As an engaged and energised Trade Minister, Mr Robb has been a champion for Australia’s growing international education sector, worth $19.2 billion last year.

“Andrew Robb has personally driven the AIE2025 strategy – an ambitious market development plan to keep growing Australia’s international education sector,” said Universities Australia Chief Executive Belinda Robinson.

International education is now Australia’s third-largest export, and will be a vital part of Australia’s economic growth strategy into the future.

University leaders were consistently invited to participate in major international trade delegations.

“Australia’s university presence and profile in the Asia-Pacific region has been further elevated by Mr Robb’s commitment and determination in making international education a centrepiece of the Australian trade agenda,” Ms Robinson said.

“The Australian university sector wishes Mr Robb and his family the very best for the future.

“We look forward to working closely with his successor, Steve Ciobo, who, along with International Education Minister, Richard Colbeck, will be a persuasive and energetic supporter of Australian international education.”

Universities Australia also acknowledges the contribution to regional Australia of Warren Truss as Nationals Leader and Deputy Prime Minister.

“Regional universities are a major economic contributor to the regions and play a central role in the lives of regional communities,” Ms Robinson said.

“We thank Mr Truss for his service to the nation across many decades in public life.”

Ms Robinson said she welcomed the new Nationals leadership team of Barnaby Joyce and Fiona Nash, as strong advocates for regional universities and their communities.

Universities Australia also congratulates all of the other Ministers who will be sworn in to new roles on Thursday.

They include Darren Chester as Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Senator Scott Ryan as Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Alan Tudge as Minister for Human Services, Senator Matt Canavan as Minister for Northern Australia and Angus Taylor as Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation.