Australian MPs Defend Education Integrity Reforms as New Bill Advances
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Australia is moving closer to implementing major reforms to strengthen the integrity of its international education sector, as the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025 cleared its second reading in parliament. The Bill, which passed the House without amendment, represents the government’s renewed effort to tighten oversight after an earlier ESOS amendment Bill failed in 2024.
Education minister Jason Clare described the legislation as essential to safeguarding Australia’s reputation as a world-leading education provider. Speaking in parliament, he emphasised that the reforms will “make it harder for bad operators to enter or remain in the sector, while supporting the majority of providers who do the right thing”.
Assistant minister for international education, Julian Hill, addressed the sector’s most debated issues, particularly the Bill’s provisions relating to education agents. The reforms broaden the legal definition of an agent, introduce new transparency requirements around commissions, and seek to curb unethical onshore practices. Hill argued that increased visibility will help institutions “identify reputable agents”, while reducing the influence of unscrupulous operators who have disrupted the market.
A significant measure within the Bill includes banning commissions for onshore student transfers — a topic that has attracted both support and criticism. Hill acknowledged industry concerns but said the changes are necessary to stop the “buying and selling” of students.
The legislation also grants the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) authority to approve offshore delivery of Australian degrees. Hill insisted the measure simply ensures TEQSA has a clear line of sight over transnational education activities, reinforcing Australia’s promise of maintaining identical academic standards whether courses are offered domestically or abroad.
Despite broad support, the Bill faced criticism from independent MP Allegra Spender, who raised concerns about expanded ministerial powers to cancel classes of courses without mandatory consultation with independent regulators. She argued this shift risks centralising authority and may limit course offerings based on narrow interpretations of labour market needs.
The Bill notably removes last year’s proposed hard cap on international students, replacing it with the National Planning Level framework, which rewards universities that diversify markets — especially into Southeast Asia — and improve student housing.
Source: THE PIE NEWS
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