Government Panel
Details of the government panel speakers will be posted as they are confirmed.
Patrick Willix
Australian Education International (AEI)
Patrick Willix is Assistant Director of the Strategic Policy Unit within Australian Education International (AEI). AEI is the international group of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations and leads strategic policy, regulation and government-to-government engagement for Australia’s international education sector. Strategic Policy’s responsibilities include overall policy development and coordination, provision of ministerial and parliamentary support as well as working with state and territory governments through the Joint Committee on International Education. Patrick’s specific responsibilities includes work to enhance the quality of the international student experience and coordinating Commonwealth Government initiatives for the COAG International Students Strategy for Australia.
Prior to joining AEI, Patrick was International Student Adviser and international programs manager in a number of Australian universities during which time he also served two terms as national president of ISANA.
Tracy Harris
Senior Education Manager, Austrade
Tracy Harris is Austrade’s Senior Manager – International Education. In this role Tracy is responsible for the management, development and oversight of Austrade’s industry-focused international marketing and promotion communication and engagement strategies. This includes: Austrade’s online education information services, the Market Information Package and Global Education News e-newsletter; and engagement with stakeholders including government agencies, education institutions and peak bodies, particularly with the higher education and schools sectors.
Prior to joining Austrade Tracy was with AEI for five and a half years in a number of roles. Most recently she was the Director of the Strategic Engagement Section.
Tracy has been involved in the international education sector for over 20 years and worked in a variety of international education roles outside the Australian Public Service, including eight years at the University of Canberra in the International Office. She has a background in communication, public relations and marketing.