Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says continuing reports about problems with international education in Australia highlights the importance of a Senate Inquiry into the sector that will report back in November this year.
Reports today described Australia’s international education sector as being in parts an “immigration racket”, comprising of dodgy courses, steep fees, and empty promises.
“These kinds of reports relate to some of the issues that prompted me to establish this Senate Inquiry into the welfare of international students in Australia,” said Senator Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education.
“This Senate Inquiry will enable us to throw a spotlight onto the complex, intertwined issues currently troubling the sector, which has become an important export industry for our country that attracts thousands of students to our shores each year.
“For both the welfare of these young people seeking a positive educational experience, and Australia’s international reputation, we must be prepared to pull back the carpet and deal with what’s underneath.”
The Senate’s Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee will look at issues including, but not limited to, student safety, accommodation, social inclusion, visa requirements, student support and advocacy, employment rights, and quality benchmarks and controls in the international education sector.
“I look forward to hearing from students, service providers and others in the sector about their experiences and ideas to get Australia’s international education sector back on track as world-class,” said Senator Hanson-Young.
Written submissions close on August 14. For more information about the Senate Inquiry into the welfare of international students in Australia, visit:
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/international_students/info.htm