CPAs say international student caps would bring negative consequences for accounting

CPA AUSTRALIA has warned proposals from both major parties to cap the number of international students who can study in Australia would have negative consequences for the accounting profession. 

“Any proposals to cap the number of international students coming to Australia must be carefully considered and debated,” CPA Australia’s business investment and international lead, Gavan Ord said. “Wrong steps can have significant short and long-term implications for Australia. 

“Australia is already experiencing a shortage of qualified accountants and many other occupations amid soaring demand, and tertiary education is a critical pipeline to train new accountants.  

“Any measures that cut the number of genuine international students who wish to study accounting in Australian universities would exacerbate this shortage,” Mr Ord said. “It would have a negative knock-on effect to Australian business and the economy.

“Australia is at risk of being left behind if we do not attract the next generation of accountants, auditors and other critical occupations.”

CPA Australia is the leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world, with more than 174,000 members in over 100 countries and regions. Mr Ord said his organisation’s core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy.

“We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes.”

www.cpaaustralia.com.au

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