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Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity)

Current status

This bill did not become law and is no longer proceeding.

Policy area

Education & skills

What does this bill do?

International student providers would face tougher scrutiny over ownership links with education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications., to help stop student recruitment being driven by profit instead of students’ interests.

Why was it introduced?

The Nixon ReviewThe review the bill says exposed abuse in the student visa system and prompted tighter rules for providers and agents. exposed collusive providerAn education provider that is approved to enrol overseas students under the ESOS system.-agent deals, visa exploitation and human trafficking, with student recruitment driven by profit instead of students’ interests. The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. tightens fit-and-proper checks, requires commission reporting and agent data sharing, and lets the minister pause or cap providers and courses.

Broader context

Australia already had a large international education system under the existing ESOS rules, but by 2024 ministers and MPs were arguing that some providers and education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. were exploiting student visas, steering students for commissions and damaging trust in the sector. The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. responded by proposing tougher integrity checks, agent transparency and powers to pause or cap enrolments, passed the House with amendments in August 2024, then stalled in the Senate and lapsed when Parliament ended in July 2025.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s student-cap powers give the education minister overly broad and poorly explained control that could arbitrarily limit enrolments, hurt universities and TAFEsPublicly run vocational colleges that deliver practical training and are often called TAFEs in Australia., especially in regional areas, and drive genuine students away without solving housing or migration pressures. That concern was raised most strongly by crossbench and Greens speakers, and echoed in conditional or mixed form by several coalition speakers who backed or tolerated integrity measures but questioned the caps and rushed design.

Who supported it?

Hon Jason Clare MP introduced this bill. It was supported by Labor, Liberal Party, Centre Alliance, Nationals, some crossbench members; opposed by Greens, some crossbench members; and did not pass.

Introduced in House 16 May 2024
Passed House 13 Aug 2024
Failed in Senate 21 July 2025
Did not become law —

Did it become law?

No

The bill did not complete passage through Parliament.

Final passage

Did not pass

5 recorded votes before the bill stopped proceeding

Time before failure

431 days

From introduction to the final recorded step before the bill stopped proceeding

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. International student providers would face tougher scrutiny over ownership links with education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications., to help stop student recruitment being driven by profit instead of students’ interests.

  2. Education providers would have to hand over commission details about student recruiters, and regulators could share agent performance data so providers can avoid dodgy operators.

  3. The Education Minister would be able to pause new providerAn education provider that is approved to enrol overseas students under the ESOS system. applications and course expansion applications for up to 12 months when there are serious integrity or sustainability concerns.

  4. Most new providers would need to teach domestic students in Australia for two years before enrolling overseas students, to prove they can run real courses first.

  5. The Education Minister would be able to cap overseas student numbers at whole providers or particular courses, change those caps later, and suspend enrolments that go over the limit.

Show source excerpts
  1. The amendments to the fit and proper provider test in Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Bill aim to limit collusive and unscrupulous business practices occurring between providers and agents, where student enrolments are facilitated for maximum profit rather than in the student’s best interests. These business practices are encouraging organised channels of labour exploitation and human trafficking, and enabling profiteering from non-genuine students. Under these amendments, the ESOS agency or designated State authority for a provider must, in deciding if the provider is fit and proper to be registered, have regard to whether:
    Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) explanatory memorandum
  2. The Nixon Review identified education agents as being involved in visa exploitation and human trafficking of students. Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Bill amends the ESOS Act to enable providers to have better access to education agent information to assist them with making informed decisions about the particular education agents they want to engage with to deal with overseas students. Using the powers in these amendments, the Secretary, or an ESOS agency, will give providers information, via a secure channel, relating to the number of transfers of accepted students dealt with by an education agent, from one provider to another and from one course to another, as well as information about commissions (fees, charges or other consideration) that are paid or payable to an education agent relating to the recruitment of accepted students. This information will assist providers to identify reputable education agents to work with and drive unscrupulous operators out of the Australian international education sector.
    Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) explanatory memorandum
  3. These amendments enable the Minister to issue an instrument on management and processing of applications for registration made by new providers. By reference to the new definition of processing activity, it is clear that an ESOS agency is not required to, or must not, determine an application under sections 9 or 10H, which has not yet been determined, to the extent specified in the instrument from the date the instrument commences until the end date specified in the instrument. This means that the maximum period that an ESOS agency may not, or must not, do any processing activity under an instrument made is 12 months.
    Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) explanatory memorandum
  4. Item 38 inserts new subsections 11(2) and (3) which sets out the new registration requirement. New subsection 11(2) provides that a provider satisfies the subsection if the provider has provided one or more courses for consecutive study periods totalling at least 2 years at a location or locations to students in Australia other than overseas students. The note under this subsection explains that for the definition of study period, see section 5.
    Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) explanatory memorandum
  5. New subsection 26B(10) provides that, despite subsection 26B(9), and without limiting subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, the Minister may, at any time, vary an instrument if the Minister is satisfied that it is appropriate to do so. The purpose of this provision is to partially override the effect of subsection 33(3) of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, which would otherwise require variations to the instrument to be made before 1 September of the year before the first year to which the instrument applied (subsection 26B(9)). This power provides the Minister with flexibility to change the allocation of places for providers after 1 September or at any point during the relevant year. For example, the Minister may use this power if a provider defaults under section 46A of the ESOS Act (is no longer able to provide a course) and its students need to be placed into replacement courses at other providers. The Minister may also vary the instrument if a class of courses should no longer be exempted from the enrolment limit, and determine new limits for providers factoring in previously exempt courses.
    Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) explanatory memorandum

Context

Broader context for this bill

Australia already had a large international education system under the existing ESOS rules, but by 2024 ministers and MPs were arguing that some providers and education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. were exploiting student visas, steering students for commissions and damaging trust in the sector. The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. responded by proposing tougher integrity checks, agent transparency and powers to pause or cap enrolments, passed the House with amendments in August 2024, then stalled in the Senate and lapsed when Parliament ended in July 2025.

  1. 16 May 2024

    Government introduces a bill to tighten oversight of overseas student recruitment

    The minister introduced the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. to strengthen integrity rules for providers and education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. and to create powers to pause or cap enrolments where risks emerged.

    Hansard ↗
  2. 03 July 2024

    Parliamentary debate centres on fraud and bad-faith colleges in the sector

    During the House debate, speakers described a rise in bad-faith institutions and backed stronger measures against providers and agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. selling visas rather than genuine education.

    Hansard ↗
  3. 13 Aug 2024

    House passes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.

    The House agreed to the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. at third reading after considering amendments, sending the government's integrity and enrolment-cap package to the Senate.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  4. 18 Nov 2024

    Senate debate continues as migration and housing pressures shape the argument

    When the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached Senate debate, supporters and critics were still contesting whether its enrolment limits were a necessary integrity measure or an overreach tied to broader migration and housing pressures.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 21 July 2025

    Bill lapses at the end of Parliament

    Because the Senate had not completed the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., it fell away when Parliament ended and the proposed new powers never became law.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 16 May 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 16 May 2024

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (09/10/2024) review 16 May 2024

Referred to Committee (16/05/2024): Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (09/10/2024)

Referred to committee

APH bill page notes
Second reading debate 04 June 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 03 July 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 12 Aug 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 13 Aug 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed Aye 80 No 14 13 Aug 2024

Recorded vote: 80 to 14.

The chamber agreed to the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. at second reading, meaning it accepted the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. in principle and allowed it to continue.

Second reading agreed to

House agreed to amendment packages 13 Aug 2024

The chamber considered amendments before the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. moved to the next stage.

Consideration in detail debate

House third reading agreed 13 Aug 2024

The chamber agreed to the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 15 Aug 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 15 Aug 2024

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 18 Nov 2024

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Lapsed at end of Parliament 21 July 2025

The billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s student-cap powers give the education minister overly broad and poorly explained control that could arbitrarily limit enrolments, hurt universities and TAFEsPublicly run vocational colleges that deliver practical training and are often called TAFEs in Australia., especially in regional areas, and drive genuine students away without solving housing or migration pressures. That concern was raised most strongly by crossbench and Greens speakers, and echoed in conditional or mixed form by several coalition speakers who backed or tolerated integrity measures but questioned the caps and rushed design.

