In August 2009 the Minister for Education Julia Gillard asked the Hon Bruce Baird to review the Education Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 and report back to the Government with changes designed to ensure Australia continues to offer world class quality international education.
The review considers the need for enhancements to the ESOS legal framework in four key areas set out in the Terms of Reference: supporting the interests of students; delivering quality as the cornerstone of Australian education; effective regulation; and sustainability of the international education sector.
On 23 September 2009 Mr Baird released an issues paper and called for written submissions to the review via email or an online forum. Submissions closed on 30 October 2009.
During the consultation period, Mr Baird held forums with students and providers from the tertiary, ELICOS and school sectors, involving some 200 individuals. He also met with provider and student peak bodies, regulators, state and territory government officials and embassies.
Feedback and written submissions are being analysed and Mr Baird is expected to provide his final report to Government in early 2010.
Submissions to the ESOS review
Submissions are now available online via the links below:
Submissions received A-L (link to submissions)
Submissions received M-Z (link to submissions)
The ESOS Review accepted confidential submissions from organisations/individuals where requested. Please note that any request made under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 for access to any material marked confidential will be determined in accordance with that Act. Alternate formats of the above documents can be requested through esosreview@deewr.gov.au
ESOS Review Interim Report
On 3 December 2009 Mr Baird released an interim report on the review of the ESOS Act. The report sets out his initial observations. It highlights that two essential and complementary elements are needed to strengthen international education: more effective consumer protection and stronger, simpler regulation. The report refers to the need to toughen the gateway for organisations to register as international education providers, support students’ access to better information, improve students’ tuition protection arrangements and enhance student complaints handling and support mechanisms. Other issues discussed in the report are links between education and migration and the long term sustainability of the international education sector.
ESOS Review Interim Report – November 2009 pdf