Australia unveils tougher student visa rules as it climbs into top 10 gender equality rankings

Australia's home affairs minister, Tony Burke, will outline major changes to the country's immigration system at the National Press Club today, aimed at bringing down net overseas migration. His address is titled "The work of managing the migration program: Who arrives, who stays, who leaves."

One of the biggest shifts targets international students, who will largely be required to come to Australia alone rather than with family members. Last year the country issued more than 337,000 international student visas, of which roughly 45,000 went to dependents or family members of the primary applicant.

The reform will move some visa categories away from demand-driven settings introduced under the Howard government, giving authorities tighter control over arrival and departure numbers. Labor intends to pursue the changes through legislation, but may fall back on regulation and directives to departmental officials if parliamentary agreement cannot be reached.

Gender gap improvement

Separately, the World Economic Forum's latest Global Gender Gap Report ranks Australia eighth out of 148 countries — its best-ever result and the first time it has broken into the global top 10. The country has risen 35 places, from 43rd, since the Albanese government took office.

The government attributes the rise to stronger female political representation, including a majority-female cabinet, expanded paid parental leave, wage growth in female-dominated sectors, and new investment in women's health. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese noted the ranking had fallen to an all-time low of 50th under the previous Coalition government. Minister for Women Katy Gallagher said more work remains on ending violence against women and strengthening women's economic empowerment and leadership representation.