There is information on the Immi website in respect to new changes as of today, 08 February 2010 ; some key points in bold:

. MODL and points available from today being revoked immediately, a further review to take place and
. A new SOL to be developed whilst the
. CSL will be revoked sometime about mid year.
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener...df/csl-gsm.pdf is one of the shorter change documents with others linked to it.

It does take some getting of ones head around the changes and I can imagine Agents doing some head scratching on what to advise clients.

Whilst on first glance it can seem to be something of a convoluted dogs breakfast, on further examination there is some logic and how well things will be managed is as always subject to the detail.

Though the CSL is to be revoked as a means of prioritising, a new level of priority has been developed and one more closely addressing the specific different demands of the states.

If prioritisation remains as is indicated there will be two separate state nomination levels.
1. For occupations on a state immigration plan as agreed by the Minister.
2. The standard state nomination as exists now.

My view is that this has potential to work well in one respect if agreed state plans are well developed and more than just a wish list, the new SOL perhaps helping the oversight.

One significant Indirect CSL Change.
IT Classifications on MODL were also CSL
It implies no MODL then no IT on CSL

Still quite a bit of detail to be developed but hopefully the system is on the right track.

For now, my suggestions would be:
. if people have an application in with an occupation on the CSL that is still OK and if with state sponsorship even better for it could be that your occupation will be part of the agreed state plan.
. if you have an application in with an occupation on the CSL or not but no state nomination, it may be worth waiting a month or so to see whether state plans variation offers the opportunity for nomination on a particular state plan.

Meanwhile, Employer Sponsored applications are still top priority.

Immi Site What's New on Recent Changes Including Priorities and CSL as at 23/9/09 .
http://www.immi.gov.au/skilled/gener.../whats-new.htm

I'll make this thread a Sticky and leave it open for Agent contribution re their interpretation but if potential Visa Applicants are wanting to post, they should do so in the normal manner by best opening a new thread.
Any queries here will be deleted.