Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I have great news. The latest international student data shows that Charles Darwin University in the electorate of Solomon is powering ahead when it comes to the fastest-growing destination for international students in Australia. This confirms that the Territory is, as the greatest beneficiary of the Albanese Labor government's policies, to share the benefits of international education equally across Australia.

Department of Education November 2025 year-to-date data show that international student commencements reflecting new students in the Territory have increased by 20 per cent, rising from 2,282 in 2024 to 2,743 in 2025—a 20 per cent lift. The Territory has outpaced every other state and territory since 2019, with a 41 per cent increase to 2025. The Territory's strong performance stands out against national trends, which shows the government's policies are working to moderate overall student numbers nationally, while sharing the benefits more fairly with regional areas like us in the Top End. The Northern Territory is the biggest winner and additional places have been allocated to universities like Charles Darwin University that have demonstrated efforts on key government priorities: new student housing, engagement with South-East Asia and market diversification.

The government made tough decisions to safeguard the integrity and long-term sustainability of Australia's world-class international education sector and to share the benefits more fairly with every state and territory and, in particular, the regions. The Albanese government's policies are working, with international student numbers on a more sustainable path and regions benefiting the most.

This week I heard a story that has really stayed with me. I learned about the important role that CDU midwifery students and graduates are playing in supporting women across the Territory. Many newly arrived families in Darwin did not yet have access to Medicare supported services for pre- and post-natal care. Through their clinical placements, our students are helping to fill this vital gap, supporting women in an incredibly important time in their lives and contributing to better health outcomes for mums and babies.

It felt like a fitting reflection during the week of International Women's Day, with people coming together to support women and a new generation of health professionals who are stepping forward with skill, compassion and care. It is just one more example of how Charles Darwin University students and graduates are adding value to our community, not only in Darwin, Palmerston and Greater Darwin but also throughout the Northern Territory. I thank all the educators at Charles Darwin University who are doing so much to bring forward a new generation of health professionals who are more likely to stay in our beautiful Northern Territory.

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