Welcome emergency support for international students in Victoria – Federal Government must now follow the lead of states and territories
United Workers Union welcomes the announcement from the Victorian Government of emergency financial support for international students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The union has been highlighting the terrible situation of international students in crisis with widespread job losses and financial distress.
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg can no longer be inactive on these issues and must extend this assistance federally during the COVID-19 period.
Tim Kennedy, United Workers Union National Secretary says, “United Workers Union takes heart from another state or territory government taking action on this issue and the Victorian government’s recognition of the contribution of international students to the state’s society and economy. No worker should be left behind in the coronavirus crisis.
“The union’s international student members have been facing a dire situation, cut off from Federal Government assistance and affordable healthcare during the coronavirus crisis. The union is aware of many heartbreaking situations of international students in financial distress due to the widespread loss of casual work in sectors like hospitality. This financial assistance will make a start to alleviate these financial pressures.”
Isuru, an international student, lost all his casual cleaning shifts at Monash University. He told his union, “They suddenly stood us down. All of us are in big trouble. But we all have the daily expenses like food, rent. So we hope for some help, for some relief, for some fair payment for daily expenses.”
United Workers Union continues to call on the Federal Government to implement the following measures to support migrant workers nationwide:
ENDS
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