Marshall asks federal government to sign off on international student hub plan

Health authorities say they think it is safe to follow a plan the premier hopes can get SA’s lucrative international education market off the ground again.

A flight school in Adelaide’s north has been identified as the location for the state’s new international student hub, under official plans submitted to federal authorities to revive the $2 billion industry.

In a major milestone, South Australia’s Covid-19 health chief, Professor Nicola Spurrier, has approved the facility at the Parafield Airport-based Flight Training Adelaide.

Premier Steven Marshall wrote to federal Minister Education Alan Tudge on Friday seeking formal approval before the pair spoke on Saturday morning.

The Department for Trade and Investment plan will allow at least 160 students to live at the facility, which SA Police and SA Health officials found suitable after visiting many other sites.

Chief public health officer Nicola Spurrier, Premier Steven Marshall and health minister Stephen Wade. Picture: Dean Martin

The cohort, who are not counted in an existing 530-person weekly flight cap, will isolate under police guard for a fortnight in groups of four in several campus bungalows surrounded by fenced-off lawn.

Authorities said “risk profiles of countries would be a key consideration” on arrivals.

Prof Spurrier wrote to Mr Marshall on Friday night, approving plans that were “fully compliant with SA Health protocols” used in medi-hotels and which met federal rules.

“I provide assurance that the plan can be successfully delivered, enabling the state to rebuild this critical sector,” she wrote.

In response to inquiries last week about the Parafield site, Mr Marshall on Saturday revealed the plans had been lodged.

He said it would be a significant economic boost but health and safety “is our number one priority”.

“This plan to get international students back ensures that priority remains paramount, while supporting our international education sector and the thousands of jobs it underpins as SA’s largest services export,” he said.

Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport has been earmarked as a possible location for a new international students hub. . Picture: Dean Martin

“No returning Australian will be impacted by the plan.

“There is still more work to be done with the commonwealth to bring the plan to fruition.” Sources said a sticking point between universities and SA Health had been the cost.

The expected cost per student was said to be more than three times a standard adult’s $3000 medi-hotel fee.

SA’s universities were opposed to those amounts. Mr Marshall said institutions and students would pay.

University officials, who have been critical of delays, want existing students prioritised, especially those with practical subjects.

Mr Tudge said that “on the face of it, it appears to meet the criteria we have set but we will work through it carefully in the next couple of weeks”.

A November trial for 300 students had stalled. Flight Training Adelaide chief executive officer, Johan Pienaar, said his firm was happy to assist.