Page: 5597
Matter of Public Importance
Mr DAVID CAMPBELL (Keira—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business) [4.29 p.m.]: I ask the House to note as a matter of public importance the impending official opening of the University of Wollongong's second campus in Dubai. I speak on this topic with enormous pride, not only as an Illawarra resident and as the member of Parliament whose electorate includes the university's main campus, but also as a member of the Council of the University of Wollongong.. The importance of the United Arab Emirates [UAE] as an export destination for New South Wales and the rest of Australia cannot be overstated. The University of Wollongong recognised the UAE's importance as far back as 1992 when it sent its Vice-Principal, International, James Langridge, to Dubai for the first of what would be many visits. A year later the University of Wollongong opened the Institute of Australian Studies in Dubai. In 1999 it became the first western university to operate a campus in the United Arab Emirates. This was a revolutionary push into a brave new world at a time when other western universities were pushing into Asia.
I cannot praise the university enough, particularly the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Gerard Sutton, and Mr Langridge for their visionary approach to offshore operations. Some would say the decision to set up in the UAE was a courageous one, but it has paid off handsomely. It has reinforced the reputation of the University of Wollongong as a place of forward thinking, a place where academics and managers think outside the box. That sort of innovative thinking is behind the university's innovation campus, which is being established with State Government support in Fairy Meadow. The innovation campus is the future face of Wollongong. It is a drawcard for high-technology industries, including information and communication technology, to join forces with the university in one convenient location. The campus underscores the university's commitment to collaborating with business and industry and to work with the corporate world for mutual benefit. The enhancement to its already powerful research capacity will be tremendous.
In Dubai the University of Wollongong's student numbers have grown as more and more people realise that they have access to a western-style university. The degrees earned at the University of Wollongong in Dubai carry the same value as if they were earned at the main campus in the electorate of Keira. The UAE is a thriving business centre which had a gross domestic product of more than $US76 billion in 2003 and real growth of more than 3 per cent. It is a significant trading partner with Australia and New South Wales. Australia's export trade with the UAE during 2002-03 was worth $1.2 billion. New South Wales exports to the UAE in the same period were worth $A65 million. The UAE is a developing market as it imports more than 90 per cent of its total annual requirements and offers New South Wales exporters opportunities in almost every industry sector. Consider the demand for what are known as elaborately transformed manufactures—cars, industrial machinery and ships, to name just a few—which comprised barely 7 per cent of Australia's total exports to the UAE in 1990-91 but grew to account for more than 36 per cent of exports in the past financial year.
In recognition of these opportunities, the New South Wales Government organised four general trade missions and two industry-specific market visits to the UAE. The first of these was held in May 1999. As I speak, 11 New South Wales companies are taking part in our State's display at the Big 5 building and construction industry exhibition in Dubai. Another trade mission is scheduled for March 2004. I have every confidence that it will be as successful as previous ventures. To date more than 80 New South Wales companies have taken advantage of the opportunity that has been provided by the Carr Government to meet with potential buyers and business partners in this exciting and dynamic part of the world. The UAE is undergoing phenomenal growth. There is the $US4 billion Westside Marina project; the Palm Islands project, which is also worth $US4 billion; Health Care City in Dubai, costing $US2 billion; and Dubai's International Finance Centre, which is also worth $US2 billion. The New South Wales Government is committed to ensuring that our businesses are best positioned to take advantage of this booming region.
There are more than 4,000 Australian nationals and 80 Australian companies in the UAE covering diverse industries, including architectural services, banking, construction materials and equipment, agricultural supplies, industrial minerals, oilfield supplies and, of course, education services. Boral Plasterboard, Clipsal, Foster's, Hawker Pacific, Morgan and Banks, Multiplex, Rydges, the Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation and Woods Bagot, along with the University of Wollongong, to name a few, are hard at work in the UAE. New South Wales exports to the UAE will be worth more than $A65 million in 2002-03. That will increase because of the diverse demands of those living in the UAE. The UAE's population is rapidly increasing. More and more expatriates want to work in the region where the UAE is the hub. The UAE's population stands at 3.6 million, which is an increase from 2.6 million in 1997, and it is predicted to double by 2010. Almost 80 per cent of the population are expatriates from 220 countries. That obviously has a big impact on purchasing patterns. Consumers in the UAE are looking for a diverse range of products and services, and that offers great opportunities for New South Wales businesses.
