The South Australian government is looking for an international education led economic expansion. “Having more international students drives construction in the CBD, improves city vibrancy and has a great effect in terms of retail spend and tourism,” Premier Steven Marshall says. Yesterday he released a new report from consultants Deloitte making the point.

Sadly, Deloitte also reports international student growth in SA growing at half the national 12 per cent rate in 2015-17. Market share fell half of one percent, to 4.5 per cent.  And SA is competing for the same students as the other states – those from India and China.

But not to worry, the Marshall ministry is on the case.

The government promises, “a new international education strategy.” There is a new ministerial advisory committee and StudyAdelaide has an extra $2.5m, “to market the city as centre of educational excellence.”  But first the  marketers will need to explain to people in Asia where Adelaide is.