Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Assistant Minister for Northern Australia) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all members for their contributions to this debate in relation to the Education Services for Overseas Students legislation package. This package of four bills will give effect to the government's decision in the 2021-22 budget to implement updated cost recovery arrangements for registration on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students, CRICOS, from 1 January 2022.

The changes to the Education Services for Overseas Students (Registration Charges) Amendment Bill 2021 will allow the Department of Education, Skills and Employment to recover the cost of the efficient regulatory services it provides to the international education sector, including in its role as the regulator of schools that enrol international students. The new arrangements will result in a reduction in the department's CRICOS charges. The amendments are necessary to ensure the charging approach meets the requirements for the Australian government Charging Framework and to maintain the quality and reputation of our Australia's international education sector, positioning it for recovery and regrowth. Consequential amendments to the three other acts facilitate the changes set out in the registration charges bill.

In response to the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills, I table an addendum to the EM. I thank members for your engagement on the bills and your continued commitment to the international education sector and I commend these bills to the House.

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