International students arrival plan approved by the Commonwealth
18/06/2021 | Stephen Patterson MP |
South Australia is the first state to have its
international students arrival plan supported by the Federal Government.
This recognises the work undertaken by State
Government agencies and the international education sector to deliver a safe
and secure plan to return our students to SA.
“International education is a significant part of
South Australia’s economy, contributing over $2 billion in 2019, partly spent
with our education providers such as schools and Universities, and also
providing a boost to our retail, hospitality and tourism sectors,” Premier
Steven Marshall said.
“International students add so much to South
Australia’s multicultural fabric along with the clear economic benefits for our
CBD and our state overall, with every three students leading to the creation of
one job – in 2019, almost 20,000 jobs were underpinned by international
education, which is massive for our state.
“The health and safety of South Australians is our
number one priority. There is still more work to be done with the Commonwealth
and education providers but it’s important to note that Professor Spurrier and
her team at SA Health, along with South Australia Police, have been central to
the formation of the plan, which meets all the necessary protocols required by
the Federal Government.
“It’s also important to note that no returning
Australian will be impacted by the plan, as it will be done outside the current
caps, and the institutions and students will bear the costs of flights and
quarantine.”
The Minister for Trade and Investment Stephen
Patterson said this plan was the culmination of a great deal of work from
industry stakeholders to deliver a safe and secure pathway for our students to
return to SA.
“Industry has been key to this plan, and the South
Australian community can be assured that expert advice from SA Health has
informed the plan, in line with the same principles that has seen hundreds of
seasonal workers arrive safely in South Australia,” Minister Patterson said.
“The Flight Training Adelaide site at Parafield has
been approved for its ability to meet infection control as determined by SA
Health, with the facility able to house 160 students who will complete their 14
days quarantine and undertake daily COVID-19 testing.”
One of the Commonwealth’s pre-conditions for when
students arrive is that the state border must be open for domestic travel,
noting the potential need for localised closures related to jurisdictionally
defined COVID-19 hotspots.