November saw English Australia represent member interests at a variety of forums, including the International Education Stakeholders Forum and the EVCC. These opportunities to meet with government and ensure our members are always at front of mind when critical policy decisions are discussed are essential. As well as meeting with key government agencies, I met numerous education agents at ICEF Berlin and presented at SYMPLED2020, gaining the opportunity to reassure agents of our commitment to working towards mutual success in the future.
We continue to advocate for state and federal governments to adopt our ‘Safe Travels’ pilot program as a way to build scale for international student arrivals. I have met with various state and territory governments to discuss this initiative, work with them on the best approach to their particular needs and be kept updated on local plans. We are working to have updates presented to each of our branches at the upcoming meetings.
In positive news for our sector, the Western Australian Government announced last Friday funding of up to $50,000 to help local small and medium international education providers.
Supporting our members with quality professional development remains a key focus and we continue to see high-levels of member engagement, particularly at our recent Festival of Bright Ideas.
Festival of Bright Ideas
This year we held the Festival of Bright Ideas as a virtual event between 10-12 November 2020. Well done to the selected presenters from across Australia (Arizio Sweeting, Cameron Bennett, Amin Zagarian, Bradley Perks, Franca Turin and Gaby Lawson) for presenting so professionally on a range of topics. Special thanks to Pearson for their ongoing support and sponsorship of the event.
ICEF Berlin – virtually!
I again represented our members at ICEF Berlin this year, albeit from the home office. In partnership with Austrade, I conducted the Destination Australia webinar that was available for all attendees to review. I met with many agents online over the three days of the event and reassured them of our commitment to working together towards mutual success in the future. Well done to the ICEF team who once again did a brilliant job managing the event.
Branch meetings
Our final branch meetings and member get-togethers for the year will be held over the next two weeks. A number of branch meetings will be held in-person or via hybrid modes with the option of face-to-face or joining remotely. There will be COVID-safe protocols in place where meetings are held in-person and please do your part to abide by health and safety guidelines. Our Branch delegates will be sending out information on each of the meeting dates and formats. Please contact your State/ Territory representatives if you would like to attend
Department of Education, Skills and Employment ‐ International Education Stakeholders Forum
On the 5th of November 2020, I represented member Interests at the DESE International Education Stakeholders Forum. Key topics across the agendas were:
- Environment scan – economic update, enrolments and deferrals data
- COVID‐19 update and Student Returns
- Development of the Australian Strategy for International Education
- Student mental health and wellbeing: information mapping
- Next steps International student returns and Covid‐19 updates
- Post‐Study work‐rights (online study).
Department of Home Affairs ‐ EVCC meeting
On the 6th of November, I attended the Education Visa Consultative Committee (EVCC) meeting. One key item of discussion with DHA has been the ‘Transfer of Risk’ based on student transfers. I also participated in two sub‐group meetings of the ‘EVCC data working group’ on 24 September and 29 October to discuss the impact of student transfers on our members. A solution to stop student poaching will now be explored more broadly with the regulators.
ASQA and the move to self-assurance
I participated in ASQA’s Quarterly Provider Roundtable on 8 October 2020, chaired by Chief Commissioner and CEO, Saxon Rice. ASQA’s move towards provider self-assurance was a key topic of discussion in addition to the general regulatory update and dialogue on industry issues. English Australia will work closely with ASQA to develop tools to help providers transition to the new self‐assurance model, and we will distribute further information as soon as feasible.
Focus on continuous improvement
A focus on continuous improvement is likely to be a cornerstone of the self-assurance model. We are equally focused on ensuring we continue to improve, and I would like to thank our members that have joined the committee to review of the English Australia Continuing Professional Development Framework. We have also had valuable input from the English Language Barometer (ELB) focus group members. Your insights and working knowledge on how these initiatives benefit your colleges will ensure we continue to evolve and best serve your needs in the future.
AMEP submission
The Federal Government is proposing to expand the Adult Migrant Entry Program (AMEP) and recently called for submissions on the Amendment Bill. Our submission supports the expanded program but calls for the ELICOS sector to play a greater role in the program. In particular, we see this as a real opportunity for ELICOS teachers and providers to take up delivery of AMEP given its expansion. To that end, we have called for:
- allowing teachers who meet the qualification requirements for ELICOS to teach AMEP without the need for a TAE40116 Certificate IV in Training & Assessment
- increasing the number of education providers eligible to deliver AMEP.
We will continue to lobby for these priority areas to provide options for our members and hopefully increase ELICOS teachers employment opportunities throughout Australia.
SYMPLED symposium
It was great to present the opening session with Phil Honeywood, CEO, IEAA, at this year’s SYMPLED ‘Symposium’. The theme of our presentation was ‘Reopening Australia for International Students’ where Phil and I recounted the journey that we’ve been on since March working in partnership with Federal, and State/ Territory Governments to bring students back. As colleagues would agree, we still have a way to go, but significant energy and resources are being focused on reopening Australia. English Australia is committed to this task for our members with our Safe Travels initiative a centrepiece of our efforts. Well done to Robert Parsonson and members of ISEAA for your efforts in conducting the 2020 event simultaneously in Canberra and online.
English Australia Board meeting
Our new Board met for the first time this November with a number of key governance items on the agenda. The Board continues to focus on initiatives to best serve our members through this challenging period and beyond under the framework of our new Strategic plan. The Board meeting summaries are available here.
New member – Queensland Academy of Technology
I am delighted to welcome Queensland Academy of Technology (QAT) as a new English Australia member after their endorsement by the Board at its November meeting. It is great to welcome a new member college who recognises the value of membership during this challenging period.
Always available
I hope to have the opportunity to catch up with some members in-person or via zoom at our upcoming branch activities. However, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.
