Appendix D - DIAC–DEEWR Strategic Student Visa Policy Group
Guidelines[1]
Objectives
The objective of the DIAC – DEEWR strategic student visa
policy group is to provide a forum for strategic policy coordination between
the two organisations regarding the interaction of the student visa program and
the international education sector regulatory framework.
Terms of Reference
The DIAC – DEEWR strategic student visa policy group will:
Provide a key mechanism for information exchange and
progression of relevant outcomes of the Baird Review of ESOS Act and the Knight
Review of the Student Visa Program.
Establish priorities for cooperative activity between the
Departments relating to overseas students and oversee the implementation of
these priorities.
Oversee and guide activities being undertaken by the PRISMS
Technical working group, including data exchange and project priorities.
Encourage greater understanding among relevant staff of the
common goals of both organisations in relation to the international education
sector.
Membership
Membership will be limited to Assistant Secretary and
Director Level staff.
DIAC membership will include:
- AS, Education and
Tourism Branch
- Director, Student
Visa Review Secretariat
- Director, Student
Visa Policy Section
- Director, Student
Visa Projects Section
DEEWR membership will include:
- Branch Manager,
International Quality
- Branch Manager,
International Strategy
- Director, Policy
Coordination Unit
- Director, Strategic
Support Unit
- Director, Compliance
Unit
- Director, Strategic
Policy Unit
Chair and meetings
Meetings will be co-chaired by the relevant Assistant
Secretaries of DIAC and DEEWR.
Meetings will be held monthly, alternate between DIAC and
DEEWR premises or as agreed and will normally not exceed one hour.
To minimise administrative overheads, outcomes notes rather
than full minutes will be produced by the hosting agency.
Background
The regulation of Australia’s on-shore education and
training export industry focuses on the protection and enhancement of
Australia’s international reputation, migration control and the need to ensure
that overseas students receive quality education in Australia.
The regulatory environment – comprising the Education
Services for Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000 regulated by the Department
of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations; and the Migration Act 1958
regulated by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship; and associated
regulations and instruments, requires that both providers of education and
training to overseas students on a student visa, and the overseas students
themselves, comply with the requirements of the legislation.