Dan Tehan emphasized the bill’s failure to address secondary visas, particularly those of 120,000 partners of students, 86 percent of whom wish to remain in Australia.
The federal opposition strongly opposed the government’s proposal to cap international student numbers at 270,000, calling it a superficial solution to broader immigration issues. Just weeks before the legislation was due to take effect, the Coalition pledged to vote against it, arguing that it did not tackle the fundamental problems at hand.
Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan criticized the bill, stating that it does not adequately address the core issues affecting Australia’s immigration system. He highlighted the significant increase in international students in Australia and the housing crisis it has caused.
Tehan pointed out that the bill overlooks secondary visas, such as those of partners of international students, totaling over 120,000, with 86 percent seeking to remain in the country. He expressed concerns that the bill only focuses on one aspect while leaving many others unresolved.
Opposition finance spokeswoman Jane Hume also criticized the government’s approach, stating that setting caps on international students would not effectively resolve immigration issues. She emphasized the need to address structural problems within the visa system.
The proposed cap would limit international student numbers to less than half of the expected 445,000 enrollments in 2024, reverting immigration levels to pre-pandemic standards. While Opposition Leader Peter Dutton had previously supported these caps, the Coalition now opposes them.
Industry Minister Ed Husic criticized the opposition’s stance, accusing them of prioritizing political interests over national concerns. He challenged the Coalition to provide alternative solutions if they oppose the proposed legislation.
Concerns from the education sector were also raised, with Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive of the Group of Eight, warning that the caps could have detrimental effects on the sector. She stressed the need for certainty leading into 2025 and emphasized the importance of discussions with the government and opposition regarding the future of the international education sector.
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