University blues

Australia’s universities have enjoyed explosive growth over the last thirty years, but critics argue this influx of international and domestic students have inflated revenues at the cost of academic standards and integrity.

Universities bounce back

Many universities, facing revenue losses due to COVID-19, announced major staff cuts over the past two years, but as students return to the classroom, Australia’s tertiary sector may be about to bounce back.

Temporary residents need permanent political rights

As the number of temporary residents in Australia increases the question of their rights grows in importance. The recent New South Wales government move to stop non-citizens from donating money to political parties, has Andrew Norton questioning why we need such a law.

Over the last 15 years, Australia has acquired a large population of temporary but long-term migrants. As of September 2011, it included about 360,000 international students and 310,000 others, mostly on various work visas. A new temporary residence work right for former international students will add to the total in coming years. On an annual basis, long-term but temporary arrivals significantly outnumber migrants with permanent residence rights.