October has been another very active month for the English Australia team. We commenced the month with our member briefing on our ‘Safe Travels’ initiative that aims to bring our members’ students back to Australia – safely, sooner and in larger numbers. We have also represented member interests to the Federal government and the regulators over the month.
In a sign of the times, we held our AGM via videoconference, where we released our Strategic Plan for 2021-2023, followed by a Special Board meeting to confirm our Office Bearers. The month is not over yet and I hope to see many of you at our upcoming Branch meetings being held this week.
Safe Travels
We have had a great response from members on our ‘Safe Travels’ initiative. Our view is that doing nothing is not an option, and I believe that our case for bringing our students back to Australia is significantly strengthened with the support of goPassport’s technology and expertise. It has been good to liaise with members regarding questions on participation. The process will undoubtedly evolve over the coming weeks and months as we take on this journey together. If any member has questions or would like to know more about being involved, please get in touch.
Government and regulatory representation
Thank you to all our members who provided input on the proposed ESOS amendments related to supplementary courses and registration charges. Our submission broadly noted our support to sensibly improve flexibility for international students enrolling in supplementary courses. However, any changes must not impact or lessen the protections or obligations associated with the student’s course specified in their visa pathway. We also advocated for consideration on how supplementary English courses could be delivered, noting member concerns on current restrictions where a student is enrolled in academic study. Lastly, we fully supported the Department’s proposed amendments to enable CRICOS registration charges to be refunded and acknowledged the support that this has provided to our members.
I met with the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) Advisory Board again this month to urge consideration (and some relief) from the 2020-2021 Levies.
The third ASQA Provider Roundtable provided an opportunity to update the regulator on the sector’s current performance. We will continue to engage with ASQA in the coming month as they focus on self-assurance to deliver quality outcomes for students, industry and the community.
Our 31st Annual General Meeting
It was great to see so many of our members join the 31st English Australia AGM, held on Tuesday 20 October 2020. The AGM was a great reminder of how well our sector has banded together to face this crisis with the strong sense of community. Members can access our Annual Report here . Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Welcoming our new Board
The AGM also served to introduce the new English Australia Board. The Board continues to represent the diversity of our sector, and I would like to welcome Olivier Charpenay who joins us as the new State Delegate for Western Australia. With Olivier’s appointment, we also farewell John Paxton, who keenly represented WA members’ interests for more than eight years. I would like to thank John for his commitment to the Board and wish him continued success.
Launching our new Strategic Plan
At our AGM, we launched our 2021-2023 Strategic Plan. The Plan sets a clear direction for the coming years. Having this clear direction means that English Australia can continue its strong position, providing support and leadership to our members and the sector. I encourage you to read through the new Plan and welcome any feedback that you may have.
Upcoming Branch meetings
As noted in the newsletter, we are holding the Victoria, ACT/ NT/ Tas, New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland Branch meetings this week. The meetings are a great way to network with colleagues and hear about matters specific to your state or territory. Sophie and I will also come along to provide updates on a few initiatives. I hope to see many of you at the meetings.
