In fact, it revealed what we have known for years: the sector is running out of control, tainted by spivs and shonky operators chasing a quick buck.

The review, conducted by former federal MP Bruce Baird, was a sad indictment on the tertiary education business that continues to cause irreparable damage and friction between Australia and its international partners.

The international student market plays a huge role in Australia's well-being, pumping billions of dollars into the economy, so it is simply unacceptable that a handful of unscrupulous dealers, hell-bent on milking the system by making false promises and leaving international students high and dry, can damage our third biggest export business.

The Federal Government and administrators should take heed of Mr Baird's recommendations and come down hard on the shonks, governing the sector with tighter scrutiny and offering improved support mechanisms for overseas students.

It would do the Government and regulators no harm to take a leaf out the University of Wollongong's book, where overseas students are highly valued and treated with respect for what they bring to our community, financially and culturally.