We welcome the certainty that the proposed International Education and Skills Strategic Framework could bring to what is currently a challenging and uncertain situation for our international students, who bring cultural diversity to Australia and make a vital contribution to our workforce.
The focus on skills needs in areas such as health and education, including a greater focus on regional and rural areas, is particularly welcomed as it will help address significant workforce shortages in those communities.
La Trobe supports the Government’s intent to ensure that there is sufficient availability of accommodation for international students to alleviate concerns regarding housing shortages.
We look forward to working closely with the Department of Education and contributing to the framework as it further develops to deliver growth and diversity to universities and provides clarity and certainty for our international students.
Professor Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor La Trobe University
