Government Media Statement

Lara Giddings, MP

Acting Premier

Thursday, 8 January 2009

The State Government is proceeding with a $200,000 Budget initiative to waive international student fees for children of temporary business visa holders.

Acting Premier, Lara Giddings, said today that there were 44 dependents of Temporary Business (Long Stay) visas currently enrolled in Tasmanian Government schools, many of them the dependents of health professionals.

“Of these, 32 are enrolled in primary schools, nine in high schools and three in colleges, located in Hobart, Launceston and a small number of regional enrolments,” Ms Giddings said.

Ms Giddings said that the State Government was firmly committed to providing quality education to support students adjust to life in Tasmania.

“Refugee and migrant students bring a rich experience of different languages and cultures to Tasmania and our government schools and I am delighted that the Government is increasing support available to children of Standard Business Sponsorship or class 457 visa holders.”

“All of the students are currently benefiting from the tuition-fee-free initiative, and most of them are also receiving English as a Second Language support services.”

“The ESL program provides support from kindergarten to year 12 to help the English language development of students whose first language is not English.”

“Currently there are 23 children of temporary business visa holders being supported by the ESL program to help them learn a new language, understand a new culture, and learn to socialise within it.”

Ms Giddings said that improvements in the administrative system had also helped temporary residents enrolling their children in Tasmanian Government schools

“This has meant that schools can validly enrol children much more quickly and guide them on the road to learning in our wonderful State,” Ms Giddings said.