Confirmation today that MD107, described by Minister Clare as a 鈥渄e facto cap鈥, will remain in place means universities and the economy will continue to聽 experience serious financial harm at a time Australia can鈥檛 afford such a measure.
鈥淎ustralia鈥檚 universities are again being used as a political football in the migration debate,鈥 黑料老司机 Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.
鈥淚t beggars belief that one of our country鈥檚 biggest export industries is being treated this badly.
鈥淢D107 has already stripped an estimated $4 billion from the economy and our universities and is putting thousands of jobs at risk right across the economy.
鈥淪ome universities, particularly those in outer suburban and regional areas where MD107 is being felt most, are on their knees due to the financial impact of this destructive instrument.
鈥淲e can鈥檛 have a bright and vibrant higher education sector that delivers for all Australians without the revenue international education brings to our universities.
鈥淭his appears to be lost on both sides of politics as they continue to treat international students as cannon fodder in the political battle over migration and housing.鈥
