Lisa Darmanin (Victoria, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to contribute to this debate. Our government's focus on education and housing reflects a broader commitment to improving the lives of everyone who calls Australia home, whether they are studying, working or raising families here.

International students form an essential part of Australia's communities, classrooms and campuses. They bring diverse perspectives that enrich our academic environment and our society as a whole. Many of these students use the knowledge and qualifications gained here to become leaders, scientists, teachers and entrepreneurs. International education is also one of Australia's most valuable national assets, providing economic, social and diplomatic benefits that extend far beyond the campus and the classroom. That is why we proudly welcome international students to Australia.

This government is dedicated to ensuring that our international education system maintains the highest standards. We want students to have confidence that they are investing in the best possible education when they choose Australia. Since this government was elected, we have been actively working to ensure we can continue to be a global education leader. As Senator Green has already mentioned earlier in this debate, in September 2022, we announced the Parkinson review of the migration system. This was followed by the Nixon Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia's Visa System, in January 2023.

Both of these reviews highlighted urgent integrity issues in international education, and we have moved quickly to act on their recommendations. In particular, the rise of unscrupulous education providers and recruitment agents who seek to exploit this system and threaten to undermine international education in Australia informed part of these recommendations. These dodgy operators focus on making a quick profit, often at the expense of students who are vulnerable. They damage the reputation of the entire sector, undermining the hard work of universities and providers who are doing the right thing. Such practices have no place in Australia's international education sector.

In August, last year, the government closed the concurrent enrolment loophole that allowed agents and providers to shift international students who had been here for less than six months from one course to another—often to a cheaper course or from genuine study no study at all. In October, last year, we boosted the capacity of the VET regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Authority, ASQA, through a $38 million investment and by establishing the an integrity unit.

As members of this chamber would be aware, the government is seeking to deliver some of these objectives through the so-called ESOS bill. The bill gives the minister the powers to support the sustainable growth of the international education sector by providing the minister with ongoing policy levers to ensure that the number and distribution of overseas student enrolments align with government objectives. International students deserve to experience a quality education when they come to Australia, and we are ensuring that this is the case.

Let me quickly turn to the question of housing. We know that being able to find safe and secure accommodation is important to a positive study experience for all students. Housing is a key part of a positive study experience, and we are making sure that it's part of the broader growth of the international education sector. Where universities want to enrol international students above their limit, they will be required to build more purpose-built student accommodation to benefit both international and domestic students.

In terms of housing more broadly, this government has an ambitious housing agenda, backed by $32 billion worth of commitments to help people build, rent and buy homes. That has been the subject of much debate and discussion in this chamber. Our goal is to build 1.2 million homes by the end of the decade. It's a challenge, but it's one that we must meet if we are to ensure that all Australians have access to affordable, secure housing. Supporting this housing plan is not only good for Australians and Australian students; it will also benefit the international students who come here to study.

This government is committed to ensuring that our higher education system remains one of the best in the world. By managing growth responsibly and sustainably, managing integrity in our education sector and addressing housing challenges, we are working to create a better future for students, both international and domestic. We are delivering on our promise to provide quality education and secure housing for all Australians.