Criticism focused mainly on the cap powers and implementation, not the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s anti-fraud measures.

Minister gets overly broad cap powers

Critics argued the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. lets the minister set and change providerAn education provider that is approved to enrol overseas students under the ESOS system. or course caps with too much discretion, creating arbitrary decisions and weak safeguards for universities, TAFEsPublicly run vocational colleges that deliver practical training and are often called TAFEs in Australia. and students.

Raised by Helen Haines, Zoe Daniel, Max Chandler-Mather and Alex Hawke Source ↗

Caps could damage regional and genuine providers

Opponents warned the cap regime could hit regional universities and TAFEsPublicly run vocational colleges that deliver practical training and are often called TAFEs in Australia., undermine legitimate education providers and reduce Australia's attractiveness to genuine international students.

Raised by Helen Haines, Nola Marino, Michael McCormack and Alex Hawke Source ↗

Rushed and unclear policy design

Several speakers said the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. was rushed and that the government had not clearly explained how the caps would operate, raising concern about uncertainty, poor drafting and unintended consequences.

Raised by Paul Fletcher, Nola Marino, Jason Wood and Julian Hill Source ↗

Student caps target the wrong problem

Some critics said the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. uses international students as a proxy for housing and migration pressures even though caps would not fix those problems and could unfairly stigmatise students.

Raised by Max Chandler-Mather, Zoe Daniel and Alex Hawke Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

These were the main recorded votes on the bill.

Carried

House cleared second reading

Aye 80 No 14

Passed 80 to 14. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Centre Alliance, and Nationals. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

13 Aug 2024

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 65 / 0
Unknown 10 / 6
Independent 1 / 7
Liberal Party 2 / 0
Greens 0 / 1
Centre Alliance 1 / 0
Nationals 1 / 0

Amendments at a glance

Amendments grouped by chamber. Expand any amendment to see the party breakdown or, where it passed on the voices, how that works.

House

Defeated

Call for migration program reset

Aye 55 No 88

Defeated 55 to 88. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

13 Aug 2024

The House defeated the proposed second-reading statement, so it did not form part of the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.'s passage.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 66
Unknown 21 / 15
Liberal Party 21 / 0
Nationals 12 / 0
Independent 0 / 6
Greens 0 / 1
Centre Alliance 1 / 0
Defeated

North Sydney course-limit amendment defeated

Aye 14 No 46

Defeated 14 to 46. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

13 Aug 2024

The proposed change did not alter the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters.’s course-limit framework.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 37
Unknown 6 / 8
Independent 7 / 0
Greens 1 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Defeated

Sunset enrolment limit powers

Aye 11 No 46

Defeated 11 to 46. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

13 Aug 2024

The House rejected the amendment, so the limit powers were not given a sunset clause in the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. at this stage.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 37
Unknown 5 / 7
Independent 5 / 1
Greens 1 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Defeated

Remove enrolment limit parts

Aye 12 No 48

Defeated 12 to 48. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor and Liberal Party. Minor-party and independent votes were split.

13 Aug 2024

The House rejected the amendment, so the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. retained the enrolment limit framework at this stage.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 39
Unknown 6 / 7
Independent 5 / 1
Greens 1 / 0
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Carried

Delay exempt provider enrolment rules

This bill amendment would delay when the new enrolment limit rules apply to exempt providers and their wholly owned subsidiaries.

13 Aug 2024

This bill amendment would delay when the new enrolment limit rules apply to exempt providers and their wholly owned subsidiaries.

Passed on the voices

The chamber agreed to this amendment without a counted vote — the presiding officer judged the ayes louder than the noes, and no member called for a division.