The UAE depends on imports. More than 90 per cent of its requirements are imported. Australia's exports to the UAE have been growing by 20 per cent a year. That represents an incredible opportunity for our exporters of goods and services to expand their markets. In fact, about one-fifth of the cars in the gulf are from Australia, and it is a burgeoning market for car accessories. One of the inventions that has been a hit in the UAE is a tyre deflator for desert driving. Supermarket shelves are stocked with Australian products, including staple products such as Vegemite and Nutri-Grain. First-time exporters find the UAE a welcoming new market. Australian cherries found their way onto the shelves in Dubai only a week after the grower expressed an interest in the market. The New South Wales Government was able to assist the grower to approach Austrade to get into the UAE.
Australian companies working in the UAE are involved in a wide range of endeavours, including the supply and servicing of building and construction equipment, water and waste water technology, oil and gas production equipment and services, food and food-processing equipment, irrigation equipment, education and training services, health services and much more. I make the point, in the context of education and training services, that the University of Wollongong's contribution is a significant one. It illustrates how all this happens. One firm or one organisation establishes itself in a country and starts to build contacts and provide advice, and it goes on from there. That is the benefit of the hard work of ensuring that businesses in New South Wales obtain access to markets such as the UAE. It is all about learning by experience and levering off each other.
Australian companies that are involved in the construction industry in Dubai and the UAE have a reputation that is second to none in one of the country's most important sectors. Our tourism links are growing as well. A third of all Middle East tourists to Australia are from the UAE. That figure should continue to increase with the continuing expansion of air services between Australia and the UAE. Anecdotal comments by people on the main campus at the University of Wollongong reveal that people who have studied at the Dubai campus take the opportunity to visit Wollongong and New South Wales as tourists to inspect the university's main campus. A sense of tourism has developed from the educational presence of the University of Wollongong in the UAE, and that is particularly important. All this comment merely serves to show how smart it was for the University of Wollongong to position itself in such a market. It was ahead of its time then, and it is ahead of its time now as it prepares to open its second campus in Dubai.
The university deserves much praise and all good wishes for future success as it continues its work as an Australian trailblazer in a dynamic part of the world. It is an Australian trailblazer in exporting services, particularly educational services. All too often in this country we refer to exports in terms of minerals, agricultural products and manufactured products, but is important for us to recognise that the export of services is a significant, untapped component of the economy. In September, in my capacity as the Minister the Small Business, as part of Small Business September I was pleased to launch a kit for exporters of services. The kit consists of a compact disc prepared by the New South Wales Government showing the opportunities provided by the export of services, such as education, architectural and other professional services. That component of our economy can make a real contribution to the export performance of New South Wales and Australia. In the context of this matter of public importance, I again take the opportunity to acknowledge the university's contribution and congratulate it on the efforts it has made. The University of Wollongong has been twice named Australian University of the Year.
Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER (North Shore) [4.39 p.m.]: The Coalition joins with the Government in congratulating the University of Wollongong, particularly its international arm, the Illawarra Technology Corporation [ITC], on its success in this venture in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. It is particularly rewarding to note that this second Dubai Campus of the University of Wollongong was 18 months in the planning; the first campus was established nine years ago. On behalf of the Coalition I join the Minister in congratulating the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Gerard Sutton, on this achievement. In an article in the Australian on 26 November Professor Sutton stated that the involvement of Mr Mark Vaile, the Federal Minister for Trade, in the launch was significant and an indication of the Federal Government's support for the venture.
It is very unusual in this House for two matters to be discussed consecutively in relation to which the Government and the Coalition both congratulate the Federal Government on its attitude and thank Mr Mark Vaile. While the Carr Government might want to talk about the impact of this venture because of its relationship with New South Wales, it is largely a Commonwealth Government involvement. Many years ago I was working in the Ministry of Education and Youth Affairs when education was identified as having the potential of being one of this State's greatest export products. The Dubai Campus, offering a university education, is a great example of that, but education could be exported at all levels.
