Victoria’s standing as an A-list international study destination has been further boosted by the reappointment of John Brumby as Chair of the state’s International Education Advisory Council.

Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Pallas announced that Mr Brumby, Chancellor of Latrobe University and a former Victorian Premier, will continue his important work at the helm of the Advisory Council which provides advice to government on issues and policies relating to Victoria’s renowned international education sector.

The Advisory Council’s work has included providing critical insights to help the Andrews Labor Government develop the International Education Recovery Plan 2025, setting a strong foundation for the sector’s post-pandemic resurgence.

Victoria’s international education sector has rebounded strongly, with the number of student visa holders studying in Victoria doubling to more than 140,000 since borders reopened at the end of 2021.

Victoria’s international education sector is Victoria’s third biggest export earner behind food and fibre and manufacturing, generating $6.9 billion in export revenue and supporting more than 40,000 jobs.

In addition to the appointment of Mr Brumby, the Labor Government has also appointed international education leaders Layton Pike (RMIT University), Michelle Hoodbhoy (Monash University) and Carolyn Chong (Federation University) to the Advisory Council.

Returning council members are Linda Brown, President, Torrens University; Celina Yu, Managing Director, Global Business College of Australia; Joshua Nester, Managing Director Education, SEEK Investments; Frances Coppolillo, CEO, Melbourne Polytechnic; and Derek Scott, CEO and Principal, Haileybury.

Melbourne is consistently named Australia’s top student city in the QS Best Student Cities global index and this year was ranked fifth overall behind only London, Munich, Seoul and Zurich.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Investment Tim Pallas

“International education makes an important contribution to Victoria’s economy and society, and the Advisory Council helps Victoria to maintain its position as a destination of choice for students from around the world.”

“I’m proud that Victoria’s world-class education system ensures graduates are equipped with the skills to take on the jobs of the future.”

Quotes attributable to International Education Advisory Council Chair John Brumby

“The Council has delivered some terrific outcomes and I have no doubt that it will continue to lead strategic thinking on quality and innovation in Victoria’s international education sector through to 2024-25.”

“I look forward to leading this group of strategic thinkers to advance Melbourne and Victoria’s reputation as a destination of choice for international students.”