Amendment text ↗

This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Jason Clare

Australian Labor Party • MP 16 May 2024

Jason Clare supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., saying it will protect the international education sector from dodgy agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. and providers while preserving its quality and long-term growth.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead opposing voice Opposes

Kylea Tink

Independent • MP 12 Aug 2024

Tink opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., arguing that its new ministerial powers are a gross overreach that would damage international education, university finances and the wider economy.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Michael McCormack

National Party • MP 12 Aug 2024

McCormack says the coalition will not oppose the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., but he wants the government to adopt the Bradfield amendment and avoid measures that could further hurt regional universities and accommodation supply.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Opposes

Kate Chaney

Independent • MP 13 Aug 2024

Chaney supports the integrity measures in parts 1 to 6, but opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because the student cap powers in parts 7 and 8 are an overreach that will not fix housing and could damage the sector and Australia's reputation.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

13 speakers · 14 contributions · 13 support

  1. Matt Burnell Burnell supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to restore quality and integrity in international education by closing loopholes, tightening providerAn education provider that is approved to enrol overseas students under the ESOS system. and agent oversight, and protecting students from exploitation.
    “In this multibillion-dollar market, some institutions may more closely identify as being in the education business rather than, at their core, operating as educators within the sector. If some clearly have no business educating anyone at all, we now have a framework by way of this bill that will bring probity and integrity back into something that provides billions of dollars into our economy and provides thousands of jobs across the country. I commend this bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Julian Hill Hill supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. as a needed framework for managing international student enrolments, but says it should be amended to add flexibility and improve how course-level powers work.
    “For what it's worth, I think that amendments are needed to the bill. I think they will be dealt with sensibly. They're being thought about by the government, and will be looked at through the Senate inquiry. The submissions to that are robust and good; it's a proper process. I do think personally—this is not government policy—that I'm not seeing the case being made, frankly, for course-level caps in the higher-ed sector. I think the case remains overwhelming for course-level caps power in the VET sector. There's a lot more I could say, but time will expire on me in about 10 seconds. I think this is an important debate, but members need to remember there's a long way to go on this. The government is listening, we're consulting, and people should take those consultation processes seriously.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 July 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Sam Rae Sam Rae supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to protect international students, clean up unscrupulous providers and agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications., and keep the sector growing with higher quality and integrity.
    “The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 is a robust and necessary piece of legislation. It not only addresses current issues within our international education sector but also sets the foundation for sustainable, high-quality growth in the future. By enhancing regulatory oversight, increasing transparency and ensuring rigorous quality standards, this bill will help maintain Australia's reputation as a premier destination for international students. It will ensure that every student who chooses Australia can be confident in receiving an education that is not only world class but delivered with integrity and care. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Jason Clare ★ 2 contributions Jason Clare supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., saying it will protect the international education sector from dodgy agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. and providers while preserving its quality and long-term growth.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Jason Clare on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Minister's second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 16 May 2024

    Jason Clare supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., saying it will protect the international education sector from dodgy agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. and providers while preserving its quality and long-term growth. He argues it strengthens integrity rules, improves transparency, and stops ghost colleges and other abuses.

    “That's why this bill is important. It ensures its integrity and quality. And it provides long-term certainty for the sector and sustainable growth over time.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • MP • 13 Aug 2024

    Clare supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to protect the quality and integrity of international education while giving the sector a more sustainable way to grow. He also notes a willingness to accept a review amendment and keep consulting on further changes, but still commends the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. to the House.

