The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JASFADT) has tabled its report titled, ‘Are we there yet?’: From recovery to resilience – opportunities and challenges for Australia’s tourism sector, for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 1 October 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JASFADT) has tabled its report titled, ‘Are we there yet?’: From recovery to resilience – opportunities and challenges for Australia’s tourism sector, for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The inquiry explored the issues and opportunities facing both sectors since the reopening of Australia’s borders following the COVID-19 pandemic. An interim report was released in October 2023 focusing on the international education sector, titled ‘Quality and Integrity – the Quest for Sustainable Growth’: Interim Report into International Education’. Reflecting on the focus on tourism for the inquiry’s final report, the Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘tourism is one of Australia’s largest exports and is a key way for Australians to share our unique and wonderful cultures, environments and stories. But the COVID-19 pandemic pushed the sector to its limits.’ ‘While we’re starting to see encouraging signs that the sector is recovering, it is clear the recovery has been patchy and that issues remain. This report makes a number of recommendations to strengthen the visitor economy and make it more resilient to future shocks.’ The Senator commented, ‘throughout the inquiry we kept coming back to two key areas with enormous opportunity, if key barriers can be reduced: First Nations tourism and regional and tourism.’ The report makes 28 recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience of the tourism sector, particularly for regional Australia and for First Nations tourism businesses. It also makes various recommendations that would make the visitor economy more inclusive, more accessible, and more sustainable. Some of the key recommendations include: The establishment of a national First Nations tourism body to represent the interests of First Nations businesses and communities in tourism. The establishment of a First Nations advisory panel to advise Tourism Australia on the appropriate representation of First Nations in marketing strategies and campaigns. The development of a Regional Dispersal Strategy to drive greater domestic and international visitation into more of Australia’s regions. That the Australian Government prioritises policies that will achieve more accessible and affordable regional air access. Improved role clarity, communication and coordination between local, state and Australian Government tourism organisations. For the Minister for Trade and Tourism to issue a new Statement of Expectations for Tourism Australia to provide greater clarity about its role. During the inquiry, the Committee heard from a range of stakeholders including international and regional tourism operators and providers, including First Nations tourism operators, local councils, government agencies, education and tourism peak bodies, international students and student associations, and education providers. ‘Over the last two years we held 31 public hearings across Australia, primarily in regional towns. We wanted to hear from the people themselves and see firsthand their tourism offerings and challenges', said Senator O’Neill. ‘The impact of COVID-19 in the tourism sector and in Australia’s regions was unprecedented, and we heard stories of great adversity. But we also heard about innovation and collaboration, a shared ambition to continue to grow the sector, and the opportunities it provides for individuals, communities and Australia.’ The report is now available on the JSCFADT website. Further information is available on the Inquiry webpage. Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: (02) 6277 3882 For background information Committee Secretariat Ph: 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today at Parliament House for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today at Parliament House for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the National Capital Authority and the ACT government. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The Subcommittee is excited to learn how the education and tourism sectors in the Australian Capital Territory were impacted and have recovered from COVID-19, and hear what opportunities witnesses have identified to further strengthen each sector’. Further information about the inquiry is available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Canberra, ACT Date: Wednesday, 15 May 2024 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Launceston for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 May 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Launceston for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector, including universities and student representatives. The Subcommittee will also hear from regional tourism and businesses organisations, the aviation industry, tourism operators, and representatives from the State Government. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The Subcommittee is excited to learn how the education and tourism sectors in regional Tasmania were impacted and have recovered from COVID-19, and hear what opportunities witnesses have identified to further strengthen each sector’. Further information about the inquiry and program (here), are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Launceston, Tasmania Date: Wednesday, 1 May 2024 Venue: Rooms 4 & 5, Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston, 29 Cameron St, Launceston, TAS Time: 9:00am – 5:15pm (AEST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Darwin for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Darwin for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector, including universities and students themselves. The Subcommittee will also hear from regional tourism organisations, tourism operators, and representatives from the Territory Government. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘Today’s public hearing will explore the impact of COVID-19 on tourism and international education in the NT, with an emphasis on opportunities for strengthening and growing each sector over the years ahead.’ Further information about the inquiry and program is available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Darwin, Northern Territory Date: Wednesday, 17 April 2024 Venue: Dining Room, Legislative Assembly of the Northern Territory, 15 Mitchell St, Darwin NT Time: 9:15am – 5:00pm (Darwin Time; ACST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Adelaide for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 20 February 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today in Adelaide for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector including several universities, TAFE SA and StudyAdelaide. The Subcommittee will also hear from the South Australian Tourism Commission and several tourism operators in the Adelaide Hills region. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The public hearing in Adelaide will focus on the intersection between international education and tourism rebuilding post COVID-19.’ Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Adelaide Date: Tuesday 20 February 2024 Venue: David Spence Room, 128 King Williams St, Adelaide Time: 8:30am – 4:45pm (Adelaide time - ACDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 7 February 2024

