May has been another month threatening the survival of many of our members as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to create uncertainty. During this time, English Australia has been continuously advocating for its members to ensure they can continue operating. From extending Jobkeeper beyond September to visa fee relief, these are advocacy positions that we constantly push for at both a federal and state level. We have met with success in many areas, including the waiver and refund of regulatory fees and through the welcomed support packages provided by state governments, but we recognise that we still have a lot to do in the months ahead.
Discussing strategy at May’s Board meeting
The English Australia Board met last week to refine its strategy in advocating for members and the ELICOS sector. The Board considered items on future budgets and risk management actions for the association, as well as strategic activities to support members over the coming period, such as data lead advocacy.
Part of this meeting involved discussing English Australia’s strategic plan as the current one expires at the end of this year. The first strategic goal of our current plan is, ‘Lead positive outcomes in government strategy, policy and regulation’, a goal that seems more pertinent now than ever.
Representing member interests
This past month, I have represented member interests at multiple key weekly meetings, including:
- The Education Sector Pandemic Preparedness Committee
Key topics have included business viability, student welfare support, and physical distancing and hygiene requirements for returning to the classroom.
- The Global Reputation Taskforce
Over recent weeks the committee has been joined by Minister Tehan, Minister Tudge and Minister Birmingham.
Participating in these groups gives English Australia members a voice in the areas that matter most. Through these groups, English Australia not only advocates on behalf of its members but also hears the latest information on how state and federal government is responding to COVID-19, and how this affects members.
English Australia is committed to seeing as many members as possible pull through this crisis and will continue to advocate for what is needed to achieve this.
Working with the regulators
In the middle of this month, English Australia brought the Chief Commissioners and CEOs of ASQA and TEQSA together with a senior representative from DESE to discuss members’ questions on regulatory issues. Giving members access to our sector’s regulators is a key aspect of English Australia membership, ensuring English Australia members have the most up-to-date information to meet their regulatory requirements. If you were unable to attend the webinar, you can access the recording and presentation slides online.
Social distancing was a key issue raised during this webinar and I know many members still have lots of questions on this as we return to the classroom.
Working towards clear guidelines on physical distancing
This week, English Australia commented on a draft Safe Work Australia guide on physical distancing and hygiene that was initially drafted for universities and TAFEs.
Members should note the draft guidelines are consistent with Safe Work measures on social and physical distancing:
- Where possible, providing each person with 4 square metres of space in a room in accordance with general health advice.
This requires calculating the area of the room (length multiplied by width in metres) and divide by 4. This will provide you with the maximum number of people you should have in the space at any one time.
- Allowing 1.5 metres of distance between each person in a room in accordance with general health advice.
Please note, the draft guidelines provide detailed descriptors and advice on how to adhere to these measures on campus. The draft is undergoing a detailed review, and we are in on-going discussions on the guidelines’ practicality while acknowledging the health and safety of member college staff and students is paramount.
We will continue to liaise with government departments and our regulators on this matter and provide further advice as soon as the requirements are clear.
Prioritising international students when our borders reopen
Members will be aware of the recent media reports on reopening borders since the Prime Minister announced this possibility as part of the third phase of the roadmap to recovery. As such, there has been heightened attention on raising travel restrictions for international students.
There is considerable detail that needs to be worked through to enable students to return to Australia, however, the momentum is certainly building across many States and Territories. I am strongly advocating for the inclusion of ELICOS students in these discussions, noting the volumes of students that undertake packaged English courses and flexibility around weekly start dates.
Extending JobKeeper beyond September
English Australia knows the JobKeeper program has been a critical lifeline for many colleges. Over the past month, I have been pushing for this stimulus package to be extended for our members beyond September. Recent announcements noting the payment could be extended for affected sectors have been positive. The direct impact from travel restrictions and the ELICOS sector’s close link with tourism provides a strong basis for our claim.
Advocating for visa fee relief
In good news, the Department of Home Affairs has recommenced processing some student visas. A limited volume is currently being processed but it is a move in the right direction.
We are continuing to advocate for fee waivers for students that require changes to their visa as a result of the current conditions. Feedback from DHA is that a decision regarding student visa support is imminent. After months of lobbying we hope a good outcome is achieved.
The power of data
We know how much our members value data and market intelligence and there are three thing to cover:
- 2019-20 Annual ELICOS survey – our survey partner BONARD is currently finalising the analysis of the 2019 ELICOS Market Survey. This year, I will be hosting the State and Territory presentations via webinars. Details will be distributed shortly.
- YTD student visa data – members will note the YTD March student visa data does not validate the current student numbers in our colleges. We will continue to report on this data for members, acknowledging the reporting lag.
- Quarterly Market Insights – members will recall we promoted the opportunity to be involved in this initiative at the end of last year. The initiative was put on hold given the challenges faced this year. However, now more than ever we require timely and accurate data to support you and ensure a strong voice in advocating for your support. We will announce more next week.
Supporting providers with professional development
Whether it is support with online learning or personal support with remote working, we have run a plethora of webinars to help providers and their staff deliver a positive online learning experience for their students. These webinars are accessible online if there are any that you have missed.
English Australia members are facing the greatest crisis that our industry has ever experienced. Together, we can meet this crisis and English Australia will do everything that it can to secure our members’ future.
If there is anything that you would like to discuss with me, please email me and I will respond to you as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
