morning:

Hi Liana,

Thank you for your email. On 29 July the processing network was advised of a change to the policy introduced on 1 July. The policy advice relating to the requirement for a skills assessment for the occupations of Program and Project Administrator and Specialist Manager nec is below:

The mandatory skills assessment requirement only applies to applications lodged on or after 1 July 2013 for the occupations of:

Program and Project Administrator

Specialist Managers nec

It is not a mandatory requirement for applications lodged prior to 1 July 2013, however it should be noted that in circumstances where it is unclear about whether an applicant has suitable skills for the position based upon the information provided in the application, a VPO may invite the applicant to submit a formal skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority.  This policy was in place prior to 1 July, and remains in place post 1 July, and applies to all Subclass 457 applications regardless of their nominated occupation.

I hope this is of assistance to you and your members.

Kim

Kim Vance
Assistant Director

Sydney Temporary Business Entry
Department of Immigration and Citizenship