Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

Administrative Review Tribunal and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading

Senate · Monday 3 November 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The debate focused on two bills aimed at improving administrative review efficiency and education sector integrity. The minister argued that the first bill would allow the Administrative Review Tribunal to decide certain migration cases, particularly student visa refusals, on written materials to reduce backlogs and deter non-genuine applications. The second bill introduced measures to strengthen oversight of international education providers, uncap Commonwealth Supported Places for Indigenous medical students, and improve data collection in early childhood education. The minister commended both bills to the Senate, emphasizing their role in maintaining system integrity and fairness.

Outcome

The second reading speeches were incorporated in Hansard and the bills were commended to the Senate.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Tim Ayres (NSW) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Ayres argued that the Administrative Review Tribunal needed greater flexibility to resolve matters efficiently without compromising quality. Ayres stated that requiring oral hearings in all cases was rigid and contributed to delays, particularly in student visa reviews where backlogs incentivized non-genuine applicants. The bill would allow decisions on student visa refusals to be made on the papers, while excluding permanent and protection visas due to their complexity. Ayres emphasized that this approach aligns with recommendations from the Nixon Review to ensure proportionate review processes.

Government response

Tim Ayres (Minister for Industry and Innovation; Minister for Science) ALP NSW

Ayres detailed provisions in the Education Legislation Amendment Bill to combat collusive practices between agents and providers by strengthening fit and proper tests and banning commissions for onshore transfers. Ayres noted the bill would require new providers to teach domestic students for two years before accepting overseas students and allow TEQSA to authorize offshore degree delivery. Ayres highlighted the commitment to uncap Commonwealth Supported Places for Indigenous medical students to address workforce underrepresentation. Ayres also explained measures to improve data collection in early childhood education to support evidence-based subsidy reforms.