    “I also reiterate the government's commitment to continue consulting with the sector on these reforms, and I look forward to the work of the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee in their inquiry which is currently underway. I commend the bill to the House.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  5. Katy Gallagher Gallagher supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., saying it is needed to protect the integrity and quality of international education and give the sector long term certainty.
    “And that's what this bill does.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 15 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Lisa Chesters Lisa Chesters supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to crack down on dodgy providers, restore integrity to international education, and force universities back toward quality teaching rather than marketing and unchecked growth.
    “This bill is about ensuring integrity. It is about ensuring that we are getting universities to focus on what they're here to do: provide quality higher education. This idea that caps will somehow interfere with that is nonsense.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  7. Daniel Mulino Mulino says he supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because international education is economically and socially valuable, but the sector needs stronger integrity and regulation to protect students and stop collusive or unscrupulous practices.
    “I started with a summary of the significant economic contribution of international education to Australia—the fact that this reflects not just dollars and cents, in terms of exports, but a huge provision of services, training and education to so many thousands of people; that those people gain massively; that our students gain from learning and researching with the international students; and that Australia benefits from so many of those students staying here and researching or working after they've finished. It contributes so much, and I've seen that firsthand. But a system as big and as complex as our international education sector can work only if it's not about volume but about quality. That's why integrity has to be at the heart of the way in which this sector sees services provided to international students and also the way in which the government provides oversight and regulation. So I'm very pleased to support this bill.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  8. David Smith Smith supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to restore quality and integrity in international education by shutting out dodgy operators and giving the sector long-term certainty.
    “Under this Albanese Labor government and the work of this Minister for Education, we are restoring quality and integrity while ensuring that an Australian tertiary education remains synonymous with high quality and good value and continues to be one of our nation's most valuable exports. The important measures in this bill are the next steps in strengthening our international education sector, shutting out the dodgy operators, giving our providers long-term certainty, whether they're in the bush or in the city, and setting this national asset up for future success. I commend this bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  9. Cassandra Fernando Fernando supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it strengthens the integrity and quality of international education by cracking down on dodgy agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications., improving transparency, and managing growth sustainably.
    “I thank the Minister for Education, Jason Clare, for his work on these reforms. I commend the bill to the House and urge all members to support its passage. Together, we can ensure that Australia remains a top destination for international students.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 03 July 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  10. Tony Sheldon Sheldon supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says it is needed to protect the quality and integrity of the international education sector by giving the minister powers to limit student numbers and crack down on shonky providers.
    “This bill amends the ESOS Act to safeguard the quality and integrity of our international education sector and to provide the Minister for Education with the power to set limits on the number of international students that can come to Australia each year. The bill is the result of two years of consultation as part of the Universities Accord, which is a blueprint on how we can reform our higher education system to make a better and fairer system.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 18 Nov 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  11. Susan Templeman Susan Templeman supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because she says it strengthens quality and integrity in the international education sector by tightening regulation of education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications., providerAn education provider that is approved to enrol overseas students under the ESOS system. ownership and registrations, and by deterring dodgy operators.
    “There are many other elements to this bill, but for me the primary focus and what I'm so pleased to be here supporting is the quality and integrity measures, which mean that when we meet an international student studying in Australia we can be proud, knowing they are getting a quality education and one that is value for them and allows them to return to their home with a set of world-class skills. That's what it should be, and that's what this legislation will help us deliver, as part of a range of measures we have introduced since we've come to government. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  12. Luke Gosling Gosling supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because he says it will protect the integrity and quality of international education while giving the sector long-term certainty for sustainable growth.
    “This bill matters because it ensures the integrity and quality of the overall system underpinning that social licence, and it provides long-term certainty for the sector and sustainable growth over time.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  13. Joanne Ryan Ryan supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because she wants overseas students to receive a genuine Australian education of consistent quality, and says the measure will help curb exploitation and poor providers.
    “This legislation goes some way to ensuring that that is the case in the future. It goes some way to undoing some of the exploitation of those international students that we have seen in our suburbs and communities. I know firsthand of cases where, tragically, those things have occurred to people who have come here for an education. Similarly, some people can tell us that they came for an education, paid for it, and received less than what we would all like to say was an Australian education. I support the bill.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

6 speakers · 2 support · 3 oppose · 1 mixed

  1. Paul Fletcher Fletcher says the opposition will not block the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. at this stage, but it has serious concerns about the government's migration settings and the rushed, overreaching powers in the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters..
    “As for the bill before the House today, there are considerable issues raised by it, reflecting some serious failings of the Albanese government. These failings are noted in the second reading amendment in my name, which I now move:”

