Excerpts from Julia Gillard’s Speech Address to the DEEWR International Education Roundtable16 MARCH 2009 – Read Full Transcript here

• Less than three weeks ago, I released new figures which showed that international student enrolments in Australia had increased by just under 21 per cent in 2008, reaching more than 543,000.At the time I noted that education institutions were reporting continuing strong interest from international students wishing to study in Australia—despite the current global economic downturn. It’s important to remember that historically we’ve seen international demand for Australian education continue, even during economic slumps.
• The Government’s Education Revolution is about recognising the importance and value of education—in its very broadest sense—to both individuals and to the nation as a whole, and taking action. It also recognises the contribution that education makes on a global scale by creating opportunities not only for individuals but also in the way it contributes to prosperity, growth and development around the world.
• Importantly, international education fosters cross-cultural understanding and international connections which are vital to expanding Australia’s business, diplomatic and academic links with the rest of the world. Having international students on campuses here in Australia—studying alongside local students—creates a better, fairer and more tolerant society, and ensures a wider diversity of programs for both Australian and international students alike.
• International education also creates and encourages the knowledge and skills which are crucial to tackling some of the serious global challenges we all face, like climate change, water resource management, food security, global poverty, and international political and social unrest..Quite simply, the international education industry has tremendous capacity to continue to contribute to both our national and international goals, and this is particularly true in these troubled financial times.
• From an international perspective, there is one critical feature of our education offerings that is paramount. That feature is quality. Quality includes not only the quality of the teachers and educators, the infrastructure and technology, the curriculum and systems, and the learning experience itself, but also the quality of student output. By that I mean producing graduates—across all the education sectors—who have the advanced knowledge and skills, or in some cases the potential, to secure employment opportunities in areas of local and global need.
• We encourage you in your efforts to produce job-ready graduates with high­level qualifications—from Certificate IV and diploma through to Masters and PhDs.It’s also important to acknowledge the important preparatory learning at the ELICOS (English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students), school and foundation studies level, and the crucial pathway it provides to higher­level qualifications for many students.
• More than 80 per cent of international students are positive about their experience of studying and living in Australia. It’s our responsibility, through what we do and what we say, to prove to the remaining 20 per cent that Australia is not only a naturally beautiful place and high quality place to live and study, but also a safe and secure one. We want to work with you over the coming year to ensure that the quality of the international student experience both on- and off-campus matches the quality of the learning they receive.
• Above all, I want Australia to be seen by international students as a welcoming place to study for a globally recognised education qualification. Australia is an acknowledged leader in international education.

Source: ALA Blog – A catalyst for lifelong learning (Read Full Transcript here)

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