Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Tourism and International Education) Share this | Hansard source

The government oppose moves by the opposition to delay reporting on this piece of legislation. It is an important piece of legislation that we would like to see passed, if possible, before Christmas. It has category T status for priority consideration by parliament because it delivers much needed streamlining and, in particular, significant cost savings and red-tape reduction for the international education sector. It does not, as claimed by the opposition, weaken any student protections. These reforms have been developed by extensive consultation with the sector over a period of nearly two years. The government see this delay as absolutely unnecessary. We would like to see the legislation passed as quickly as possible so that the reforms can come into place and the savings that will come to industry can come into force.