Australia pledges to address int'l students' issues of concern

The Australian government will review the international education sector and create an online manual with information about living and studying in Australia, Education Minister Julia Gillard revealed on Thursday.

The government was also working to ensure international students were better informed about their working rights, amid concerns about growing exploitation, she told participants at the International Education Conference in Sydney.

Gillard said the past year challenged the sector, with concerns raised about unscrupulous colleges, the cost and availability of accommodation, student welfare and isolation, exploitation in the workplace, and the absence of concession cards.

"The good news is the sector has been remarkably resilient and it's pleasing that to date international student enrolments continue to grow," she said.

The boost was a "remarkable result", but Gillard said the government should not take it for granted.

"We will only be able to continue to grow the education sector if we are honest ... about the strengths and the weaknesses, and if we are resolute about fixing any problems," she said.

In response to the collapse of several private colleges over the past year, she said the government had introduced legislation that would require all education providers to be re-registered by the end of 2010.

"I have got no doubts that most providers are providing high class education and training to international students, but I also acknowledge there are a few who are motivated solely by financial gain," she said.

"It is simply not in anyone's interest for this to keep happening, we have to keep lifting our game."

Source:Xinhua