Legislation passed to expand access, strengthen integrity and improve transparency across education sectors

New federal legislation passed last week will deliver major reforms across international education, early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs.

The legislation, introduced by Minister for Education Jason Clare, Minister for Early Childhood Education Dr Jess Walsh and Assistant Minister Julian Hill, supports the Albanese Government’s broader education reform agenda to ensure quality, equity and accountability across the system.

The new laws introduce stronger safeguards to maintain the integrity of Australia’s $51 billion international education sector. Key changes include:

• Tighter ‘fit and proper person’ requirements for providers
• A ban on commission payments for onshore student transfers
• A two-year track record requirement for prospective VET providers before enrolling international students (excluding TAFEs)
• The power to deregister inactive providers and crack down on ‘phoenixing’
• Authorisation requirements for offshore delivery of Australian degrees

“These changes will protect genuine students and support our high-quality providers,” Mr Hill said. “We’re cracking down on exploitation, increasing transparency, and safeguarding the reputation of our sector.”

With more than $16 billion invested annually in the Child Care Subsidy, the Government is seeking a clearer understanding of what it costs to deliver quality early learning.

The legislation supports the $10.4 million Early Education Service Delivery Prices project by enabling more accurate and representative data collection.

“To build a universal early childhood education and care system, we need the best information on how services are delivered and funded,” Dr Walsh said. “When we understand the real costs, we can build a stronger system that supports families.”

This legislative package follows recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord and signals the Government’s intent to pursue evidence-based policy across all levels of the education system.

Read the full announcement on the Ministers’ Media Centre here.