Premier Peter Malinauskas makes historic mission to boost Indian interest in merged unis
Peter Malinauskas has set off on a five-day trip to India to attract international students – the first by a South Australian Premier in more than a decade.
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Premier Peter Malinauskas says the focus of his visit to India will be to attract international students, ahead of the opening of the new $450m merged university.
The Premier – who departed from Adelaide Airport on Sunday morning – will lead a delegation of university vice chancellors and other officials to meet with Indian government and education figures to promote study and work opportunities for international students, as well as opportunities to bolster trade.
The five-day trip is the first to India for a South Australian Premier in more than a decade.
Before boarding his flight, Mr Malinauskas told reporters the number of international students from India has grown substantially – but there was capacity to attract more.
It comes ahead of the planned opening of the new Adelaide University – a merger of the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia – next year, which will seek to bolster international student numbers in South Australia.
Mr Malinauskas spoke against the idea of reducing international student numbers, adding that such restrictions would not reduce pressure on the housing market.
“The way we address the housing crisis is to build a lot more homes,” he said.
“International students aren’t the problem. International students are a source of huge economic revenue for the country, for our university’s research base, which is critical to our productivity agenda.”
He said despite the growing number of international students, South Australia still had 10 per cent occupancy in student accommodation.
Indian students make up the largest cohort of international students in South Australia, with international education contributing more than $3 billion to the local economy.
Mr Malinauskas will also discuss the possibility of launching direct flights between Adelaide and India.
Adelaide Airport chief Brenton Cox will be among the business leaders accompanying the Premier to India for the “first step” of the talks on flights.
“Between us and the airport, we think we’re got really compelling pitch to get a direct flight from India to Adelaide,” he said.
Mr Malinauskas will also hold discussions with Indian companies around investment opportunities in SA, including in the clean energy sector, aerospace, food, wine and other industries.
Opposition Leader Vincent Tarzia said the delegation to India needed a tangible outcome, such as securing direct flights into Adelaide.
“India is key for us here in South Australia and it’s vital we keep the momentum up,” he said.
“Direct flights from Adelaide to India will supercharge trade, tourism, and education.
“Let’s make Adelaide a straight shot to India and give SA every opportunity to benefit from this valuable market.”
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Originally published as Premier Peter Malinauskas makes historic mission to boost Indian interest in merged unis
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