Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the Albanese Government’s announcement regarding COVID-19 testing for people travelling from China was a reasonable course of action under the current circumstances.
“From the outset of the pandemic, Go8 members have always supported decisions based on expert health advice and will continue to do so,” she said.
“While the Government’s decision that people travelling from China must test negative on departure may impact students returning to study at Go8 universities, it has been taken in the best interests of our students and the broader Australian community.
“More than 105,000 Chinese nationals are currently enrolled at Go8 universities, representing 76 percent of higher education enrolments from Chinese students.
“These students stuck by Go8 universities throughout the pandemic which is a testament to the high quality education being offered at our research-intensive universities. We look forward to welcoming them back in 2023,” said Ms Thomson.