    Liberal Party • MP • 04 June 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Alex Hawke Hawke says the coalition is not backing this bill as drafted and wants the Senate inquiry before settling its position.
    “I've expressed my concerns. I endorse all our major universities' concerns—and they have grave concerns. Any capable minister, any responsible government—we're not dealing with shonks or crooks when we're talking about our major universities in our country. They are the ones saying: 'Government, listen to us: this will not work. This will damage our operation, this will damage our revenue and this will damage our international reputation for no benefit.' I think that's a sober warning. I think the government should really rethink this bill and I look forward to the Senate inquiry.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Michael McCormack ★ McCormack says the coalition will not oppose the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., but he wants the government to adopt the Bradfield amendment and avoid measures that could further hurt regional universities and accommodation supply.
    “The coalition will not be opposing the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, but I do suggest that the government support the very reasonable and thought-out amendment put forward by the member for Bradfield.”

    National Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  4. Nola Marino Marino opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., arguing that Labor has created the international education mess, hurt regional universities and students, and failed to explain how the new student caps will work.
    “With this legislation, the minister will set caps on the number of international students who can study in Australia at any one time, but we haven't had any details on how the minister will actually apply these caps in this legislation. We do know that the caps will come into force on 1 January, and there have been widespread concerns raised about these bills. On that basis, I conclude my remarks.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  5. Jason Wood Wood says the coalition will support the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., but argues it is mainly being used to impose caps on foreign students rather than fix integrity problems, and he warns that the rushed timetable will put pressure on education agentsA recruiter that helps move students into Australian courses, often by linking them with providers and arranging applications. and universities.
    “While we acknowledge this bill contains some integrity measures, and I recognise those, the government's amendments to the Education Services for Overseas Students Act are primarily concerned with the imposition of a cap on the number of foreigners who can study in Australia. We're now having a big cap put in place simply because the doors have been opened.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  6. Sarah Henderson Sarah Henderson says the coalition will oppose the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because it is just smoke and mirrors and will not באמת reduce migration or relieve housing pressure.
    “We know that this bill is smoke and mirrors. Imagine bringing forward a bill then the government putting forward a proposal to say, 'Don't worry, we're going to tackle migration.' We know that with the ministerial discretion inherent in this bill the minister can bring forward the cap that he chooses—which is of course what has occurred—and we know that that student cap is 270,000 plus at least another 100,000 who would come into this country in exempt categories; it may well be more than that. We also know—this has been suggested to me—that the government took an initial cap to cabinet of 250,000 and then apparently was telling stakeholders, 'Don't worry; we've given you another 20,000 on the cap.' As I say, this is smoke and mirrors. This demonstrates that this government has completely failed the Australian people. Every government has a responsibility to conduct its migration program in the national interest. This government has failed, and that is why we are opposing this bill.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 18 Nov 2024

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Greens

2 speakers · 2 oppose

  1. Mehreen Faruqi Faruqi opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. and says the Greens will not support it because it is a reckless migration policy disguised as an education measure that will hurt international students, universities and the economy.
    “This bill to cap international students is the very definition of reckless policy. This bill, the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, is migration policy disguised as an education bill.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 18 Nov 2024

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  2. Max Chandler-Mather Chandler-Mather opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., saying it gives the government unprecedented power over universities and caps on international students are bad policy that will drive students away.
    “The Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 demonstrates unprecedented government intervention in the university sector, and that has the possibility of government simply using the legislation to take aim at providers or courses that it does not like. There are no safeguard mechanisms in the bill, no avenues for providers to review decisions and no guidance on how the minister will be guided—or in what way—in making the legislative instruments that are possible under these expansive powers. Capping international student numbers is shockingly bad policy. It meddles with the independence of higher education institutions and totally disregards the needs, welfare and interests of international students.”

    Australian Greens • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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Minor parties and independents

8 speakers · 1 support · 7 oppose

  1. Kylea Tink ★ Tink opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., arguing that its new ministerial powers are a gross overreach that would damage international education, university finances and the wider economy.
    “In closing, I suggest the powers contained in this bill are a gross overreach and a dangerous precedent. This legislation poses an unjustifiable risk to the sector's future, not to mention to our productivity and culture. We don't need our government to run what is already Australia's second most profitable export sector, behind mining. We need a government that's prepared to enable the industry to continue to grow, supported by targeted legislation that helps those in the sector meet broader community expectations.”

