Annual General Meeting 2023
English Australia conducted our first-ever hybrid Annual General Meeting, on Thursday 19 October 2023. Thank you to all our members who joined the meeting online or in person at one of the Branch meetings held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. We had almost all our member colleges represented at the meeting, which was a great sign of support for the association. Members were updated on the past year's performance, accomplishments, and the association's financial position as documented in the annual report. Notably, members endorsed a resolution to amend the constitution to allow for future online General Meetings, providing greater flexibility for our meetings if required.
At the conclusion of the AGM, we introduced our new Board members outlined in the newsletter. We also bid a fond farewell to Board members Donna Cook and David Scott, who have made significant contributions to our association during their tenure on the Board.
Advocacy Update
Since the last advocacy update, the government has made several announcements and released new reports stemming from various reviews and inquiries. These updates have implications for both the ELICOS sector and the broader International Education landscape in Australia.
The Australian government responded to our advocacy efforts with three significant announcements aimed at enhancing integrity and compliance within the VET sector and the immigration system. These decisions reflect a positive response to our lobbying and a commitment to improving student outcomes. These actions were prompted by the release of the Rapid Review into the Exploitation of Australia's Visa System by Christine Nixon, AO, APM. If you missed the communication on this topic, you can review the email here.
Inquiry into Australia’s Tourism and International Education Sectors interim report
The Inquiry into Australia’s Tourism and International Education Sectors interim report was released on 23 October. The report focuses on the International Education elements of the terms of reference, and it provides 29 recommendations. It is an in-depth piece of work, and I would encourage members to read it in full. Each section has subsections on the “Committee’s Comment” and “Recommendations”. These are especially important (p12, p96).
English Australia was pleased to have its submission cited throughout the interim report, noting the ‘strong connection between international education and tourism’ (p.12), and issues related to visa processing due to the ‘subjective framework and inconsistencies in the consideration of facts presented in personal statements’ (p48), as well as noting that ‘Australia possessed a mature and advanced regulatory approach to international education’ (p96).
Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023
Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023 passed both houses of parliament on 19 October.
From a member perspective, those who also run higher education programs will be affected. Higher education providers must now have a policy (a support-for-students- policy) that deals with the support given to the provider’s students to assist them to successfully complete the units of study in which they are enrolled.
The support-for-students policy must:
(a) include information on:
(i) the provider’s processes for identifying students that are at risk of not successfully completing their units of study; and
(ii) the supports available from or on behalf of the provider to assist students to successfully complete the units of study in which they are enrolled; and
(b) comply with any requirements specified in the Higher Education Provider Guidelines.
English Australia awaits the release of the Australian Universities Accord final report and the Government’s response to it.
Migration Review
Consultations regarding the Government’s response to the Migration Review continue. The final Migration Review report/ strategy will be released in the coming months. English Australia has been actively involved in speaking with the Minister's office on aspects of the Review, and specifically raising concerns related to Recommendation 30: Align the English language requirements of the Student and/or Graduate visas with Skilled visa English language requirements.
The Government appears to be committed to implementing all the recommendations from the Migration Report. However, we continue to seek a review of this recommendation due to the impact that this change would have on the sector, and/or for consideration of potential exemptions to the application of the recommendation.
As you can see, there is a lot happening in the advocacy landscape at present. Much of it is still work in progress as the various reports are released, and we await the Government’s responses. I believe I speak on behalf of our members in urging the Government to ensure the outcomes of these reviews are fully considered in a coherent and aligned manner.
Austrade Market Spotlight Webinar: Southeast Asia
We are excited to announce our collaboration with Austrade for another Market Spotlight Webinar in our series. Join us online on Thursday, November 16, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (AEDT) for an in-depth exploration of Southeast Asia as a key source market for ELICOS students studying in Australia. Our speakers for this event include Rebecca Ball, SEA Education Lead and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner - Vietnam and Cambodia; Saranya Singhsachakul, Business Development Manager, Austrade Thailand; and Trinh-Trinh, Business Development Manager, Austrade Vietnam. Please register for this event to avoid missing out.
Duolingo workshops: AI & The New Era of Language Assessment
We were pleased to host a series of workshops in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney with Duolingo English Test in October. The workshops featured Duolingo English Test’s visiting Security and Assessment Specialists and were dedicated to exploring advances in digital testing including AI, asynchronous proctoring, computer adaptive technology, and global real-time quality assurance.
English Australia Journal - DOIs
We had some exciting news for the English Australia Journal this month. Articles published in the English Australia Journal will have DOIs (Digital Object Identifiers) from now on. This will increase the visibility of our world-class Journal around the world.
Diversification of the International Student Population in New South Wales: AIEC + report released.
It was great to present the findings of our latest research report on Diversification at the recent AIEC conference at a panel session entitled "Australia’s English language sector – achieving growth and supporting diversity." I presented the session with distinguished speakers including Toshi Kawaguchi, Director International Education and Study NSW, Patrik Pavlacic, Chief Intelligence Officer at BONARD, and Sally Waite, Executive General Manager at Navitas.
During the session, we shared some key highlights from the report, which was developed in collaboration with BONARD and Study NSW. Our discussion focused on the diversification of the NSW education sector, with a particular focus on emerging markets. Diversification aligns with the national Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030 and is a top priority. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of diversification opportunities in critical markets, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and Chile. To access the complete report, please follow this link.
Australian China Business Council (ACBC) – International Education and Tourism Symposium
I extend my congratulations to the ACBC team for organising a thought-provoking International Education and Tourism event in Sydney this month. It was a pleasure to be invited to participate in a panel discussion addressing the policy implications of the Migration Review and to chair a session that explored the crucial connection between education and employment. The event's program featured an impressive array of speakers dedicated to strengthening the bonds between Australia and China.
Leaving English Australia in January
As previously announced earlier this month by the Chair of the English Australia Board, Kerry Sutcliffe, I will be concluding my role with English Australia in the new year. This provides ample time for me to pass on my appreciation to all our members for your unwavering support throughout the years. At present, I am committed to supporting English Australia and our members’ interests as the numerous government reviews are finalised. The Board is rapidly progressing the recruitment process for a new CEO. I look forward to continuing to work with you over the coming months and to meeting in person at the end of year Branch meetings.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all our members for your continuous support and involvement in English Australia. Your dedication is instrumental to our association's growth and success.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to me or our Secretariat.