Commenting on the Government's response to Recommendation 10 of the Joint Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade's interim report into international education, Student Accommodation Council Executive Director Dr Adele Lausberg welcomed the government's acknowledgment that PBSA was essential economic and housing infrastructure.
"International education is a national economic asset, and student accommodation is fundamental to its success," Dr Lausberg said.
"We welcome the Australian Government's recognition that PBSA plays a critical role in ensuring the growth and sustainability of our international education sector."
"As a housing option that removes demand from the broader rental market and provides professionally managed and safe living options for students, we need all levels of government to treat PBSA as an asset-class of priority."
"This means PBSA should be given the same exemptions from foreign owner surcharges and land tax discounts across the country. We need an even playing field to ensure the growth of this critical asset-class."
The Government's response recognises a strong PBSA pipeline, with more than 11,000 beds under construction, more than 15,000 approved and more than 12,000 in planning.
Dr Lausberg said this recognition was welcome, but delivery would depend on practical reform.
"PBSA is a proven, specialist housing product, yet it continues to face planning delays, inconsistent treatment across jurisdictions and limited access to domestic and superannuation capital," she said.
"If Australia wants to remain globally competitive in international education, governments must remove barriers to PBSA delivery, improve planning pathways and support long-term investment."
The Student Accommodation Council said coordinated action across housing, planning, education and investment policy was now needed to turn in-principle support into homes for students.
