In this episode of Global Horizons, Rob Malicki and Koala News founder Dirk Mulder unpack what MD 115 really does, where the tech and systems may not be keeping up, and why some of this feels more like political theatre than serious system reform.

Highlights in this episode include:

• How one tiny forgotten setting killed their live recording in front of work experience students

• What MD 115 actually changes, and how the new processing “lanes” could play out in practice

• Why the ESOS reforms have been bundled with other legislation, and what that means for timing and scrutiny

• The optics of a billion dollar Australian campus in Malaysia at the same time as “social licence” debates at home

• Whether AI driven verification can genuinely free up staff to focus on students, rather than just cut teams

• The return of a national student voice and why it matters that international students are back at the policy table

There is plenty of policy in this episode, but also plenty of raised eyebrows, uncomfortable questions and a few good laughs at their own expense. If you are trying to make sense of where international education in Australia goes next, this is one of those conversations that helps you see the bigger picture rather than just the latest headline.

Global Horizons is a production of The Global Society, Australia’s Learning Abroad support company. Our editor is Len Zamora and our distribution specialist is Gelo Ablao. Rob Malicki is the executive editor and host. The podcast wouldn’t be possible without The Koala News, Australia’s international education news website. This episode is supported by Choosing Your Uni, Australia's unique, AI-powered platform that helps domestic and international students to find the right institution for them, and that helps Australian institutions to access new markets.

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