A report from the Australian National University (ANU) suggests that recent migration policy changes are enough to moderate population growth. The Greens have expressed their support for these changes.
The report comes as the Senate prepares to inquire into the federal government’s legislation to cap international student numbers in Australia. Australian universities warn that these caps will lead to significant revenue and job losses, impacting the broader economy.
According to the ANU’s Migration Hub report, the government has already implemented nine migration changes, with a tenth on the way, which should be sufficient to achieve population moderation. The report predicts that by 2025, international education will return to a more ‘normal’ state post-COVID.
However, the report also criticizes the government for potentially causing unnecessary harm in pursuit of its policy goals. It warns of the negative impact on the country’s reputation, potential job losses in the education sector, and adverse effects on industries relying on international students.
The Greens have taken a stand against the government’s decision to cap international student intake, calling it a disguised migration policy. Deputy Leader Senator Mehreen Faruqi criticized the caps as damaging Australia’s reputation and attacking student choice and university independence.
Education Minister Jason Clare introduced legislation to regulate international education, aiming to ensure the sector’s sustainability and crack down on unethical practices. The government’s efforts align with similar actions taken by other countries like Canada and the United Kingdom.
The report highlights the importance of international education as a significant source of funding for Australian universities and warns of the potential impact of enrollment caps on the tertiary education system. The Greens urge the government to reconsider its decision and scrap the caps entirely to support student choice and university independence. Please rewrite this sentence.
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