nvt the quiet acheiver, page-7

I was interested to hear an interview on Radio National last weekend on the "National Interest" program with kevin Thomson, a federal Labour MP. He is concerned that Aust.'s population growth is not sustainable in the long term.

In the short term he was critical that overseas students are being attracted to study in Aust. by being given a permanant resident's visa. The students are prepared to pay for expensive university & VET (Vocational Education & Training) courses as they then have the chance to live in Aust & don't have to go through the normal immigration channels or pay the smugglers.

Thomson suggested that Aust.'s education system is being supported by this policy and the influx of fee paying students and gaining a competitive advantage over other western education providers such as the UK, Canada & USA.

He also suggested that Australian students are being disadvantaged by having less places available in the Universities, he said 18,500 students missed out on places this year.

A review of this policy has been announced to be carried out by Bruce Baird MP.