Lobbies representing will appear at a parliamentary inquiry today – just not all together

The commonwealth parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Defence and Trade is inquiring into tourism and international education and has hearings in Melbourne today.

First up the International Education Association of Australia has 90 minutes to itself – which on the basis of its submission it will have no trouble filling (CMM March 8).

It’s followed by sector-lobbies, with public university groups appearing together, followed by private provider reps.

Universities Australia, the Australian Technology Network the Group of Eight and the Innovative Research Universities will share (undoubtedly amicably) 90 minutes. But the Regional Universities Network, which made a  submission is not on the list. Executive Director Alec Webb is overseas, but hopes for a chance to appear before the committee when he gets back.