The Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP

MINISTERIAL COUNCIL ON EDUCATION,
EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING AND YOUTH AFFAIRS

MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TRAINING
THE HON DR BRENDAN NELSON

DELIVERING FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Australia’s excellent reputation in international education and training will be enhanced by two initiatives agreed to today by all Ministers for Education and Training across Australia.

We are committed to upholding the quality of Australia’s international education, both within Australia and around the world. We have today agreed:

• a Transnational Quality Strategy (TQS) framework which will protect and promote the quality of our education and training delivered in other countries; and

• an improved framework for our National Code of Practice, which applies to providers delivering education services to overseas students here in Australia and ensures the ongoing protection of these students.

These initiatives reinforce our shared commitment to supporting Australian education and training.

International education builds valuable international linkages and exchange in all fields of study, and broadens the opportunities and experiences available to our students. It also makes a significant contribution to Australia’s ability to attract qualified and skilled people to participate in our society and economy.

Today there are over 300,000 international students in Australia, with a further 100,000 students undertaking Australian courses in other countries. Education is Australia’s 4^th largest export, directly contributing about $7.5 billion to the national economy.

Our agreement today meets the challenge of an increasingly dynamic international education environment. It will ensure that overseas students continue to receive a world class education from Australian institutions, both here and overseas.

Ms Katy Gallagher, MLA	The Hon. Rod Welford, MP
The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP	The Hon. Gary Hardgrave MP
The Hon. Stephanie Key MP	The Hon. Lynne Kosky, MP
The Hon. Ljiljanna Ravlich, MLC	The Hon. Syd Stirling, MLA
The Hon. Carmel Tebbutt, MP	The Hon. Paula Wriedt MHA

Joint Media Release

JOINT MINISTERS’ COMMUNIQUE

DELIVERING FIRST CLASS INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING