[Greens-Media] Hanson-Young: Greens hold international education roundtable in Melbourne as priority before parliament resumes

[Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young)]

Thursday 6 August 2009

Greens hold international education roundtable in Melbourne as priority
before parliament resumes

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young says she will be meeting with
international students and their representatives in Melbourne tomorrow
to discuss concerns over the international education sector as a
priority before Parliament resumes next week.

A number of private colleges attended by international students have
closed in recent weeks, creating uncertainty around the educational,
financial and immigration status of hundreds of students. More
institutions are currently being audited as they are considered to be at
risk of collapse.

"Before parliament resumes I'll be travelling to Melbourne to personally
meet with international students and representatives, so I can take
their concerns and recommendations with me to Canberra," said Senator
Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education and Immigration.

"The concerns of international students hit the front pages of our
newspapers months ago now, and yet the Education Minister won't get
around to holding her much-touted roundtable until September.

"The students themselves are the worst affected by this worrying flux in
the sector, and they are experiencing distress right now.

"Uncertainty about fee refunds, access to transcripts and certificates,
recognition of prior learning and guaranteed work experience placements
are just some of the problems I have been hearing about for students who
have lost their place or been relocated due to college closures.

"In their vulnerable situation, having left family and support networks
behind in home countries and invested significant money in the hope of a
positive educational and cultural experience in Australia, these
students urgently need a trustworthy point of contact to turn to and
clear procedures to follow for direction and support."

Senator Hanson-Young said reports that the international education
industry had been operating without insurance since former insurer AIG
did not renew its contract last November were disturbing.

"International education is our third largest export, at $15 billion per
year. Reaping the benefits of this industry also means the Federal
Government must ensure it is properly accredited, regulated and
insured," she said.

"I look forward to the meeting in Melbourne tomorrow, so we can work
together to start to restore the confidence of students and their
families in Australia's international education sector."

Written submissions for the Senate Inquiry into the welfare of
international students close on 14 August.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/international_students/i
ndex.htm

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760