International education is not just a revenue stream for universities—it’s a cornerstone of Australia’s educational ecosystem, cultural exchange, and global standing. Yet as we approach the federal election, international students are increasingly caught in the crossfire of divisive politics. Peter Dutton’s Coalition has adopted rhetoric that demonises international students, using extreme Trumpist language that implies that international students are rapists and drug traffickers. This dog-whistling pointlessly evokes harmful stereotypes rather than addressing real policy issues. But the Coalition also wants…

The current Senate inquiry into university governance represents a critical opportunity to address the longstanding governance crisis plaguing Australia’s higher education sector. As the federal election approaches, the NTEU firmly believes this vital work must continue regardless of which party forms government after the May poll. Australian universities are mired in an unprecedented governance crisis. The Senate inquiry has already exposed shocking governance practices. Much of this has been done by NTEU members through hundreds of written submissions and brave…

Despite being just two months old, the second Donald Trump presidency is sending shockwaves through the world. Australian universities are no exception. At least six Australian universities have already had US government funding terminated or paused. Funding suspensions affect not just USAID programs but also grants from the National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health. We’re also seeing an ideological intrusion into research. Some Australian researchers collaborating with US partners have already received a 48-hour deadline to respond to…