Mr David Campbell: New South Wales TAFE does a great job.
Mrs JILLIAN SKINNER: TAFE does a fantastic job. Schools are establishing links with other countries, particularly South-East Asia. Recently I made a personal visit to Singapore and visited personnel in its Ministry of Education. I was interested to note Australia's involvement in education in Singapore. The 1,600 students at the Dubai Campus of the University of Wollongong comprise 62 nationalities; it is a relatively big campus for a new facility. The ITC chief, James Langridge, said that students chose Wollongong's Dubai Campus because they could study at a Western university without leaving their country. That is a very great selling point for students in the Middle East. They are attracted to learn through a Western facility, because sometimes leaving their country might be difficult or prohibitive.
That University of Wollongong is the only Western university with a campus in the UAE, and brings in $16 million each year in student fees. Earlier I said that education is an export product, and this campus is a clear demonstration of that export. Mr Langridge, the chief executive of the Illawarra Technology Corporation, said that postgraduate education would continue to be the focus of the University of Wollongong in the provision of services to the UAE. It offers masters degrees in business administration and quality management; something I would have thought to be useful and very much in demand in those countries. Mr Langridge said also that postgraduate education would continue to be the focus, as there were already 21 local universities offering undergraduate programs. Another attractive feature of Wollongong is its links with international universities, which enable postgraduate study overseas. The article concluded:
… the university hopes to boost student numbers to 5000 in the next five years and is increasing the amount of satellite operations in other parts of the UAE.
This is a very important investment for the University of Wollongong and a very successful project for New South Wales and Australia. It should become a model for investment in education services overseas. It is important that we support the Commonwealth Government and recognise the very valuable contribution that it makes. Given that this Parliament often debates motions condemning our Federal colleagues, it would be very generous of the Minister to put on the record his congratulations and compliments to Minister Vaile, as has the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, Gerard Sutton, to whom Minister Campbell earlier referred. Obviously this is a very worthwhile project that we should all encourage, and we should never be reluctant to praise and give thanks for the work that has been done.
Ms NOREEN HAY (Wollongong) [4.45 p.m.]: As another proud Illawarra-based member of Parliament, I share the Minister's delight at the University of Wollongong's continuing success in the United Arab Emirates [UAE]. It is very exciting to know that in a few days the university will open its second campus in Dubai, just four years after becoming the first Western university to establish a campus in the UAE. The University of Wollongong remains the only Australian university operating within the UAE. The University of Wollongong in Dubai is run by the university's corporate arm, the Illawarra Technology Corporation Limited [ITC]. Its director is Professor Rodney Hills, formerly the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea. Other western universities run courses such as Master of Business Administration by distance education to the UAE but the ITC continues to manage the only offshore campus.
Students from Dubai can transfer to Wollongong to undertake further studies as similar programs are offered from the main Wollongong campus and in Dubai. This year both campuses of the University of Wollongong in Dubai had enrolled almost 1,600 students for its spring session; a 20 per cent increase on the number enrolled for the same session in the previous year—an amazing growth of 500 per cent since 1999. The university's Dubai campuses are truly international with students from 62 nationalities. The academic teaching staff has grown to 35, with the total staff approaching 100. Undergraduate degrees offered by the University of Wollongong in Dubai include a Bachelor of Commerce specialising in marketing, management or economics, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Internet Science, and Bachelor of Computer Science. It offers also masters degrees in business administration, international business, and quality management.
The University of Wollongong in Dubai began teaching certificate and diploma programs for the United Kingdom-based Institute of Financial Services in October 2002, following accreditation by the institute. Its library doubled in size during the year with the provision of computer study spaces and two quiet study rooms. The major appeal for students in the UAE is that they can attend a western-style university without leaving the country and be assured that the degrees carry the same value as if the students were attending the University of Wollongong in Australia. The soaring student numbers are a clear indication that more overseas students are becoming aware that they can gain a quality education through an Australian-run institution. Student numbers are expected to soar from 1,600 this year to 5,000 in five years. Finally, I too extend my congratulations to Professor Sutton and Mr Langridge, who is quite rightly regarded as the founding father of the University of Wollongong in Dubai. Their foresight is taking Wollongong to the world.
