In the May 2025 federal election, Albanese secured a second term for the ruling Labor Party. As part of his post-election cabinet reshuffle, the Prime Minister created a new position – assistant minister for international education – appointing Victorian MP Julian Hill to the role.
Hill will also continue in his position of assistant minister for customs and multicultural affairs.
Speaking at a press conference in Canberra on May 12, Albanese explained the rationale behind Hill’s appointment.
“International education is such an important export for Australia. We know there’s been examples as well of inappropriate activity. Overwhelmingly, the sector is important and provides not just assets for Australia and income for Australia, but it also provides us [with] connections with the world,” he said.
Albanese referenced his own history with the sector, including launching the Australia-India Alumni Association a decade ago. “There are literally hundreds of thousands of students who have a relationship with Australia,” he noted.
Albanese described international education as an “important industry” – one it is “important” to get right.
“It’s important that students who come here get a quality education… This sector is complex and Julian Hill is someone who’s been involved as a local member as well, and I think he’ll be a very good appointment,” he said.
It’s important that students who come here get a quality education
Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
Hill is no stranger to the international education sector. In recent years, he served as co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of International Education, a group dedicated to fostering dialogue between policymakers and industry stakeholders.
In a 2024 interview with The PIE News, Hill shared his perspective on the state of Australia’s international education sector. He emphasised the need for higher standards, commenting: “The success and sustainability of Australia’s onshore sector requires a ruthless focus on quality education and a great student experience.”
Hill acknowledged that improvements are needed. “There are parts of the sector where things are not where they need to be,” he added.
Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), welcomed Hill’s appointment, describing the MP as “well deserving” of the additional portfolio title.
“Julian has gone to great lengths to understand all of the issues impacting on international education and has more sector specific knowledge than any politician in Canberra,” Honeywood explained.
Elsewhere, continuity remains in some of the government’s key portfolios, with Jason Clare reappointed as education minister, Tony Burke retaining his position overseeing home affairs, immigration and citizenship and Andrew Giles continuing in the skills and training portfolio.
“While the band is back together and they understand our music, they need to hit the road urgently in order to complete a lot of unfinished business for our beleaguered international education community,” commented Honeywood.
IEAA laid out key issues that international stakeholders want to see addressed:
• Visa fee discounts for less than 12-month study programs especially for English Language, and learning abroad
• Progress in implementing a number of the key integrity measures contained in the sidelined ESOS Bill
• Urgent clarity on the enrolment limits projected for the 2026 academic year, including a potential review of the “caps” methodology and algorithms
• Greater understanding of where the international education sector sits with the proposed new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC)
• Government support to revitalise an effective overseas student voice and provide students with meaningful dialogue and policy input
Among the government’s pre-election proposals was a controversial plan to raise student visa fees, which has faced opposition from the sector.
Australia’s international education stakeholders are watching closely as the Albanese government begins another term, following a turbulent year for the sector.
