I rise to speak to the Higher Education (General Provisions) Bill 2008. This bill is designed to repeal the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2003 and replace it with a new act so that we can remain competitive in the global higher education market. We all know that higher education is a significant Australian export. Indeed, when I was previously on the Queensland University of Technology Council it was an issue that was often discussed, especially in relation to the viability of universities when you factor in the substantial income that is derived from overseas students. In 2008, Queensland education exports are valued at $1.6 billion and higher education is the largest contributor to the sector. I am supportive of the national framework that will deliver comparable standards and protocols for delivering quality courses and degrees across the university sector. The new protocols will also allow for diversification of the tertiary sector, ensuring that new players can enter the market but with clear quality controls. » more