Australia’s newly elected Education Minister Christopher Pyne made bold statements about “building a new architecture for international education” in his first public speech on higher education since elected, speaking in Canberra to international education stakeholders.
Speaking at the the Australian International Education Conference (AIEC), Pyne committed to respond fully to recommendations in the Chaney report (“Australia – Educating Globally”) released earlier this year in order to ease sector regulation, boost outbound mobility and extend streamlined visa processing to private providers.
As the minister begins to prioritise international education, he will launch a national strategy to “rebuild” the sector that will include reviewing post-study work rights and Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
“I can tell you there is tremendous zeal across the cabinet table to establish fresh, practical approaches that will boost the domestic economy and build Australia’s reputation and presence in our region,” said Pyne. “International education is a very fine place to start.”
Responding to concerns from peak bodies about stifling regulatory red tape, Pyne said the government will work with stakeholders to reduce inefficiencies in the system.
At least 40% of secondary students will be studying a language other than English within a decade
He also promised that the new government will soon finalise the list of non-university providers to be offered the streamlined visa arrangement, currently only available to public universities.
To boost outbound mobility, Pyne confirmed the pilot phase of the New Colombo plan will begin in 2014 and be fully implemented by 2015.
The government will ensure that at least 40% of secondary students will be studying a language other than English within a decade.
“We have to be on the front foot so we can grow in a sustainable way that enhances our reputation for quality and our responsiveness to regional and global education needs,” underlined Pyne.
The minister’s attention to the industry has been welcomed by stakeholders that have seen the value of international education drop from AUS$18.6bn in 2009 to AUS$14 bn in 2012.
Phil Honeywood, CEO of the International Education Association of Australia said the minister’s comments was the right kind of message educators were hoping for.
“The international education sector in Australia took heart that the minister is clearly going to provide leadership for our industry going forward,” he said. “A lot of institutions have had to redirect staff from student services to the quality assurance side of things which has not been necessary in the full light of day.”
“Public TAFE and quality private colleges feel they are still discriminated against”
Honeywood was also optimistic about the government’s plans to review (GTE) requirements that have been in place for two years.
“Public TAFE and quality private colleges feel they are still discriminated against. We’re keen to have that review to ensure that certain of Australia’s overseas posts are made aware that the default position should not always be no to a student visa application.”
ACPET also expressed urgency for the government to act on the promises it has made in order to reverse the downflow the industry has experienced over the past four years.
“It is essential that the Government moves quickly to announce extended Streamlined Visa Processing arrangements and to respond to the other recommendations of the “Australia – Educating Globally” report as soon as possible, recognising that the key to the success of any policy or strategy lies in its implementation,” said ACPET CEO Claire Field.
“Other nations have all capitalised in recent years on Australia’s fragmented, unhurried approach to managing a crucial transition in international education.”
