International Students

The Hon. T.T. NGO (15:33): I rise to speak about international students in Australia during the coronavirus pandemic. International students are South Australia's biggest export, estimated to add nearly $2 billion to our economy, or $35 billion to the Australian economy. We owe much to our almost 45,000 international students. We know those of them choosing to study onshore in South Australia strengthen our economy. However, they also bring international experience and perspective to our state's educational institutions and workplaces, and they bring an international dynamic to our businesses and increase our state's culture and vibrancy.

Others here also value and welcome international students. Not long ago in this chamber I asked the Minister for Trade and Investment, the Hon. David Ridgway, about the coronavirus impact on international students' education, our leading export industry. The minister advised that every four international students create one job through education and accommodation and tourism from family and friends visiting. Right now, as countries close borders and commercial flights cease, going home is impossible for many international students.

Given everything that international students give to South Australia, and knowing that some cannot go home to their families during this crisis even if they wanted to, I expect many honourable members here were concerned about the Prime Minister's comments to not support our international students. He said:

If they're not in a position to support themselves, then there is the alternative for them to return to their home countries.

This response disheartened me. It is upsetting to hear our international students be told to go home, that we will not extend compassion and support to them despite all they give us. These unwelcome comments insult thousands of international students. They are not just money in the bank when it suits us. Such sentiments discourage students who can leave now from returning to Australia after the pandemic, and it damages our reputation as a place to study.

In normal circumstances it is fair that international students financially support themselves. Our current circumstances are not normal, and we must consider the coronavirus impact everywhere. Many are struggling in places where Centrelink JobSeeker and JobKeeper payments do not exist. We must understand that families may have no resources to support relatives studying abroad.

In times of crisis we need strong leaders, and I thank community leaders advocating for these students. I particularly acknowledge the Australian-Indian community's Mr Trimann Gill for supporting the students despite the Prime Minister's comments. Mr Gill told me about many local international students studying while working jobs that many locals will not do. They contribute to our economy and do not burden Australians. We will need them again to recover and rebuild our community.

I urge the state government to stand up for the international students and tell the Prime Minister he must extend some relief to them. I ask our state government to do all it can to support international students. Our state must send the message that international students are welcome and, if suffering severe financial hardship, they must be financially supported and treated compassionately. We cannot have them stranded from home on our streets or in crowded hostels. Supporting international students here can help them stay in their homes, paying landlords and helping our local economy.

In closing, I thank minister Ridgway for his support for the international student sector, and hope to work with him and his department to identify whatever support we can give our international students during this frightening health and economic crisis.