Long-planned changes to Australian international education will take effect within weeks, after a revised version of the government’s “integrity” bill passed parliament in the last sitting day of the year.

“Sensible” opposition amendments have reduced the scope for unintended consequences from a bill’s whose intent is generally supported.

“With the passing of this legislation, we now have more tools to stop unscrupulous individuals in the international education system trying to make a quick buck,” education minister Jason Clare said.

The assistant minister for international education, Julian Hill, said the industry’s prosperity hinged on quality, integrity and positive student experience. “That’s why we’re cracking down on exploitation, increasing transparency and safeguarding the reputation of our sector. These changes will protect genuine students and support our high-quality providers.”

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Many industry insiders are equally keen to see an end to integrity problems such as onshore poaching of students and the disturbing criminal behaviour exposed by the 2023 Nixon Review.

However, some of the bill’s provisions – particularly its introduction of ministerial powers to cancel courses, and clauses preventing new colleges from enrolling international students for two years – raised concerns.

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Those worries have been watered down through a series of amendments moved by former shadow education minister Jonno Duniam. New higher education and public vocational institutions have been exempted from the moratorium on overseas enrolments, while additional safeguards have been placed around the course cancellation powers.

Obligations on institutions to disclose the commissions they pay to education agents no longer include historical payments. The amendments also require review of the legislation within two years.

Independent Higher Education Australia said the changes were a “great win” for its members. “[This] improves a bill that, while still not perfect, at least has more safeguards against ministerial overreach and less bias against independent providers, said CEO Peter Hendy.

Amendments to the bill had not been expected after a Senate committee found the legislation should pass without change. However, opposition committee members subsequently issued a highlighting “multiple areas where additional safeguards are required” and a “persuasive argument for a statutory review”.

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Amendments moved by former shadow education minister Sarah Henderson, which included a proposal to cap international student numbers at 25 per cent of new university enrolments, were resoundingly rejected by the Senate.

john.ross@timeshighereducation.com