Advocacy Update:
As I am sure many of you are very aware, a lot has transpired over the last six months in terms of government review reports and recommendations and a number of changes have been introduced already with many more being drafted and still in discussion. There is a lot still on the table for discussion too. It is certainly a very busy legislative and regulatory change agenda to start 2024! With so much on, we will be holding a member-only Q&A webinar on Tuesday 20 February 2024 to discuss the details and clarify anything that you are unsure about. Stay tuned for registration details.
Here is a brief summary of the major items on that agenda:
Migration review
The final report on the review of Australia’s migration system was released in March last year (see it here) and in the middle of December, the Migration Strategy was released and can be seen here.
The government has begun rolling out certain changes through ‘Ministerial Directions’ such as the change to prioritise visa applications to ‘lower risk’ providers (see it here). The government is also moving through the required parliamentary processes for the implementation of further changes in the coming months. English Australia is paying close attention to this process and is continuing to discuss specifics with the government.
Particular attention of course is being paid to the planned increase in English Language proficiency requirements for student visas. More details can be accessed here.
Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System (The Nixon Review)
The review has been completed, and the government has responded to it by accepting 32 of the 34 recommendations. The government’s plan is to move to legislate these changes, and English Australia is advocating to ensure the best possible outcome with respect to legislation and implementation that support English Australia members.
The Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia’s Visa System can be seen here.
The government is actively consulting with the sector to finalise the manner in which it will implement those recommendations it has agreed with. At this stage, the government’s timeline is to implement the majority of the changes by 1 July this year and I have participated in two formal discussions on these matters this month, with more discussions expected in the coming weeks.
Inquiry into Tourism and International Education
The Inquiry into Tourism and International Education interim report was tabled on 16 October 2023. The inquiry examines how to ensure the sustainability, quality and integrity of international education, including considering: Measures to attract and retain students to Australia; Opportunities to strengthen the sector’s resilience; Initiatives to ensure a positive international student experience; Opportunities for international education to support strategic and foreign policy objectives.
The interim report makes 29 recommendations. The inquiry is still open for submissions.
English Australia looks forward to working with the government to understand the implications and next steps in this inquiry.
International Education Strategic Framework Update
The Hon Jason Clare MP, Minister for Education, foreshadowed at the end of 2023 that an update to the current federal government’s international education strategy was needed. This update will look to draw together the changes from across the reviews mentioned above and articulate them in a strategic framework.
I have attended an initial strategic planning workshop along with a number of sector stakeholders. I look forward to engaging further with the department to represent English Australia’s members and endeavour to provide the input that presents the best opportunity for outcomes that support quality ELICOS providers.
Australian Universities Accord
While largely focused on the Higher Education sector, the Australian Universities Accord was also handed to the government in late December. This is yet to be released publicly. English Australia will be monitoring the release of this review and will advocate for the sector on relevant points.
The Australian Universities Accord can be seen here.
Member Input
With the sector facing so many regulatory changes, input from providers is vital. I would urge English Australia members to contact me to discuss any of the changes addressed above that are of concern.
English Australia is also very aware of the visa approval and refusal rates being experienced at the moment. I have already spoken with a number of English Australia member colleges experiencing far higher than usual visa rejection rates. I would urge members who are experiencing such higher rejection rates to get in touch via email to share the details – the more information provided, the better I will be able to represent the issues faced.
National ELICOS Survey
I am pleased to announce that our research partner, Bonard, has commenced reaching out to ELICOS institutions to participate in our annual National ELICOS survey for 2023. This is a great opportunity for you to contribute to this invaluable research that will help guide English Australia in our future advocacy efforts and will assist you in planning the strategic direction of your college now and in the future. Please feel free to email Bonard directly at elicos@bonard.com, if you do not receive your invitation to participate. Please submit your responses by COB Friday 23 February 2024.
Action Research in ELICOS Program
Expressions for interest to take part in the 2024 English Australia Action Research in ELICOS Program closed last week with a record high number of interested participants looking to conduct classroom-based research on our theme of ‘Using Generative AI to enhance or transform Learning Oriented Assessment.’ We look forward to kicking off the Program in March with our first round of workshops led by action research expert Professor Anne Burns.
PD Fests 2024
We are pleased to be hosting live PD events again this year in NSW, QLD, VIC, SA, and WA. These events present wonderful opportunities to share ideas and updates from your local ELICOS community. The call for abstracts and registrations are currently open for NSW and QLD PD Fests. For other submission, registration or sponsorship enquiries, please contact our Head of Professional Development, Sophie O’Keefe.
Australian ELT Barometer Survey
English Australia is proud to be managing the annual Australian ELT Barometer Survey project again on behalf of the Department of Education (DoE). This survey will provide your institution with invaluable marketing intelligence, including insights into the decision-making process and priorities of ELICOS students and their views on the strengths and weaknesses of your own campus compared to other participating institutions. These insights offer vital intelligence to guide the development of marketing and operational strategies for improvement and to ensure you remain competitive in the post-COVID context.
Please register here.
Please feel free to contact me with any queries or concerns you may have. Let’s all look forward to a wonderful 2024.
