CORONAVIRUS —
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS AND TEMPORARY VISA HOLDERS
430. Hon ALISON XAMON to the Leader of the House
representing the Premier:
I refer to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on international students and other temporary
visa holders.
(1) Is the
McGowan government providing any funding to support international students and
temporary visa holders impacted by the COVID-19 crisis?
(2) If yes to (1), how much?
(3) If no to (1), why not?
(4) Is the
McGowan government providing any new support services or programs specifically
to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on
international students and other temporary visa holders?
(5) If yes to (4), please provide
information about the services or programs.
(6) If no to (4), why not?
Hon SUE
ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. This was redirected to the Premier.
(1) Yes.
(2) Funding is on
an as-needs basis and therefore there is no set amount. This means that support
is most effectively provided to students who are most in need.
(3) Not applicable.
(4) Yes.
(5) The state government
has a range of services and programs to support the Western Australian
community to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
International students and other temporary visa holders are able to access a range
of state government-funded services. Services available to international
students include the state emergency welfare program, which provides welfare
services for people affected by COVID-19, including emergency accommodation, food,
clothing, personal support services, and financial assistance; and the
Lotterywest COVID-19 relief fund, which provides funding
to not-for-profit and community
organisations to help people experiencing hardship by providing assistance with
food, clothing, accommodation and other critical needs. With the support
of the state government, consulates, Asian business councils and ethnic
community groups in Western Australia are providing a range of welfare services
for international students, including financial aid, food, emergency
accommodation, and mental health and wellbeing support services. StudyPerth's
crisis relief program provides aid, including food, accommodation, health and
mental health services to international students who are at imminent risk.
(6) Not applicable.