New code of ethics for international education agents in Australia
Education and Training Minister Christopher Pyne announced a new code of ethics for international education agents at the Australian Council for Private Education and Training’s Asia Pacific International Education Forum and National Conference held in Melbourne on Friday. The new set of code of ethics will focus on ensuring enhancement of the quality and image of global education sector of Australia.
Pyne stated that the quality of education offered by the country is incredible and hence it is important to protect and develop it. “International education is Australia’s fourth largest export industry overall and our largest services export ahead of tourism, so maintaining our strong reputation for quality is important,” Pyne said in a statement. “We are therefore working with the International Education Association of Australia to develop an industry-led quality assurance framework to help institutions manage their international education agents,” he said.
Pyne claimed that the government provided adequate fund to develop the code of ethics and thereby aid to conduct studies and formulate industry-oriented framework for agents. The education strategy will form a vital part of the National Strategy for International Education to secure the reputation of best quality global learning platform that Australia offers. “These initiatives also reflect our support for the London Statement, a statement of principles that was agreed to by Australia, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand in 2012 and outlines best practice for education agents.”
According to Pyne, this will prompt a more competitive education system in Australia and offer best student experiences. The education minister said that he is ready to work with education agents and endorse London Statement later in 2015.
On Friday, Pyne visited Victoria University for a speech where about 10 students from the National Union of Students protested the federal education minister's proposals for education. They were apparently kicked out of the building where he held his speech.
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