Federal Government gives green light to SA’s international student quarantine hub plan

International students will be back in SA within months, with Canberra approving the Parafield Airport quarantine hub.

International students will soon return to Adelaide after the Federal Government approved South Australia’s Parafield Airport quarantine hub plan.

SA is the first state to get the green light for a plan to bring overseas students back to the country.

Students could return as early as September but logistics are still being finalised.

Up to 160 students at a time will be able to quarantine at Flight Training Adelaide at Parafield Airport, which has on site accommodation.

Education Minister Alan Tudge signed off on SA’s proposal after it met all of the Federal Government’s guidelines.

“Importantly, the plan won’t take any quarantine places from Australians returning home,” Mr Tudge said.

Parafield Airport will serve as a quarantine hub for international students. Picture: Dean Martin

Premier Steven Marshall submitted the plan for approval three weeks ago after chief health officer Nicola Spurrier confirmed it was “fully compliant with SA Health protocols”.

Mr Marshall welcomed the news on Thursday, saying international education was a significant part of SA’s economy, that had contributed more than $2 billion and 20,000 jobs to the state in 2019.

“There is still more work to be done with the Commonwealth and education providers but it’s important to note that Professor Spurrier and her team at SA Health, along with SA Police, have been central to the formation of the plan, which meets all the necessary protocols required by the Federal Government.”

“It’s also important to note that no returning Australian will be impacted by the plan, as it will be done outside the current caps, and the institutions and students will bear the costs of flights and quarantine.”

State Trade and Investment Minister Stephen Patterson said the flight school at Parafield had been approved for its ability to meet infection control measures.

Students will have to undergo daily COVID-19 testing, and countries of origin will undergo “risk assessment” as the COVID-19 situation changes around the world.

SA is expected to benefit from a first-mover advantage by signalling to overseas students that they have a pathway to study in Australia while borders are closed.

Flinders University Vice President International Sebastian Raneskold said it was “positive step” towards students being able to resume their studies in person.

“I particularly wish to acknowledge the state government’s leadership in working to achieve this milestone – we can now move forward to progress arrangements for student returns in the knowledge that our plan is sound and meets the rigorous criteria required by health authorities,” he said.

“This news will also be very welcome by South Australian businesses, with the return of students creating more jobs and making a significant contribution to our local economy.”

International Education Association of Australia chief executive Phil Honeywood praised Mr Marshall for “political courage” on the issue, saying it was “a rare commodity nowadays”.

“This will definitely give South Australia an edge and enhance its market share in this $40 billion industry,” Mr Honeywood said.

He said it was “great for jobs in the state and great for students who have been waiting so patiently to come back and finish their studies”.

 New South Wales is the only other state to have formally submitted a plan to bring back international students, while the Northern Territory successfully brought in about 60 students under a trial program in November 2020.

Jab changes: What you need to know

Meanwhile, Australian health officials have lifted the recommended age for AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine recipients to 60. Here’s what you need to know.

SA Health advised people aged between 50 and 59, who already have a booking for the vaccine, would automatically get Pfizer when they arrive at the clinic.

However, some regional clinics that offer only Astra-Zeneca will be hamstrung.

People under 60 who have received one dose of Astra-Zeneca are still urged to get the second dose, South Australia’s chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said.

Prof Spurrier said the “hiccup” would slow down the state’s vaccine rollout.

“We have got reasonable supplies of Pfizer in our state, but this is a big change,” she said. “Yes, it is unfortunate and it is disappointing and it will affect the vaccine rollout, but we have to follow the best medical advice.”

SA continues to receive approximately 23,000 doses of Pfizer each week. As of June 11, SA Health had 71,390 doses in stock. An updated figure will be provided today.

There are more than 3600 appointments available for the Pfizer vaccine in SA across the next fortnight.