Thank you Tony, for that introduction.
May I say how good it is to see so many representatives here today from a sector which is so critical to our national goals of greater productivity, participation and social inclusion, as well as in the way it serves Australia’s wider international interests.
Less than three weeks ago, I released new figures which showed that international student enrolments in Australia had increased by just under 21 per cent in 2008, reaching more than 543,000.
At the time I noted that education institutions were reporting continuing strong interest from international students wishing to study in Australia—despite the current global economic downturn.
It’s important to remember that historically we’ve seen international demand for Australian education continue, even during economic slumps.
So while the early signs in 2009 are encouraging, we need to be ready to act.
The current global financial crisis is unprecedented and the outlook is uncertain.
In these changing and challenging times, I’m pleased that today’s meeting offers a platform for the international education industry and government to share information and ideas, reflect on the successes of the past, but more importantly look to the future.
I want to assure you that the Australian Government is committed to supporting the continuing success of this vital industry.
The Government’s Education Revolution is about recognising the importance and value of education—in its very broadest sense—to both individuals and to the nation as a whole, and taking action. It also recognises the contribution that education makes on a global scale by creating opportunities not only for individuals but also in the way it contributes to prosperity, growth and development around the world.
In the last few weeks I’ve spoken in some detail to a range of different audiences about our planned reforms to vocational education and training, highlighting the importance of creating a national, high-quality, accessible, diverse and productive system.
I’ve also reiterated that the marketplace for work, skills and education is global, and I’ve stressed the importance of focussing on the needs of students—and that includes both Australian and international students.
And on the higher education front, I’ve made it clear the Government is committed to providing more opportunities for students, ensuring academic freedom and autonomy, and encouraging and supporting research—and particularly through international partnerships.
From early childhood, school, vocational education and training, right through to the university sector, this Government is committed to delivering an Education Revolution.
Rest assured, we know how valuable and important the international education industry is to Australia, to other economies and societies, and of course to individual students themselves.
This industry supports an estimated 80 000 Australian jobs.
As our biggest service export sector, it pumped $14.2 billion into our economy in 2007-2008.
Importantly, international education fosters cross-cultural understanding and international connections which are vital to expanding Australia’s business, diplomatic and academic links with the rest of the world.
Having international students on campuses here in Australia—studying alongside local students—creates a better, fairer and more tolerant society, and ensures a wider diversity of programs for both Australian and international students alike.
International education also creates and encourages the knowledge and skills which are crucial to tackling some of the serious global challenges we all face, like climate change, water resource management, food security, global poverty, and international political and social unrest..
Quite simply, the international education industry has tremendous capacity to continue to contribute to both our national and international goals, and this is particularly true in these troubled financial times.
From an international perspective, there is one critical feature of our education offerings that is paramount. That feature is quality.
Quality includes not only the quality of the teachers and educators, the infrastructure and technology, the curriculum and systems, and the learning experience itself, but also the quality of student output.
By that I mean producing graduates—across all the education sectors—who have the advanced knowledge and skills, or in some cases the potential, to secure employment opportunities in areas of local and global need.
Our Education Revolution is designed to drive continuous improvements in quality.
A key element of quality is how we prepare students for employment, and in particular how we develop their skills and knowledge across those areas and industries where there is the greatest need.
We encourage you in your efforts to produce job-ready graduates with high level qualifications—from Certificate IV and diploma through to Masters and PhDs.
It’s also important to acknowledge the important preparatory learning at the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students), school and foundation studies level, and the crucial pathway it provides to higher level qualifications for many students.
In particular I would like to stress the economic and educational benefits that flow from increasing the proportion of international research students in the tertiary sector.
These research scholars help build Australia’s future research capability and academic workforce. They become both the source and conduit of the new knowledge, ideas and technologies that Australia will continue to need, if we are to meet the local and global challenges that lay ahead.
A further aspect of quality that represents one of the keys to sustaining our international education industry, is the quality of the student experience.
You will all know I’m sure that ‘Live, Learn and Grow’ is the tagline for Australia’s international education brand, Study in Australia.
Central to this brand identity is the high quality learning and lifestyle opportunities offered by Australian education.
Surveys have told us that the ‘Live Learn Grow’ tagline resonates strongly with international students. More than 80 per cent of international students are positive about their experience of studying and living in Australia.
It’s our responsibility, through what we do and what we say, to prove to the remaining 20 per cent that Australia is not only a naturally beautiful place and high quality place to live and study, but also a safe and secure one.
We want to work with you over the coming year to ensure that the quality of the international student experience both on- and off-campus matches the quality of the learning they receive.
My Department, particularly through the Australian Education International (AEI) offshore network will mobilise its resources for an intensive “Study in Australia 2010” drive. It will focus on making Australia’s education highly regarded and widely recognised. It will raise Australia’s international education reputation in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We will undertake showcasing to promote Australia’s reputation for world class education and research and encourage students to choose Australia for their studies. In addition, the Department will focus its resources to give you improved strategic advice and analysis on market trends and opportunities.
There will be extra focus on enhancing the experiences of international students to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to their whole experience of living, learning and personally growing through their study time in Australia because international students tell us that “word of mouth” is one of the most common ways they make their study in Australia choice.
Above all, I want Australia to be seen by international students as a welcoming place to study for a globally recognised education qualification.
The next few years are going to be challenging ones.
Shortly my Department’s international counsellors will update you on what’s happening in education policy around the world, and give you a heads-up on what our international competitors are doing and how they’re responding to the current Global Financial Crisis.
I hope that today will not only give you a good overview of the context and environment you’re operating in, but also a sense of direction and common purpose which will lead to a collective understanding of the best ways forward.
Australia is an acknowledged leader in international education.
Our 2009 enrolments are holding up; but the challenge is maintaining our position in a tough financial climate.
By working together, both strategically and practically, I’m confident we can meet the challenges ahead.
One thing you can be sure of is the Government, through my Department, will continue to support you in your efforts to deliver a sustainable, high quality education, learning and lifestyle experience to our international students.
Thank you.