Senate publishes recommendations on welfare of international students
The Senate Inquiry into the Welfare of International Students published its report on 25 November. The Committee’s sixteen recommendations cover most areas of concern including access to accurate information, employment entitlements, transport concessions and professionalism of agents.
Of particular interest are recommendations relating to:
- expanding the role of the Commonwealth Ombusdman
- a registration process which differentiates between providers in areas such as their level and quality of support services
- a review of the National Code which should then specify minimum registration standards
- clear and timely mechanisms developed by regulatory authorities and peak bodies to inform students of their rights in the event of a college closure
The report also included that the number of registered private providers with enrolments over 100 increased from 80 to 177 between 2004 and 2008.