2020-04-21
Australian Greens Senator and Education spokesperson Dr Mehreen Faruqi has welcomed the South Australian government’s commitment to support international students through a $13.8 million package. Senator Faruqi has characterised it as a wake-up call and a kick in the backside of the Morrison Government, which continues to deny international students any income support.
Senator Faruqi said:
“Good on South Australia for stepping up and supporting international students at this very difficult time. Without access to any federal income support, thousands of students are struggling to pay rent, buy food, and make ends meet.
“This should really be a wake-up call and a kick in the backside of the Morrison Government. Higher education is a federal responsibility. While it’s great that students in South Australia will have access to support, students in other states continue to struggle.
“Scott Morrison and his Minister should hang their heads in shame, and then do their jobs and provide support for the hundreds of thousands of students they have so far abandoned during the COVID-19 crisis,” she said.