The Student Accommodation Council congratulates the Albanese Government on its re-election and urges an end to the scapegoating of international students in the housing debate.
The weekend's result delivered welcome certainty for the higher education and purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sectors and presents an opportunity to take a collaborative approach to housing and international education policy.
This means recognising the unique needs of international students and ensuring they are supported through access to dedicated student accommodation rather than relying on the traditional rental market.
As our previous reports have shown, international students are not to blame for Australia's housing challenges. They account for just six per cent of the rental market, and more than 40 per cent live outside of the residential rental market entirely.
"Cutting student visa numbers was always a blunt instrument - one that would do little to ease rental pressure while putting serious strain on one of Australia's most valuable and resilient export sectors," Student Accommodation Council Executive Director Torie Brown said.
"The Student Accommodation Council continues to call for a national accommodation guarantee for all first-year international students studying at metropolitan universities.
"This reform would ensure students have a secure, supported start to life in Australia and would drive the development of new student-only housing.
"By partnering with the PBSA sector, universities can help ensure international students secure professionally managed, student-only housing before arrival - easing pressure on the general rental market.
"With the election now behind us, investors can start to look at Australia with confidence again. But they need to see clear policy signals that support growth in student accommodation, not policies that jeopardise our international education sector.
"We look forward to continuing our advocacy with the Albanese Government and working with policymakers from all sides to support a thriving higher education sector and a coordinated national approach to student housing."
