The Greens have established a Senate Inquiry into the treatment of international students in Australia, saying the sector is being adversely affected by problems that require public consultation and close and transparent examination.

Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, Greens spokesperson for Education, first called for a Senate Inquiry into international education in Australia on May 1, and this afternoon moved a motion to establish one, which was supported by the Senate.

“The Greens are glad the Senate has recognised the need to inquire into Australia’s international education sector,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“There are certain guarantees that Australia must be able to give its thousands of international students - who bring us more than $15 billion each year.

“Australia must be delivering a quality educational experience, above-board migration services, protection from workplace exploitation, accessible accommodation, adequate information, and decent efforts to ensure student safety, to fulfil our duty of care to international students.”

Universities Australia, the National Union of Students, the Migration Institute of Australia, the Federation of Indian Students, the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, and the Australian Federation of International Students have voiced their support for the Greens’ Senate Inquiry.

“I look forward to participating in this Inquiry into Australia’s third-largest export; an export which is critical to Australia’s international reputation,” concluded Senator Hanson-Young.

The Senate Inquiry’s Terms of Reference are as follows.

That the following matters be referred to the Senate Education, Employment and Workplace Relations References Committee for inquiry and report by November 16 2009:
a) The roles and responsibilities of education providers, migration and education agents, state and federal governments, and relevant departments and embassies, in ensuring the quality and adequacy in information, advice, service delivery and support, with particular reference to:
• Student safety;
• Adequate and affordable accommodation;
• Social inclusion;
• Student Visa Requirements;
• Adequate international student supports and advocacy;
• Employment rights and protections from exploitation;
• Appropriate pathways to permanency

b) The identification of quality benchmarks and controls for service, advice and support for international students studying at an Australian education institution;

c) And other related matters.