Education sector needs Senate Inquiry: Greens
The Australian Greens have pushed for a full Senate enquiry following a fortnight of tension in the international student community over ongoing issues with safety.
The party’s spokesperson for education, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, says the issues facing international students are challenges the Government must tackle head-on.
“A Senate Inquiry is needed to get all the information on the table from students themselves, universities, and others in the sector, to determine the best way forward for our booming international education industry – our third largest export behind iron ore and coal.”
Universities Australia, The Migration Institute of Australia, and the National Union of Students support the proposal.
Concerns surrounding the Indian student attacks have had implications for other industries. India’s Tourism Ministry postponed its Australian tour, which was scheduled for July, as it felt it was not the right time to promote India as a travel destination.
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Agree totally, as an Australian education agent two issues have been apparent since the industry started in the 80′s lack of marketing practice exemplified by avoidance of feedback from students, and international course registration under CRICOS.
Under the ESOS Act. marketing is defined as promotion (one small part of marketing), accordingly, international administrative personnel focus upon offshore events requiring international travel versus onshore marketing ensuring students are satisfied with experience etc.
CRICOS has unwittingly become a form of apartheid as regulation for international students (not required for domestic) e.g. attendance, makes separation more practical.
Finally, for too long students have at best been patronised, are not looked upon as fee paying clients but an expensive nuisance to be tolerated….and have been cowed into not complaining by perceived and threatened visa restrictions.