 Wysłany: 11 Temat postu: Foreign students to get transport discount |
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| Foreign students to get transport discount
A report also highlighted allegations of abuse at some student accommodation in NSW, including instances of negligence and underfeeding. Acting NSW Premier Andrew Stoner announced the travel discount equivalent to about $811 a year on Monday as part of the state government's response to the International Education and Research Taskforce report. The government commissioned the report last year to assess ways of boosting the state's multimillion dollar higher education export industry, which slumped during the global financial crisis. It said the expensive cost of accommodation often forces students to live far away from colleges or universities,[url=http://www.sport.fr/sponsoring/uggpascher.html]ugg pas cher[/url]. As a result, some students save cash by walking home at night putting themselves at risk of theft or assault. The report also highlighted serious welfare issues for overseas students staying with Australian families. "Within the homestay sector there have been troubling reports of negligence and abuse," it said. "For example, there have been instances of under 18yearolds being underfed." Mr Stoner said the travel discounts would be equivalent to those already received by Australian students and bring NSW into line with other states. He said the government would respond to the action plan's other recommendations, which include greater regulation of student accommodation, later this year. "Safety is the number one concern for parents . and it's important we address the total package for life as an international student here in NSW," Mr Stoner added. The Greens welcomed the move but said the government should give the same concessions to job seekers. "Today's announcement is long overdue and great news for international students who are often doing it tough, however the government shouldn't stop there," said Transport spokeswoman Cate Faehrmann. "Centrelink Job Seekers are living at $130 a week below the poverty line and still have to pay full fare for some tickets. "This is unfair and a barrier to finding paid work which the government needs to quickly rectify." Universities Australia chief executive Belinda Robinson said each international student spent an average of $38,000 in Australia on goods, services and fees. "The value of international students extends far beyond the significant economic contribution they make through tuition fees, living expenses and GST payments," she said in a statement. "They are also playing a pivotal role in increasing our engagement with Asia during this, the Asian century." Ms Robinson said the NSW government's decision to discount travel was not only fair and equitable but also an important measure to enhance international student safety. "This is an important measure that cannot afford to be delayed and we await details of its implementation and start date," she said. Victoria was now the only state not to recognise the economic, cultural and social value of international students by providing travel concessions, she added. |
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