A new role has been created in the Labor Government for international education as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced his new ministry this afternoon, with Julian Hill named as Assistant Minister for International Education as well as for Customs and Multicultural Affairs. Jason Clare keeps the Education portfolio, and Tony Burke remains as Home Affairs Minister.
What the Prime Minister said
During the press conference the Prime Minister was asked what the thinking was behind Julian Hill’s appointment and whether it related to putting caps on international students.
The Prime Minister responded with:
“International education is such an important export for Australia. We know there has been examples as well of inappropriate activity, overwhelmingly the sector is important and provides not just assets for Australia and income for Australia, but it also provides us to have connections with the world.”
“People who come and study here and then go back and become advocates for our relationship. I’ve seen that firsthand. I launched the Australia India Alumni Association, probably about 10 years ago, when I was in opposition, in New Delhi”.
“There are literally hundreds of thousands of students who have a relationship with Australia. So this is an important industry. It’s important that students who come here get a quality education. It’s important we get it right”.
“This sector is complex, and Julian Hill is someone who’s been involved as a local member as well, and I think he’ll be a very good appointment. I discussed it with him and with Jason Clare, as someone having particular responsibility for that area.”
What we know about the Assistant Minister
The international education sector is not new to Julian Hill, and it is one that he has championed in the past. As executive director in the Victorian Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources he was responsible for the Study Melbourne portfolio, prior to being elected to federal parliament in 2016.
In the last term of government, he was the Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of International Education, along with Zoe McKenzie.
About five months after the Albanese Government was elected for its first term in 2022, Hill said “Be proud of Australia’s international education offering. It’s high quality and is valued by hundreds of thousands of students across the world. Be confident about the trajectory that we are on. And, be relieved that we now have a new government, that wants to talk up the sector and support it”.
Other portfolio appointments
No changes have been made to most of the key positions of relevance to the international education sector:
- Jason Clare, Minister for Education
- Tony Burke, Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship portfolios as well as Cyber Security and the Arts
- Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training
- Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Don Farrell, Trade Minister
There were two new appointments in cabinet that will have cause to engage with the international education sector:
- Anne Ali: Minister for Small Business, as well as for International Development and Multicultural Affairs
- Tim Ayers: Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science
Matt Thistleweight was also named in the outer ministry as the Assistant Minister for Immigration, Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Looking forward
There had been some discussion in the international sector of the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle for the Education portfolio that would allow a reset. Although this didn’t occur, Hill’s appointment to the new role demonstrates the importance of the sector by the Albanese Government and provides some optimism for more consultation and collaboration going forward.
There is no doubt that the international education sector will be looking forward to working constructively with Hill.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement, International Education Association of Australia (IEAA) Chief Executive Officer, Phil Honeywood said of Hill, “well done on having the PM recognise your deep understanding and advocacy for our sector by now having the title of Asst Min for International Education added to your portfolios… At least we know that we can now hit the ground running with key Ministers who understand our sector”.
The cabinet will be sworn in tomorrow morning.
