SA is the first state to have its international students arrival plan supported by the Federal Government, recognising 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.
