www.austrade.gov.au › For Australians › For Education Sector › News
Austrade will provide weekly regional updates on the progression and impact of COVID-19 around the world, to support the international education sector as the situation continues to evolve. These reports are compiled using the latest on-the-ground information and advice. The following updates include markets and regions for:
• Europe
• Middle East and Africa
• North Asia
• Latin America
• North America
• South Asia
Coronavirus: Universities, schools could be first to reopen in rolling back of social-distancing rules, Barr says
Universities and schools could be the first places reopened as part of a gradual rolling back of coronavirus restrictions, Chief Minister Andrew Barr has suggested...He said in the case of universities or vocational training institutions, the first step might be to reopen laboratories for a teacher and a small group of students.
Schools Urged to Reopen as Australia Mulls Easing of Coronavirus Restrictions
…the federal government has said it wants schools to reopen, citing medical advice that children carry a low risk of transmitting the virus. Some leaders of the country's eight states and territories - which administer schools - have departed from that policy and ordered schools shut…In Victoria, the country's second most populous state where officials have told parents to keep children at home if possible, just 3% of children attended school on Tuesday, the first day after the Easter break.
Australia to retain coronavirus curbs for at least another four weeks
Morrison has in recent days pushed state and territory leaders to re-open schools. Morrison has cited medical advice that children carry a low risk of transmitting the virus as he advocated for the re-opening schools to help boost the economy, which is headed for its first recession in three decades. However, some leaders of the eight states and territories - which administer schools - have departed from that policy and ordered schools to remain shut to all but the children of "essential" workers, including those in the health and grocery sectors. In Victoria, the second most populous state where officials have told parents to keep children at home if possible, just 3% of children attended school on Tuesday, the first day after the Easter break. Students in other states and territories remain on mid-term vacation. An agreement on the issue was not reached at a meeting on Thursday of the national cabinet, made up of state and federal leaders, formed to tackle the crisis.
Eradicating the COVID-19 coronavirus is also the best economic strategy
In practice, few sectors currently closed could be reopened in Australia under a Goldilocks strategy.
Modellers at the University of Sydney estimate that even a 20% reduction in spatial distancing compliance would push rates of transmission back above one (that is, where one infected person on average infects more than one other). That suggests schools could probably re-open, but many workplaces and university classes may have to stay closed.
Australian universities warn Covid-19 relief package not enough to stop 21,000 job losses
Universities have warned a federal government guarantee of existing funding levels won’t be enough to prevent 21,000 job cuts in the next six months, as crashing international student revenue hits Australia’s third-largest export sector.
V-shaped recovery prediction is 'too optimistic' (Lexis; login required)
Schools, education institutions and restaurants with seating restrictions are potential areas that could be opened up in the coming months. … Restrictions on international travellers visiting Australia are likely to remain in place for some of next year, pressuring the tourism and higher education sectors.
Independent schools demand federal government withdraws threat and guarantees ‘vital’ funding
Christian Schools Australia (CSA) has demanded the federal government withdraw a threat to independent schools and instead commit to guarantee funding even if enrolments drop off as a result of Covid-19. On Thursday the education minister, Dan Tehan, wrote to all independent school associations ordering them to provide in-person education to children from term two or risk losing their federal funding.
Loss of international students set to blow $30b-$60b hole in economy (Lexis; login required)
The Australian economy faces a projected hit of up to $60 billion within the next three years while international students are blocked from coming here due to the COVID-19 pandemic…The blow from each six-month intake of foreign students lost could equate to the hit the economy took when Australia lost its entire car manufacturing industry.
COVID-19 coronavirus: Advice for schools and education
Latest information and advice for Term 2, supporting information for parents, teachers, tertiary institutions and educators.
Senate enquiry into rebuilding the Australian university system
…the Australian Association of University Professors (AAUP) is calling on the Senate Standing Committees on Education and Employment for an enquiry into the sustainability of the Australian higher education system as the current crisis evolves.
What happens when there are no active COVID-19 cases in the ACT?
The national cabinet is set to review the baseline restrictions in three weeks' time, with a view to possibly rolling some back if certain criteria are met. Chief Minister Andrew Barr has made clear that any easing of restrictions in the ACT [Australian Capital Territory] will be a slow and incremental process. Mr Barr last week suggested that in the first instance, the two-person limit might be relaxed to allow gatherings of 10 people. Earlier this month he indicated that universities, vocational education institutions and schools might be the first parts of the community to reopen. Mr Barr believes there is "no prospect" of large crowds, including for sporting matches and cultural events, being permitted until the pandemic has passed.
'A downward spiral': coronavirus spins Australian universities into economic crisis
Australia’s university sector says it faces economic catastrophe and massive job losses unless it receives more help from the government during the coronavirus crisis.
Under the Pump, Unpaid and Uncertain: Casual Workers at UNSW During COVID-19
This report details the impact of COVID on UNSW’s casual employees. Created by the University of New South Wales' casuals network, it shows how disastrous COVID has been already for many in the sector. According to the report, one in three casuals at the university had already lost work, amounting to $626 worth of income a week, while 42% said they were already working unpaid hours. Notably, UNSW is a wealthy Group of Eight university.