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will speak with the following representatives: New Caledonia -  Dr Yves Lafoy, Counsellor Samoa - Her Excellency Ms Hinauri Petana, High Commissioner, Her Excellency Mrs Anna Main, Deputy High Commissioner Solomon Islands - His Excellency Mr Robert Sisilo, High Commissioner Republic of Vanuatu  - His Excellency Mr Samson Vilvil Fare, High Commissioner The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘Continuing the dialogue in relation to tourism and international education between Australia and the Pacific is critical to enable all countries to reach their potential growth in these two important sectors.’ ‘COVID-19 presented some clear challenges to all countries, especially in terms of trade and growth. The Subcommittee looks forward to discussing some opportunities for growth in both tourism and international education, now and into the future,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 7 February 2024 Venue: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Thailand and a representative from the Royal Embassy of Cambodia. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘Continuing to build robust people to people links with Australia’s neighbours is important for strengthening and maintaining existing strategic relationships in the region. Education and tourism have proven to be a key part of doing so.’ ‘The Subcommittee looks forward to hearing from representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy and the Royal Embassy of Cambodia on how Australia can further its engagement with their respective countries through education and tourism links,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 29 November 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of the Philippines, the Ambassador of Vietnam and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Canberra today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will be speaking with the Ambassador of Indonesia, the Ambassador of the Philippines, the Ambassador of Vietnam and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Singapore. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, said, ‘This public hearing is a great opportunity to hear from some of our neighbours about how to further develop and sustain robust people to people links through education and tourism.’ ‘ASEAN nations are key trading partners with Australia and through this hearing with some member countries we are presented with the chance to learn about what mutually beneficial arrangements and agreements are available to further draw on these links. The Subcommittee will continue to engage with neighbouring nations to understand how to better enhance existing linkages through education and tourism,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program are available on the inquiry webpage. This hearing will be broadcast via the APH website. Public hearing Date: Wednesday, 15 November 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:30am (AEDT) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Senior Adviser, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade has tabled its interim report for the inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 19 October 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade (JSCFADT) has tabled its interim report today for the inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. This interim report has a primary focus on the future of Australia’s international education sector post-COVID and explores options for the sector’s sustainable growth. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, commented, ‘International education makes a substantial contribution to Australia in many forms through its impact on the economy, our reputation abroad and the broader community. Upholding the integrity of the sector and quality of higher education provided to international students is therefore essential in many respects.’ ‘The 29 recommendations made by the Committee complement the reforms recently announced by the Government, with the aim of strengthening the integrity and enhancing the competitiveness of Australia’s international education sector,’ said Senator O’Neill. ‘While we anticipate that this inquiry’s final report will have more of a focus on the recovery of Australia’s tourism sector, as the Subcommittee continues to travel across the country, we will continue to collect evidence on international education,’ confirmed Senator O’Neill. ‘As noted since this inquiry began, the environment that international education operates in is dynamic.’ Further information in relation to the inquiry and a full list of its recommendations is available from the JSCFADT’s website. Media inquiries Shane McLeod, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 788 275 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Port Campbell for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with an additional public hearing to be held in Ballarat.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 3 October 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Port Campbell today for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with an additional public hearing to be held tomorrow in Ballarat. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from a range of stakeholders in regional Victoria’s tourism industry, including First Nations corporations, regional tourism organisations, small businesses and heritage tourism operators. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, commented, ‘The Great Ocean Road continues to be an iconic tourist destination in regional Victoria and the Subcommittee is looking forward to gaining insights into what can be done to further encourage overseas visitors into this region. In travelling to Ballarat, the Subcommittee will better understand how heritage tourism in places like the Goldfields and the Sovereign Hill Living Museum may be an untapped opportunity for Australia.’ ‘In its quest to better understand the unique tourism experiences offered across Australia, the Subcommittee is interested to hear different perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing operators in this part of regional Australia’, said Senator O’Neill. ‘We also look forward to continuing our discussions about the connections between tourism and international education, and the role of international students in the operations of universities in regional Australia.’ Further information about the inquiry and programs for both hearings are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearing – Port Campbell Date: Tuesday, 3 October 2023 Venue: Sunset Room, Port Campbell Lifesaving Club, 1 Cairns St, Port Campbell, VIC Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm (AEDT) Public hearing – Ballarat Date: Wednesday, 4 October 2023 Venue: Federation University, SMB Campus Rooms A211 and A214, Building A, Lydiard Street, Ballarat Time: 9:20am – 2:00pm (AEDT) Media inquiries Shane McLeod, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) 0419 788 275 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Orange today for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Monday, 26 June 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing in Orange today for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from regional education institutions, such as Charles Sturt University, and tourism bodies in Orange and surrounding regions, including Mudgee. The Orange Local Aboriginal Land Council and the local First Nations Tourism business, Indigenous Cultural Adventures, will also speak to the Subcommittee. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘Regional NSW is well known for its wine, food and nature experiences and the Subcommittee would like to gain insights into how regional Australia can be better promoted to international visitors.’ ‘The Subcommittee looks forward to expanding its understanding about the challenges and opportunities available to regional tourism operators, including First Nations tourism businesses to determine how they can be effectively supported into the future,’ said Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearing - Orange Date: Monday 26 June 2023 Venue: Room 206, Building 1008, Charles Sturt University (346 Leeds Parade, Orange) Time: 8:30am – 1:00pm (AEST) Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Acting Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing at the Gold Coast for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 17 May 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing today at the Gold Coast for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the international education sector including higher education, ELICOS and VET representatives as well as from an international student tour business. Gold Coast tourism and events organisations will provide evidence to the Subcommittee as well as the Queensland Department of Tourism and the Queensland Tourism Industry Council. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, ‘The public hearing on the Gold Coast will take the committee away from capital cities and shift the focus to tourism and international education sectors in regional locations.’ Senator O’Neill noted the importance of ‘hearing from regional and non-capital city voices as these experiences and needs may vary from capital city counterparts’. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Gold Coast Date: Wednesday, 17 May 2023 Venue: Anna Rose Room, TAFE Queensland Robina Campus, 94 Laver Drive, Robina Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (AEST) Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings at Parliament House for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Monday, 15 May 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings at Parliament House today and tomorrow for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear detailed evidence from international education experts, government departments, university and VET peak bodies and other key stakeholders on different aspects of the international education sector. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill said, 'The public hearings in Canberra are intended to be thematic discussions on the international education sector to deepen the Committee’s understanding of potential drivers for change.’ ‘This focus on the delivery of international education will tease out some of the interrelated complexities shaping Australia’s international education now and into the future,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Day One Date: Monday, 15 May 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 8:30am – 5:00pm (AEST) Day Two Date: Tuesday, 16 May 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S3, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm (AEST) The public hearing will be live streamed on the APH website. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

