Chris Evans (WA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Government in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

We all know that an overseas study experience can change people's lives and provide a real experience that informs their professional development. That is why the study experience in Asia program is so important, but we have to get the universities working as part of that. Some of them do great work already. Some of them have some really exciting programs. We have to support them to grow those programs and also make sure that there is diversity. It is not about the government telling them which programs work; it is about encouraging universities to run programs that students are interested in and that deliver on the educational objectives. What we will do with the universities is support those programs and support the students. I do not care whether it is nurses getting practical experience in Indonesia, design students getting work experience in Hong Kong or engineers working on water projects. It is about giving them the exposure that helps them grow their understanding of Asia. (Time expired)