In a recent speech at the Australian International Education Conference, the Federal Education Minister, Christopher Pyne, indicated his commitment to freeing up a range of issues around international students, particularly making it easier for them to enter Australia by streamlining visa processes.
I believe this will be a very positive development.
International students are critically important to Australia – not just to Australian universities but to Australian society. They’re also a major financial contributor to our economy.
International education is also a contributor to Australia’s diplomacy. For example, during the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Indonesia, he met with many in the Indonesian Ministry who are graduates from Australian universities. Four are graduates of ANU. These senior Ministers have strong personal links to Australia, they understand our nation, our society and our culture. Such links are critically important for Australia’s future.
Locally, international students are important to ANU and Canberra. Each year they contribute more than $300 million to the community, on food, restaurants, transportation and accommodation. They also contribute to society and culture within the city.
It is important that quality is maintained in our institutions. The reason international students come to Australia is they can be guaranteed a high-quality education in a safe environment. An erosion of quality at any point in the university sector tends to tarnish the high reputation of all institutions.
I plan to meet shortly with the Minister to talk about this and a range of issues around higher education – including supporting research and research infrastructure. These measures are vital for universities in highlighting the critically important part that universities play in building our economy and an innovative future.
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