Message from our CEO – Statement on support for our international students

Like many of you, I was disappointed with Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s recent comment that ‘international students should go home’. Although Mr Morrison’s comments were less than encouraging, I believe that there is still strong support for our sector within the Government. I will continue to actively work with the government to support the ELICOS sector.

The day following Mr Morrison’s comment, the Hon Alan Tudge MP, acting Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, announced that most temporary visa holders with work rights will now be able to access their Australian superannuation to help support themselves during this crisis. This is in addition to the Government temporarily relaxing the enforcement of the 40 hour work limitation for the following critical sectors:

• international students who are existing workers in major supermarkets to help get stock on shelves due to high demand (implemented 7 March)
• international students who are existing workers in the aged care sector are able to work more than 40 hours a fortnight (implemented on 18 March 2020).

I recognise that many ELICOS students will not be able to access these initiatives, but these are positive steps towards including measures for international education in national support packages.

Education Minister, the Hon Dan Tehan, also confirmed his support for the international education sector, commenting, ‘my message to our international students is: you are our friends, our classmates, our colleagues and members of our community’.

I also know how supportive and flexible our member colleges have been in meeting the needs of their students during this incredibly difficult time. This support and flexibility is testament to the degree to which you value your students as well as your desire to ensure their learning experience is positive despite the chaotic situation that we are all in. I’m currently working with the Department of Education, Skills and Employment, and national regulators on materials that can help you in communicating the changes in the mode of delivery to your students.

Towards a National Hardship Fund
Recognising the incredible contribution that international students make to Australia, we support the International Education Association of Australia’s call for a National Hardship Fund to support students who have lost their jobs as the pandemic ravages the retail and hospitality industries. 

I have been advised that our request for $87 million in sector support was received and had impact in raising the needs of the sector. The Government’s focus so far has been on the broader macroeconomic supports of the JobKeeper fund and other initiatives. We believe in the coming weeks that specific sector packages will be announced, and we will continue to pursue dedicated support for our sector.

We continue to campaign via state premiers and federal MPs on our request for assistance, ensuring all avenues are explored to support our sector.

Each week of this pandemic seems to bring a new challenge, but I am confident that our sector can meet these challenges. The ELICOS sector is full of innovative and passionate people, who are all working together to keep our sector alive and our students supported through the greatest challenge that our sector has ever faced.