By Abbey Wheeler
For the first time in recent years, multiple students are running for the International Students Department (ISD) Presidency. Making up the trio of candidates are Archit Menon, representing the incumbent group GLOBAL, Chloe Roberts of Social Justice, and Redwan Reham representing AMITY.
For those not in attendance at Tuesday’s debate, some of the key issues candidates brought up were the Government’s proposed cap on the number of international students allowed to enter Australia, the cost-of-living crisis, the conflict in Palestine, visa price increases, and issues finding affordable rentals and jobs.
The candidates also unanimously agreed that they were not satisfied with the level of support and advocacy provided by the ISD this year.
Whilst all three candidates expressed similar frustrations about the issues facing international students, the policies they focussed on in the debate diverged significantly.
Reham highlighted the current lack of awareness amongst international students about the existence of the ISD. He explained his goal of increasing awareness of ISD, as well as producing a comprehensive handbook for all students to promote the support services available at university.
Roberts expressed her intentions of making activism the primary function of the Guild. She listed the Palestine conflict as a key priority for the ISD if elected, as well as lobbying to abolish UWA’s College Row and convert it into cost-price social housing.
Menon focused on his disappointment at the government’s proposed cap on international students and how it has impacted their wellbeing. He also highlighted the work GLOBAL has undertaken this year in working with the University to fast track the degree competition letters required for the Temporary Graduate Visa.
You can view a replay of the full debate here.