On 18 and 19 April 2023 the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Friday, 14 April 2023

On 18 and 19 April 2023 the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold public hearings for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from university and VET peak bodies, student accommodation, education agents and sector professional bodies about sector recovery and future growth. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill said, ‘The Melbourne public hearings will progress the inquiry’s focus into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for international education.’ Senator O’Neill commented ‘These hearings are a chance for the Committee to engage with sector leaders on the lessons from COVID-19 and how to apply those to Australia’s international education continued recovery and growth.’   Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Melbourne Day One Date: Tuesday, 18 April 2023 Venue: Davui Room, G1, 55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne Time: 8:30am – 5:15pm (AEST) Day Two Date: Wednesday, 19 April 2023 Venue: Davui Room, G1, 55 St Andrews Place, East Melbourne Time: 8:30am – 12:30pm (AEST) The hearing will also be live streamed on the APH website: aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors on Wednesday, 22 March.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 22 March 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors on Wednesday, 22 March. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the University of Canberra about its experience since Australia’s borders closed in 2020 due to Covid-19. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill stated, ‘It is important to hear from a range of higher education institutions from different parts of Australia in relation to their experience attracting international students in the post-COVID-19 period. This willnot only contribute to our understanding of how the resilience of the sector can be strengthened, but also how the sector can be supported overall in its recovery.’ Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Date: Wednesday, 22 March 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:00am (AEDT) The hearing will be live streamed on the APH website: https://www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its Inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors this Wednesday, 8 March.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 7 March 2023

The Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold a public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors this Wednesday, 8 March. The Subcommittee will hear evidence from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), including the Australian Chamber – Tourism branch of the organisation. ‘Noting that ACCI’s respective submissions have covered both the international education and tourism aspects of the inquiry, the Subcommittee is interested to hear about how both sectors interact. We hope to hear from ACCI about how interdependent both sectors are, including whether policy needs to be formulated in a way that understands this interaction between the two sectors,’ said Trade Subcommittee Chair, Senator Deborah O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Date: Wednesday, 8 March 2023 Venue: Committee Room 2S1, Parliament House, Canberra Time: 9:15am – 10:00am (AEDT) The hearing will be live streamed on the APH website: https://www.aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

On 2 March 2023, the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors.

Media release issue date: Wednesday, 1 March 2023

On 2 March 2023, the Trade Subcommittee of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade will hold its first public hearing for its inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill, stated that ‘Australia’s international education and tourism sectors have experienced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when Australia’s borders closed.’ The Subcommittee will hear evidence from higher education institutions, peak bodies, regulatory bodies, and international students to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for growth in each sector. ‘Noting that Australia has since opened its borders, the Subcommittee is interested to hear about how both sectors are recovering and rebuilding. The inquiry will assist the Subcommittee to understand different experiences and views and it is hoped it will provide greater insight into how the Australian Government can support these sectors as they recover from the effects of COVID-19 border closures,’ commented Senator O’Neill. Further information about the inquiry and the public hearing's program, are available on the inquiry webpage. Public hearings details Sydney Date: Thursday, 2 March 2023 Venue: Room 3, Level 8, Building 8 (UTS Business School: 14 - 28 Ultimo Road, Ultimo, Sydney) Time: 8:40am – 2:30pm (AEDT) The hearing will also be live streamed on the APH website: aph.gov.au/live. Media inquiries Amelia Dalton, Chief of Staff, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0419 211 321 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track this Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), has launched an inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with a focus on the operation of both sectors in the post COVID-19 world.

Media release issue date: Thursday, 20 October 2022

The Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade, through the Trade Subcommittee (the Committee), has launched an inquiry into Australia’s tourism and international education sectors, with a focus on the operation of both sectors in the post COVID-19 world. The Chair of the Trade Subcommittee, Senator Deborah O’Neill commented, “Both the tourism and international education sectors have contracted substantially since the emergence of COVID-19. The Committee looks forward to understanding how both sectors can be best supported so they can be positioned as key contributors to the post COVID-19 recovery of Australia’s economy.” The Committee will also consider the effectiveness of recent tourism campaigns overseas and how Australia can support tourism in the Asia Pacific region. In relation to international education, the Committee is interested in hearing about innovations in the delivery of online education to strengthen the sector’s resilience. “We encourage a broad range of stakeholders in the tourism and international education sectors from across the country to share experiences about transitioning into the post COVID-19 period,” said Senator O’Neill. Submissions from interested individuals and organisations are invited by Monday, 12 December 2022. The preferred method of receiving submissions is by electronic format lodged online using a My Parliament account. Further information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the full terms of reference and details on how to lodge a submission is available on the Committee’s website. Media inquiries Madelaine Renshaw, Media and Policy Advisor, Senator Deborah O’Neill (Senator for New South Wales; Chair, Trade Subcommittee) Ph: 0431 680 929 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 2313 jscfadt@aph.gov.au For more information about this Committee, you can visit its website. On the site, you can make a submission to an inquiry, read other submissions, and get details for upcoming public hearings. You can also track the Committee and receive email updates by clicking on the blue ‘Track Committee’ button in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.