The new research commissioned by International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) has outlined a tiered set of policy options – ranging from baseline transparency measures to a more robust integrity framework – as it finds that uneven enforcement and limited visibility continue to undermine agent quality across the sector.
The first option involves government in a streamlined agent register approach. The subsequent two options require government and the sector to be more involved in strengthening agent quality, accountability and transparency.
The report identifies a baseline agent registration system as “essential” to improving transparency, coordination and accountability across the sector.
It also notes that agent quality is largely managed through “private, bilateral arrangements” between providers and agencies, leading to fragmented oversight and limited transparency.
The recommendations come in response to growing sector and government focus on strengthening integrity and accountability across Australia’s international education system.
The research notes that “recent integrity concerns – particularly involving a small proportion of agents and providers – have demonstrated that regulation alone is insufficient when enforcement is inconsistent and system gaps can be exploited.”
According to the report, policy changes such as the onshore transfer commission ban and updates to the fit and proper provider requirements can be seen as a signal of the Albanese government’s intention to act on integrity issues that it sees as threatening Australia’s reputation.
“There is therefore no time to waste in putting forward a practical, sector-led solution that can be implemented quickly, demonstrate early impact, and inform future government settings,” the report sets out.
According to Rishen Shekhar, IEAA board member and Agent Quality Research Steering Committee co-chair, the aim was to provide government with an “evidence-based, sector-informed perspective and to support a co-designed approach to future frameworks”.
“The report outlines a spectrum of models – from enhanced transparency and visibility through to more structured coordination and system-wide oversight,” said Shekhar.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Chew, Navitas chief insights officer, IEAA vice president and Agent Quality Research Steering Committee co-chair, said that the report “does not seek to accelerate regulation given the many recent interventions by the government, nor does it jump to any conclusions on a recommended approach”.
“Instead, the report provides a menu of measured and meaningful regulatory models. It is principled and pragmatic, and the detail is there to inform future analysis and consultation,” said Chew.
Given that the federal government has made agent governance and integrity a key priority, our Association is proud to provide government with a way forward, which is informed by global best practice
Phil Honeywood, IEAA
Phil Honeywood, CEO of IEAA commented: “Given that the federal government has made agent governance and integrity a key priority, our Association is proud to provide government with a way forward, which is informed by global best practice.”