Mr DAVID CAMPBELL (Keira—Minister for Regional Development, Minister for the Illawarra, and Minister for Small Business) [4.50 p.m.], in reply: I spoke earlier in debate about the trade missions run by the New South Wales Government to the United Arab Emirates [UAE]—missions designed to help our companies capitalise on the almost endless opportunities offered by this rapidly growing economy. Among the companies that participated was PCWI Pty Ltd from Cardiff, which designs and manufactures high voltage test instruments that detect porosity or pinholes in various coatings on metal and concrete surfaces that have been applied to eliminate corrosion. Talking about the Department of State and Regional Development, PCWI's General Manager, Laurie Sullivan, had this to say:
Our participation in these programs has been a vital factor in the company's success in new international markets and I have no doubt that without the department's partnership and support we would not have progressed in markets such as China and the Middle East.
Yamba boat builder Bill Collingburn, of Yamba Welding and Engineering Pty Ltd, who was part of a trade mission to the UAE in April last year, said:
This was a focused and intense business trip in which we achieved huge exposure and as a result we are already quoting on several projects in the area, including a $3 million contract.
He continued:
The DSRD team are to be congratulated for their business-like and effective use of funds, providing us with the best possible introduction to this market.
Geotechnique Pty Ltd from Penrith was also on that trade mission. That company offers a range of services including testing soils prior to any construction activity to gauge compaction and load-bearing capacity. The company representative on the mission had this to say:
The department organised a business marketing survey for us, identifying suitable companies and then arranged a series of appointments with these organisations.
That company, which is now moving into the UAE, is concentrating on environmental engineering. Another participant in the April 2002 trade mission to the UAE was Edmonds Products (Australia) Pty Ltd of Brookvale, which specialises in the design and manufacture of ventilation products with an emphasis on energy efficiency. Managing Director Alan Ramsey said that the mission to the UAE enabled him to make essential high-level contacts. He had already been to the region but had been unable to gain a foothold until the April 2002 trade mission. Mr Ramsey said this of the mission:
The principal achievement was to gain not one, but two, visits to the general headquarters of Military Works—notoriously difficult to get into. We were invited back after meeting the Brigadier to present a seminar to designers and project engineers.
Mr Ramsey said that it was a "wonderful opportunity" and that it was "marvellous" to get that crucial door opened. A year earlier, food manufacturer Cerebos sent a representative on a State Government trade mission to the UAE. Its verdict was that Cerebos achieved "excellent exposure amongst decision-makers by being invited to functions attended by government Ministers, business leaders and others in the local hierarchy". I acknowledge the contribution of my colleague the honourable member for Wollongong in debate on this matter of public importance. Although she was only recently elected as a member of this Parliament, I know from discussions with her that she is a strong supporter of the University of Wollongong and its endeavours at its main campus and satellite campuses along the South Coast and in the Southern Highlands. I know that she strongly supports its joint venture at the Loftus TAFE campus.
I thank the honourable member for Wollongong for her contribution to this debate. I acknowledge the support that was given earlier by Opposition members and by the honourable member for North Shore. While the honourable member for Wollongong was speaking earlier the honourable member for Albury indicated by way of interjection that he had been on a visit to the UAE and had visited the campus. As a former resident of Wollongong I am sure that the honourable member for Albury would be delighted to know that the university has that presence in the UAE. He would also be delighted to know that it is expanding and establishing a second campus. A number of the issues that I spoke about earlier related to trade delegations led by the New South Wales Government. When those trade missions go to other countries such as the UAE, Japan, India, or other locations, the Federal Government body Austrade lends its support. There is a bipartisan approach to ensure growth in the export performance of Australian and New South Wales companies. I congratulate the University of Wollongong.
Discussion concluded.
Madam ACTING-SPEAKER (Ms Marie Andrews): Order! It being before 5.15 p.m., with the consent of the House I propose to proceed to the taking of private members' statements.
PRIVATE MEMBERS' STATEMENTS
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