in focus 3 may 2010
National Monday Update Issue:
Uncertainty continues to cripple industry
On February 8 this year, the Minister for Immigration made a speech, during which he announced his decision that the MODL would be scrapped with immediate effect. The MODL was to be replaced by a new Skilled Occupation List (SOL) that would “be published by the end of April so prospective migrants have a couple of months forewarning before it takes effect”
The uncertainty created for current students, prospective students and institutions by the policy vacuum created by this announcement is a critical factor in the continued drop in demand from overseas students for study in Australia.
Described by one ACPET member as “another kick in the guts” was the two line announcement quietly posted on the DIAC website on the last day of April announcing that “The Government is considering the report from Skills Australia containing their Skilled Occupation List. An announcement and publication of the new Skilled Occupation List for Migration purposes will be made in May.”
This week news reports in The Australian and Herald Sun highlight that the continued decline of what has been one of Australia’s most successful export and industries. The impact of this decline will be felt by all Australians with 25,000 jobs expected to be lost across the economy in 2010, over $3 billion in lost export revenue and untold damage to our standing and relationships with key regional partners.
ACPET have called on the Government to put an end to the uncertainty and provide clear and consistent leadership for the international education industry and to meet its commitments to the students who have invested in an Australian education and the private companies and individuals who have invested so heavily in building this industry that brings so much benefit to Australia.
In the media this week…
Following the release of ACPET research (ACER Report and Access Economics Report) into the quality of private higher education providers and their role in a demand driven funding model, both The Australian and Campus Review (Private providers make pitch for demand-driven load and Foot in the Door) provided coverage and comment. ACPET will continue to pursue the case for demand driven funding across the tertiary sector and a level playing field for all Members engaged in the domestic education market.
Quality Through Diversity is the theme for this year’s ACPET National Conference in Melbourne. The conference will showcase the best of Australia’s private education and training. The program will focus on informing and supporting members as you lead, manage and grow your business. I encourage you to visit the conference website and register early to assure your place.
Please do not hesitate to contact me (click to email Andrew [dot] Smith [at] acpet [dot] edu [dot] au (Andrew Smith)) to discuss any of the above or to provide your ideas and input into the ongoing development of the Council.