The report of the "Committee of Inquiry into Recognition
of Overseas Qualifications in Australia" was completed at the end of 1982. The major recommendations of the Fry Report were accepted by the Government and resulted in the establishment of the Council on Overseas Professional Qualifications, which was established in June 1984. In summary, the functions of the Council are:
 
 - to provide information on the assessment and recognition of   
   overseas professional qualifications;
 
 - to advise the Minister of Immigration and Ethnic Affairs and 
   Employment and Industrial Relations on policy issues relating to
   the recognition of overseas professional qualifications;
 
 - to investigate overseas qualifications and relate the findings to
   Australian educational standards;
 
 - to act as a consultant to government and non-government bodies in
   relation to the assessment and recognition of overseas
   professional qualifications;
 
 - to provide advice and assistance to immigrants and prospective 
   immigrants seeking to have their overseas qualifications assessed;
 
 - to collaborate and co-operate with relevant Commonwealth and State
   departments, professional bodies and authorities to encourage the
   development of acceptable national professional assessment and
   recognition procedures;
 
 - to provide individual assessments of overseas professional 
   qualifications and to assist professional in Australia to
   evaluate overseas qualifications.
 
In its first year of operation, the Council identified four major issues as of highest priority. They were:
 
 - the establishment of State Qualifications Units
 
 - the development of re-orientation and bridging courses for 
   overseas qualified professionals.
 
 - the establishment of a working group to review and make
   recommendations on a program for the teaching of occupational 
   English
 
 - the establishment of an expert panel for the profession of 
   engineering.
 
The balance of the recommendations of the Fry Committee were regarded by the Council as requiring longer-term development.
 
Membership of the Council during 1984/85 consisted of Professor P. Whitton, Chairman (resigned April 1985), Professor K.C. Westfold, appointed Chairman June 1985, Mr. E. Benjamin, Mr. W. Kuttner, Mr. J. McAuliffe, Ms. L. Rodopoulos, Professor E. Saint, Mrs. M. Stojanovic, Doh. P. Totaro and Mr. T. Rodgers, Executive Director. Council members are appointed for a three year term and are eligible for re-appointment.
 
The National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition will replace the existing Office of Overseas Professional Qualifications as at 25 July 1989.
 

Source
 
COPQ Annual Report 1984-85
Historical agency address
1984-1988: Commerce House, Brisbane Ave, Barton ACT 
1989     : Benjamin Offices, Chan Street, Belconnen ACT 
1989     : Derwent House, Hobart Place, Canberra ACT