The Queensland Government has announced it will allow international students with Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) to access treatment at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

 

The decision has been welcomed by the Federal Government, which has been pressuring Queensland to expand its services in the Brisbane area.

 

"This decision recognises the entitlement of international students to health care in Australia under their OSHC insurance, and the important contribution that international students make to Queensland's economy and society," Federal Minister for Tertiary Education Senator Chris Evans said.

 

"I strongly encourage all state and territory governments to adopt a similar approach and consider that these crucial services should be provided to international students who have served the appropriate waiting periods specified in their insurance policies."

 

Senator Evans reiterated calls for wider reforms that would give international students access to benefit from travel concessions that local students enjoy.

 

"It is time that the New South Wales and Victorian Governments act, as all other states and territories have done, to extend concession transport fares to international students," Senator Evans said.