Editorial: Housing crisis no fault of students

As the crisis for the international education sector eases, ironically it becomes another factor to be considered in another difficult area, writes the editor.

In a boon for the Queensland economy, the lucrative international student market is showing bright signs of recovery.

Before the pandemic, it was worth $5bn a year and Chinese international students made up a significant part of this.

The closure of the borders served as a timely warning not to allow any one source country dominate the sector, for shutting it off would lead to a terrible financial crisis for any university which puts too many eggs in one basket.

But, as the crisis for the international education sector eases, ironically it becomes another factor to be considered in another difficult area right now: housing.

As we gladly welcome a growing cohort of international students back into the state, more pressure is added to the already under-stress housing availability.

The rise in international students is simply another factor that needs to be considered in addressing the growing concern.

The crux of the issue is Australia, and Queensland in particular, needs more affordable housing.

There must be ways to ensure that there is adequate and safe housing for everyone, including this important cohort of international students.

It should not be seen as a zero sum game of who is most eligible among vulnerable populations.

Growing migration, in a wider sense, will increase pressure on the housing system but has clear benefits.

As the Albanese Government’s own review of the migration system pointed out last week, migration is not only a “central element to Australia’s national identity”, but it is critical to driving economic prosperity.

Solving this crisis will not be the responsibility of any one level of government – or even of government alone.

The federal government announced on Sunday plans to expand the first-home guarantee to more people, including allowing “couples” applying for a loan under the scheme to include “any two eligible people” such as siblings, a parent and child or even friends.

At a time when a growing cohort of people facing homelessness includes older women, particularly divorcees, such an idea would make it easier for some people to get into their own property.

It is a sensible idea, which could have some small positive impact, but much more ambitious plans will be needed.

This is where state, federal and local governments need to work together, including with institutions like universities as well as the building and housing sector and not-for-profits to make some real, innovative change.

What is not helpful are simplistic and unrealistic policies such as a “rent freeze”, as proposed by the Greens, a policy which some economists have warned could increase homelessness.

The Queensland Parliament rammed through laws last week which mean rents can only be increased once a year, despite warnings from the industry. Only time will tell the full extent of the impact this rushed move will have.

It is often ill-thought-out policy rather than factors like the arrival of international students and other migrants seeking to make a contribution to our country which is the greatest accelerant to the housing crisis.

SEX ASSAULT INQUIRY A WELCOME MOVE

The decision by the federal government to launch an inquiry into how the justice system handles sexual assault cases in this country is both welcome and overdue.

For too long victims of sexual assault have faced a range of barriers to reporting the crimes which have been inflicted on them, and the shocking statistics speak for themselves. While 1 in 5 women will experience sexual violence, only a fraction – 13 per cent – reported to police. And for those that do, too often their experience within the criminal justice system only enhances the already horrific trauma they’ve been subjected to.

For the federal government to commit to $14.7m to launch an Australian Law Reform Commission inquiry, and to work with states and territories to strengthen laws, is a strong step in the right direction. The commitment also demonstrates the seriousness of the pervasive issue, one which can’t continue to be kept in the dark.

Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus wants victims and survivors to regain confidence in the system – and on face value, this should go a long way in doing so. But sexual assault prevention advocates are also right to voice their hope that any recommendations are not just seen as a tick and flick – but implemented, quickly and robustly.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here