Turn to any Australian media source, and the ‘housing crisis’ is likely front and centre; escalating when the focus is on our global capital cities.
Impact on the capability to attract and retain global skills and talent, host international students, and settle longer-term visitors is clearly evident across cosmopolitan Sydney; housing unaffordability in the world’s 4th most liveable city has not escaped the attention of industry groups.
Business Sydney is one of those.
Business Sydney advocate, influence, and deliver policies and outcomes to drive economic growth and create opportunities to invest, work, live and visit Sydney. They have a long and storied history from 1826, as the Sydney Chamber of Commerce and 2006 as the Sydney Business Chamber. They have built a broad reach and influence as the voice of Sydney business.
Business Sydney has launched a thought leadership piece on the role international students play in our community. It acknowledges the educational institutions and rich diversity of international students, their activities, and their contributions to the NSW economy and community life.
Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director, says, “International students are a vital part of Sydney’s economy, so let’s not blame them for the city’s acute housing shortage”.
“If you’re a cheerleader for Sydney, it’s also natural to support welcoming international students as part of our community,” he says.
Sydney is firmly in the spotlight as the QS ranked 7th global student city, and it’s an important distinction in the accommodation discussion from Nicolaou, who leads a network of influential businesses across financial and professional services, construction and development, health, education, arts and culture, tourism and hospitality, as well as technology, transport, and logistics.
Education visitors make an enormous contribution to Sydney’s economy. International education is one NSW’s largest service exports, worth $7.6 billion in 2021-22, second only to coal as an export earner.
Nicolaou and his team take a broader view in the discussion: “Instead, blame a lack of planning, a lack of leadership and too much red tape stifling sensible development for the housing crisis,” they say.
With international students often siloed as a cohort, acknowledging their value to the city is welcome, placing them on the agenda and elevating their value in the future planning and aspirations for the city.
Beyond the inevitable economic measure, international students contribute to the social fabric of the community, highlighted through the IEAA help Australia thrive campaign; an initiative supported by Study NSW showcasing the value students contribute to the community.
Business Sydney celebrates its status as a global city; attracting students and visitors to the iconic destination is deeply embedded in their mission. This influence shifts the conversation and sentiment toward housing and accommodation for international students – and will advance solutions for everyone.
You can read the Business Sydney thought leadership piece here
