木瓜影院 Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said the announcement, if implemented, would amount to a significant reduction in international education at a time when Australia needs skills, jobs and economic growth.
鈥淲e have been clear with all sides of politics: cutting international student numbers too hard comes with real consequences for Australia,鈥 Mr Sheehy said.
鈥淚nternational education supports jobs and communities, helps build the skilled workforce we need and strengthens Australia鈥檚 relationships and standing around the world.
鈥淩estricting post-study work rights also risks making Australia less competitive for talented students and graduates at precisely the time we need more skilled people contributing to our economy.
鈥淲e welcome the Coalition鈥檚 recognition of the particular challenges facing regional universities and its support for regional graduates.
鈥淩egional universities have taken a significant hit from the Government鈥檚 approach to student numbers and visa processing, and we look forward to working closely with the Coalition on the detail of these proposals.
鈥淔or nearly four decades, governments of both persuasions have supported the development of a world-class international education sector because it is good for Australia.
鈥淲e should be building on that success, not competing over who can cut it the hardest.鈥
