Coalition Senators delay ESOS bill again
Julia Gillard
posted Thursday, 4 February 2010
*Release with Kim Carr
The Coalition, the Greens and independent Senators have today voted to delay the passage of the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Re-registration of Providers and Other Measures) Bill 2009.
This is the second time that they have undermined the Government’s legislative program on this Bill.
The ESOS amendment would have ensured that all education and training providers currently registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) would have to re-register under new, stronger criteria by 31 December 2010.
The ESOS Bill passed the Senate earlier in the day without amendment. Some Senators were absent when it was time to move their amendment. The Government then in good faith agreed to suspend Senate business to allow the Senate to recommit the Bill to consider the amendments.
An amendment was put to add certain consequential costs into the legislation to become part of the refund students may be entitled to when a provider collapses. The Government believes this amendment is ill-considered and uncosted.
No detail about what would be considered as a certain consequential cost was provided. Items could include -
* the initial travel cost to reach Australia
* all accommodation and food costs
* education agent expenses
* travel and medical insurance
* airport taxes
* immunisations
* domestic travel costs
* books, computers and other education expenses
* the $18,000 student requirement to show they can support themselves while studying in Australia
The Rudd Government could not commit Australian tax payers to a list of refunds as outlined above. No economically responsible government could commit to such costs. Unfortunately, the current Opposition Leader has no interest in economic or fiscal responsibility.
A key element of the Baird Review into the current ESOS legislation is expected to consider strengthening consumer protection framework in order to better protect student interests and ensure the sustainability of the industry. The Government therefore believes the responsible course would be for this amendment be referred to the Review. This also allows the Government to consider such costs through regular economic processes.
Despite the Senators expressing concerns about delays in the passing this Bill, the vote for this amendment has resulted in further delay which in turn will jeopardise the re-registration measure. The effectiveness of the re-registration measure depends on acting quickly to restore confidence in the industry and reduce problems associated with college closures.
This is an important piece of legislation to ensure confidence in this critical industry and to give certainty to providers and students.
Tags: Education, Students