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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2010-05-25 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

ADELAIDE PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING (Playford—Minister for Employment, Training and Further Education, Minister for Science and Information Economy, Minister for Road Safety, Minister for Veterans' Affairs) (15:45): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.J. SNELLING: I rise today to reaffirm the state government's commitment to protecting the welfare of about 450 students currently attending the Adelaide Pacific International College. The students, the majority of whom are from India, remain the state government's paramount consideration.

On 7 May, the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations gave notice of its decision to suspend or cancel the college's registration as a provider to international students. I am told that it is yet to make a final decision. Honourable members would note from my previous statement to this place that an audit has also been conducted by the South Australian Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology, as delegate to the Training and School Commission, in consultation with the commonwealth government and the college.

DFEEST also served notice to the college on 7 May of its intention to cancel its registration as a registered training provider and has given the college's chief executive officer 28 days to respond. I can confirm that no decision about the suspension or cancellation of registration has been made by DFEEST and will not be taken until the college's management has been given the opportunity to respond to the audit's findings.

I am advised that APIC has today issued a statement saying that it has lodged a report with South Australia Police requesting an investigation into alleged fraud on behalf of a former senior employee. I can also confirm that, following the audit, DFEEST referred allegations made by persons purporting to be former students and staff at the college of alleged criminal behaviour and possible fraud to both the state and federal police.

While these matters are before the police I cannot and will not comment further on the specific allegations. I do not have any information before me to know if these allegations have any material bearing on the notices served by state and commonwealth departments, and I reiterate the need for natural justice to be afforded the management of the college as they respond.

This house can be certain that both the state and commonwealth governments have measures in place to ensure students are protected through initiatives like the legislated Tuition Assurance Scheme, and they will be offered places in equivalent courses with alternative providers if their enrolments are cancelled.

All students have been informed in writing about the audit process and have been advised to continue attending classes at the college as required by their student visa conditions until a final determination is made. I am confident that the action taken so far underlines the state government's intention to fulfil our commitment to students living so far away from home and to continue offering high-quality education and training in a safe and supportive environment.

I encourage any students who are worried to contact the Office of the South Australian Training Advocate for information, advice and support by either phoning 1800 006 488, calling into the office at 55 Currie Street in the city, or emailing to trainingadvocate@sa.gov.au.

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