March 2009
Executive summary
Universities Australia is the peak body representing 38 of Australia's universities both nationally and internationally. Universities contribute to Australia's progress, and Universities Australia is committed to developing policies and providing services that enhance those contributions.
Universities Australia is pleased to be able to provide a submission to the House of Representatives Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (the Committee) in relation to the Inquiry into Australia's Trade and Investment Relations with Asia, the Pacific and Latin America.
Universities Australia's key recommendations in relation to this inquiry are as follows:
1. Universities should gain greater representation in government trade policy-making forums, in line with the position of education as Australia's largest services exporter.
2. Universities Australia believes now is the ideal time for public investment in universities to support the capacity to sustain this export achievement and assist economic recovery.
3. To make sure universities can continue to attract and retain international student enrolments, Universities Australia urges the Committee to advocate for investment in the recommendations of the Bradley Review of Higher Education in the upcoming Federal Budget.
4. Greater attention should be given to `whole of government' issues that affect international students studying in Australia, including the variable costs for educating the children of student visa holders, affordable housing, broadband availability and transport concessions, and infrastructure.
5. Strong and consistent representation of the education export industry should be a central part of Australian trade negotiations, including advocacy on `behind the border' issues in partner countries.
6. Australia's ability to apply quality standards to higher education providers should be preserved in any free trade agreements currently under negotiation.
7. In reviewing the benefits of Australia's trade and investment relations with Asia, the Pacific and Latin America, consideration should be given to the non-economic benefits of the engagement also.
8. The current high cost of Australian student visas should be reviewed and monitored.
