With a negative rapid antigen test now the only requirement for international arrivals, the number of students in Victoria has risen from a low of 68,400 in December to about 100,000.
Loading
They contribute $1.15 to the state economy for every dollar spent on tuition fees in what was a $13.7 billion industry in 2019.
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree or a master’s by coursework can apply for a two-year working visa under the current federal government framework. Those with a master’s by research and doctoral degree can request three and four years respectively.
Cr Capp says Melbourne will lobby the next federal government “in lockstep” with the think tank Committee for Sydney on helping international students enter the workforce.
Her position could be controversial among some Victorians, after political polling earlier this year found 65 per cent of voters wanted the country’s migration program to restart at a lower level than the 160,000-per-year intake before the pandemic.
However, the Property Council of Victoria agrees with Cr Capp, saying in its pre-state budget pitch that students were essential to the CBD’s recovery. Its proposed $15,000 relocation payment, to be half repaid by recipients who remain in Victoria after 18 months, would target workers in sectors experiencing skills shortages.
The Property Council of Australia’s Victorian executive director Danni Hunter.Credit:Wayne Taylor
The council’s executive director, Danni Hunter, is also calling for incentives such as land tax and payroll tax relief to lure businesses with no CBD presence into the city centre.
“We want to see the reform agenda taken off the shelf, and expanded to supercharge our economy, revitalise our CBD, grow Victoria’s international student sector, unlock future residential and industrial land supply, and realise opportunities for regional Victoria,” she said.
Loading
“Reform is difficult, but it is necessary.”
Cr Capp will use her speech to label Melbourne “the busiest Australian city in March”, citing foot traffic around Town Hall at 95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels last weekend. A record crowd of 1.44 million people attended Moomba over the March long weekend.
“Most importantly, we must sustain the revitalisation and recovery efforts into and during winter 2022. We can’t go into lockdown again,” she will say.
The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.
Mayor calls for ‘drastic and brave’ action to keep foreign students in Australia
Source: Philippines Alive
