Recently, Scape Australia La Trobe hosted an exciting event where six Lord Mayor candidates convened to discuss international student policies in Melbourne.
This debate, organised by Future Forte Australia ahead of the upcoming City of Melbourne elections, was moderated by Dr Belle Lim and Riya Gupta, with Shiao Lu O. and Rodolfo Vivencio Romero serving as MCs.
Key topics of discussion
The candidates, including the current Lord Mayor Nick Reece, Cr Jamal Hakim, Arron Wood AM, Roxane Ingleton, Philip Reed, and Greg Bisinella, each laid out their plans to support international students across various critical issues such as wellbeing, safety, employment and community integration.
Safety first
Candidates discussed their strategies for enhancing Melbourne’s safety. Greg Bisinella acknowledged Melbourne’s high safety ranking but emphasised the need for continual improvements. Nick Reece proposed expanding the CCTV network and introducing City Safety officers to increase visible security measures throughout the city.
Meanwhile, Jamal Hakim and Roxane Ingleton focused on tackling the underlying social issues of misogyny and racism to ensure everyone feels secure. Jamal suggested forming a multicultural advisory committee to work directly with the city council, aiming to foster a more inclusive community through proactive engagement and policy refinement.
Jobs and opportunities
During the debate, the topic of employment for international students took centre stage. Nick Reece discussed his efforts to enhance job opportunities, acknowledging the significant role international students play in enriching Melbourne’s cultural and economic landscape. He highlighted his initiative to partner with leading employers to create more internships, which aims to provide practical experience and career pathways for students. Additionally, Reece noted his successful campaign to remove the ‘permanent residency’ requirement from job listings on Seek, reducing employment barriers for temporary migrants.
Jamal Hakim also voiced his support for international students, advocating for the removal of restrictions on their working hours. This change would allow students more flexibility to support themselves financially while studying.
Supporting mental health
The candidates unanimously recognised the importance of mental health support. Arron Wood emphasised the need for robust mental health support through community initiatives and emergency funds to help students in distress, ensuring no one falls through the cracks.
Phil Reed and Roxane Ingleton proposed enhancing student housing by integrating more green spaces and social interaction opportunities to promote mental wellbeing.
International student policies
A key issue was the cap on international student enrolments. Many candidates criticised this cap as counterproductive, arguing it fails to recognise the valuable contributions that international students make to Melbourne.
Arron Wood described it as a “blunt instrument,” while Nick Reece shared his efforts to lobby Prime Minister Albanese for its removal, advocating for more flexible policies that reflect the actual needs and contributions of international students.
For a deeper dive into the debate and the candidates’ positions, check out the full event on Future Forte Australia’s YouTube channel:
Time to have your say!
As the Melbourne mayoral election approaches, here are the key dates and details you need to know:
- Ballot packs: Ballots will be mailed out on Monday, 7 October 2024.
- Voting deadline: Votes must be mailed by Friday, 25 October 2024, before 6 pm.
- Results announcement: Election results will be declared on 15 November 2024.
Who can vote? All registered City of Melbourne residents, including international students, are eligible to vote. Make sure you’re enrolled and check your registration status on the Melbourne City Council Election page to participate.
These details ensure you are prepared to vote and help shape Melbourne’s future. Don’t miss the chance to have your say!
Voting rights for international students across Australia
Amid the lively debate on how to best support international students, it’s important to remember that many of you have the opportunity to influence policies directly through your voting rights. Depending on where you’re living and studying in Australia, you might be able to participate in local council elections, which allows you to have a real say in local governance.
In South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales, you can vote in local elections if you meet certain residency requirements. This is a great way to impact the community policies that affect your daily life. Contact your state’s electoral commission to enrol:
Unfortunately, if you’re studying in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia or the Australian Capital Territory, non-citizens do not have the right to vote in local elections. However, there are other ways to engage with your community and local leaders to make your voice heard.
Check out our guide on how to get involved in politics as an international student in Australia.
