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RESEARCH AND RESOURCES IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST
Transport concessions for international students: a position paper
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| Transport concessions for international students: a position paper |
12 April 2010A key issue identified in the Universities Australia Ten-Point Action Plan on Student Safety was the absence of suitable transport concessions provided to international students - particularly so in NSW and Victoria. Both Governments have remained strongly opposed to issuing such concessions even in the face of the recent public debate on international student safety.
This paper:
- examines the arguments surrounding the issue of travel concessions for international students;
- identifies the costs and benefits of implementing transport concessions for those students in NSW and Victoria (including estimated cost to state government revenue); and
- recommends the best way forward on this issue.
It is concluded that given the spate of attacks on international students and the attendant public debate and diplomatic difficulties, not to say the consequences for the affected individuals, action on travel concessions for international students will send a clear message that the responsible governments in Australia wish to do all they can to welcome and support such students in an equitable way.
Universities Australia strongly believes and recommends that government travel concessions for full-time students should be extended to international undergraduates and to both domestic and international postgraduate students on a nationally consistent basis.
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02 December 2011
Comments
Over the last several years I have offered tireless support to certain marginalized groups, many being international students struggling against the odds to survive in what seems to many to be a hostile educational and policy environment.
My approach has been self-directed, unfunded and has brought to my experience a wealth of grass roots experience that I could not have obtained had I been situated in a more formal setting. I have citied the homes of many students and their families, many receiving Commonwealth grants under AusAid provisions and the like.
I will comment further on this topic elsewhere. For now I would like to support any position that is aimed at equalizing the position of these students in society for the duration of their temporary residence here.
Issues of parity and equity are paramount, as well as safety in travelling to and from educational institutions, often late at night. Press coverage of violence and discrimination, including towards international students and others speaks for itself. Australia’s international reputation as a safe and enjoyable place to live and study is at stake without proper protection.
The issue of inequality with concession public transport has been on my agenda to discuss with educational institutions. Indeed some time ago I had direct dialogue with Melbourne University personnel on this and related issues. It was my understanding that PILCH made an enquiry into this matter, but it took so very long to process that by the time they were ready to take the matter further, it was too late and legislation had already been passed.
Though I have not had a chance to return to this particular topic for a while, it remains on my endless list of advocacy issues to attend to. I am a member of the community unsupported by funding and of late have had to reduce my voluntary workload on may issues, including sustained participation in the public policy debate.
Though much of my effort has gone into flawed energy policy, there are many other issues of social and economic concern that interest me. Please do not hesitate to contact me on my personal email address for further clarification or to seek supporting data.
It follows also that my intent is to make generally known my personal support for companion organizations with a like mind to support the goals of social justice and enhance the flagging social infrastructure environment.
It is high time that more inclusive policies are adopted and cultural attitudes are changed. I probably could write a book on the negative experiences of international students facing discrimination and disadvantage. Perhaps in my twilight years I will do just that. Finally if I do not find the time to formally respond to the issues paper please take these views into account.
My plate is over-brimming at present with consultative demands. I am actively engaged in the Gov2 dialogue at present also. It is my usual policy to provide my full name to comments relating to public policy so comments of this nature are not privileged and may be cited.
Regards Madeleine Kingston
Individual Stakeholder
(03) 9017-3127
mkin2711@bigpond,.net.au
Regards
Madeleine