The bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic have had a unprecedented impact almost every aspect of Australia’s society and economy. International education is no exception – it was affected by COVID-19 earlier than most other areas and the impact has been profound.

Back in January 2020 the Minister for Education, the Hon Dan Tehan MP, announced the formation of the Global Reputation Taskforce (Taskforce), under the leadership of the Council for International Education. The Taskforce was formed to shape Australia’s response in times of reputational damage or significant external risk to the sector, and to accelerate efforts to build a strong cohesive national brand for international education.

The Student Accommodation Association were delighted to be a member of the working group which provided them with an opportunity to share the sector response through the crisis and highlight that student accommodation continues to be an important part of the international education experience.

The sector post COVID-19 recovery will be led by The Council for International Education and Expert Members. The Student Accommodation Association will continue to have access to this group and SAA members are encouraged to raise matters through the association.