International Education Strategy

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (14:56): My question is to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment. Can the minister inform the council about the new international education sector strategy?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:56): I thank the honourable member for his ongoing interest in international education. International education, as we know, is a critical industry to South Australia's economy, employing some 12,500 South Australians and bringing in over $1.8 billion to our state last year.

The Marshall Liberal government has invested more in this industry than ever before, and our universities, schools and colleges are seeing great results. The year-to-date enrolments to June have increased by 11.8 per cent when compared to the same time in 2018—a year in which we achieved exceptional growth, I might add. These figures of 32,700 enrolments for the first five months of 2019 exceed even the national growth rate of 10.7 per cent, making it the first time since 2011 that South Australia is above the national average.

The Marshall Liberal government welcomes international students to our state and the investment in the sector, and we want to do more to make them more welcome and bring even greater numbers of international students to South Australia. Over the past 12 months, I have been working closely with the industry through the Ministerial Advisory Council for International Education (MACIE) to develop a state sector strategy on international education.

Three weeks ago, the Premier and I were pleased to release the International Education 2030 plan. Developed hand in hand with our institutions, the sector plan sets out an ambitious target of achieving a $3 billion industry and employing some 23,500 South Australians by the year 2030.

International Education 2030 builds upon the government migration initiatives that make it easier for international students to extend their stay in South Australia following their graduation. These include continuing to pilot the new Supporting Innovation in South Australia visa, improved access to state nomination for the state's high-performing graduates and an extension of post-study work rights for the state's international students from two years to three years.

The plan also aims to increase the services and support provided for students who invest in an education here, delivered in partnership with industry. By increasing international student numbers, our state's burgeoning industries, such as food, wine, agribusiness, health, medical, tourism, technology, defence, space and creative industries, will have greater access to a pipeline of talent to fill current and future skills shortages.

International students make a significant contribution in retail expenditure. They boost tourism dollars and entice their friends and relatives to visit them in South Australia. Moreover, by studying in our local institutions, these students internationalise the education our own daughters and sons receive and they gain an Australian cultural experience so valued by many international students. The Marshall Liberal government's commitment will continue to support this important sector that delivers such a positive impact on the economy, the culture and the workforce of South Australia.