International education contributed $34bn to the Australian economy, according to Minister for Education Dan Tehan, following the release of Bureau of Statistics December figures for trades in goods and services.

æOver decades of investment, hard work and the commitment of world-class scholars, teachers and administrators, Australia has established a global reputation as a leader in higher education,” the minister said.

Not forgetting his base, Mr Tehan is the member for the rural Victorian seat of Wannon he added the government, “is working to promote regional Australia as a destination for international students, so our regional communities can also enjoy the economic and cultural benefits that international students bring.”