    Independent • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  2. Kate Chaney ★ Chaney supports the integrity measures in parts 1 to 6, but opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because the student cap powers in parts 7 and 8 are an overreach that will not fix housing and could damage the sector and Australia's reputation.
    “In conclusion, I'm all for parts 1 to 6 of the bill, to restore integrity in the higher education sector and address unscrupulous behaviour. But parts 7 and 8, imposing course-level caps for international students at each university or education provider, are an overreach. This will undermine the sector, could ruin our reputation and could distort a flourishing market. The timing is also impractical. It looks like a poorly thought out, knee jerk reaction to current housing pressures, which will not solve the problem anyway, and could create a whole new suite of other problems. For these reasons, without appropriate amendments, I will not be supporting this bill.”

    Independent • MP • 13 Aug 2024

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  3. Allegra Spender Spender opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters..
    “I urge the government to reconsider this course of action and look for other ways that it can manage the education system without this draconian impact and the likely impact on the broader strength of this export industry that we have built up—the universities have built up, in particular, as well as the vocational community—over many years. I will be supporting the amendments from the crossbench, but I will not be supporting this bill. I believe it is a step too far by government, and I'm genuinely concerned about the economic and reputational damage these powers present, if not now then later under future governments. I particularly urge the coalition to consider that they used to be the party of free enterprise and of trying to build and grow businesses and really letting these sorts of success stories grow. Again, I find it unfathomable that the coalition is once again leading the charge on trying to destroy one of Australia's most successful export industries and one that is a credit to all of us and all the people who have built it up over time.”

    Independent • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  4. Helen Haines Haines says she supports the integrity and anti-fraud parts of the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., but she will not back it because the enrolment limits give the education minister too much power and could damage regional universities and TAFEsPublicly run vocational colleges that deliver practical training and are often called TAFEs in Australia..
    “I cannot support this bill while enrolment limits remain. But there are amendments I would support that would limit some of the negative consequences I've outlined. I support the member for North Sydney's amendments that would limit ministerial power to set institution-level caps only, removing the power to set course-level caps, which would have been universally rejected by the sector.”

    Independent • MP • 03 July 2024

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  5. Zali Steggall Steggall opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. in its current form because she says its caps and ministerial powers are too broad, politicised, and likely to damage international education and the wider economy.
    “Ultimately, Australia is participating in an ever-increasingly competitive export industry. International students are spoiled for choice around the world. This bill puts the reputation of the Australian education system at risk. I call on the government to take the necessary time to take a more nuanced and considered approach to what this bill is proposing.”

    Independent • MP • 13 Aug 2024

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  6. Monique Ryan Ryan opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters., arguing it is a kneejerk contraction of international education that will hurt universities, research and the wider economy.
    “Rather than a kneejerk contraction of an important industry in response to a temporary overshoot on immigration, which is of successive governments' making, this country needs mature and nuanced policymaking on housing, on immigration and on education. The Albanese government should not overcompensate as a kneejerk reaction to the populist small-mindedness of the opposition. For the good of all Australians, it needs to have the courage to stay the course on the education sector. If it does not, and if it continues to fail to research adequately, we will see institutions fail, we will see skills and labour shortages worsen, we will see our universities' international rankings tumble, we will see our academic reputation tank, and our economy will suffer. I cannot commend this piece of legislation to the House.”

    Independent • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  7. Zoe Daniel Zoe Daniel opposes the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. in its current form, saying it is a sledgehammer that unfairly uses overseas students to address housing and migration pressures.
    “This bill is a sledgehammer—and not in a good way. I do not support it in its current form.”

    Independent • MP • 12 Aug 2024

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  8. Rebekha Sharkie Sharkie supports the billThe proposed law on this page, which would tighten oversight of overseas student providers and recruiters. because she says it targets the worst exploitative providers and helps protect the integrity of overseas education.
    “This bill seeks to curtail the worst offenders of exploitation. I support this bill, but I implore the government to properly review the role of the so-called education export and its contribution to housing shortages.”

    Centre Alliance • MP • 13 Aug 2024

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