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.