Education reforms in Australia are making significant progress as the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025 has successfully passed its second reading in the House. This development comes after a previous attempt in 2024 faced obstacles, prompting the reintroduction of the Bill by Minister for Education Jason Clare. The aim is to enhance the integrity of the international education sector, ensuring that bad actors are deterred while supporting reputable providers.
During a parliamentary session on October 29, Clare emphasized the importance of the Bill in upholding Australia’s status as a global education leader. Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill delved into key aspects of the Bill, particularly focusing on the regulation of education agents. The proposed reforms include expanding the definition of agents, introducing transparency requirements for commissions, and enhancing oversight to identify trustworthy agents.
Hill acknowledged the positive role of education agents but highlighted concerns about the detrimental impact of unscrupulous practices on the sector. The Bill seeks to address these issues by prohibiting commissions for student transfers facilitated by agents, a move that has sparked debates within the industry. Additionally, the legislation mandates that education providers must obtain authorization from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) to deliver Australian degrees offshore.
According to Hill, the Bill aims to ensure that offshore education delivery meets the same quality standards as onshore programs, maintaining Australia’s reputation for excellence in education. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in overseeing transnational education (TNE) initiatives, which have proven beneficial for the economy and international relations.
Despite overall support for the Bill, concerns were raised during parliamentary discussions. Independent MP Allegra Spender expressed reservations about the expanded ministerial powers granted by the Bill, particularly regarding the cancellation of courses. Spender emphasized the need for clear safeguards to prevent misuse of these powers and ensure independent oversight.
The revised Bill has omitted the controversial hard cap on international student enrollments but introduced a National Planning Level to manage new enrollments effectively. This approach aims to provide targeted support to universities diversifying into Southeast Asia and incentivize strong student housing arrangements. The government’s strategy aligns with broader efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of tertiary education in Australia.
Experts and policymakers view these reforms as crucial steps towards strengthening the integrity and quality of Australia’s education sector. By addressing regulatory gaps, enhancing transparency, and promoting international collaboration, the government aims to uphold Australia’s position as a preferred destination for global students seeking high-quality education.
📰 Related Articles
- Western Michigan University Honors Global Education Leaders
- Victorian Department of Education Enhances Professional Learning Programs
- UAE’s Rise as Global Education Hub Attracts International Students
- Türkiye’s Global Education Rise: Blending Heritage with Vision
- Turnitin’s AI Detection Enhances Academic Integrity Amid Cheating Concerns