Josh Frydenberg (Kooyong, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

The Australian government supports a vibrant education system. It is committed to rebuilding Australia's international education industry and ensuring the appropriate quality assurance underpins our education system while taking steps to reduce red tape and the overall regulatory burden. The government will work tirelessly to ensure international students who choose Australia as their study destination receive education and training of the highest quality we can offer. Ensuring certainty for them and respecting their rights as consumers adds to both the credibility of our reputation in international education and the fulfilment of their ambitions in studying here.

By ensuring that the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000, or ESOS, and its associated legislative framework work effectively and efficiently, we will enhance the reputation and appeal of Australia's education system. The amendments made to the ESOS Act by this bill will help deliver on our government's commitment to international students to provide a robust and fair system. They will increase certainty and fairness for students and providers of international education by rectifying unintended consequences from amendments to the legislation made in 2012 which may inadvertently restrict the amount of a refund an international student receives in some circumstances. The bill gives the minister the power to make a legislative instrument to specify refund requirements where an international student has had their visa refused. I will be using this opportunity to more clearly articulate those requirements after consultation with stakeholders.

The bill also amends the name of the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2007 to remove reference to 'Registration Authorities'. The name of the national code will then reflect its purpose following the 2012 amendments to the ESOS Act. The change to the title of the national code does not affect its contents or operation. This minor amendment will be followed by further work on the national code to ensure it is contemporary and as far as possible addresses the needs of international students and education providers.

These amendments ensure the ESOS Act operates as it should. Timely passage of this bill is important to ensure certainty and clarity for providers and students across the sector as we rebuild the status and potential of international education in Australia.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

Message from the Governor-General recommending appropriation announced.

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