Asia-Pacific

Australian state to set up Premier's Council on int'l education

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-02-10 16:17

SYDNEY: New South Wales (NSW) Premier Kristina Keneally announced on Wednesday the government would take steps to bolster the state's multi-billion dollar international education industry.

Speaking after a meeting of the Indian Community Roundtable, Keneally said a Premier's Council on International Education would be set up to assist international students and sell the state's educational services.

Keneally admitted NSW's reputation may have been damaged by the violence against Indian students in Melbourne, with the series of attacks causing outrage in India.

More than 230,000 international students are currently enrolled in NSW courses, with the industry contributing about 6.4 billion Australian dollars (US$5.6 billion) each year to the state's economy.

"We are the destination of choice for international students, with 40 percent of international students already choosing to come to NSW," she told reporters.

"We want to ensure that continues, and we continue to provide very much a supportive, welcoming and safe community," she said.

Keneally said the new Premier's Council would work with NSW Police, and universities and colleges, to promote safety awareness among international students.

Students will also be given assistance when it comes to travel and accommodation, while a new education campaign and website will be developed to sell the NSW study experience.