The Presidency of the International Students Department has seen few candidates in recent years, with GLOBAL again claiming the office unopposed last year. GLOBAL has contested elections since 2018, with the ISD Presidency usually its only office bearer candidate. The newly formed AMITY has also adopted this model, and the two groups are joined by the ever-present Social Justice (rebranded from Left Action). A debate between the three candidates was held on Tuesday – you can watch the replay here.
Pelican asked all three groups to comment on their views and policies for this election. Social Justice did not respond.
What do you believe the purpose of the ISD is? Why does being ISD President matter to you?
AMITY: Redwan Reham (ISD Presidential candidate) The sole purpose of ISD’s existence is to be the guiding force for international students, ensuring their journey at UWA is not one of isolation but of inclusion, support, and empowerment. Too often, international students are left navigating a foreign system with little help, despite being such a vital part of the university’s community. This is where ISD must step in—not just as a department, but as a lifeline. Being ISD President matters because it’s about making sure that every international student is seen, heard, and valued. I see an untapped potential in ISD to become a true voice for international students, and I am ready to lead that change with action, not just words.
GLOBAL: Archit Menon (ISD Presidential candidate) ISD is a department that has immense potential and I’m more than excited to able to ensure it reaches its highest potential. ISD President is not just an honour but it’s a responsibility, the responsibility to represent thousands of international students. Ensuring that their voices are heard, seen and understood. It is something I’m extremely passionate about and look forward to implement. ISD is here to help students find their sense of belonging, it’s here to serve as their number 1 source of help when they need it and I will ensure ISD is just that.
What has your team achieved for international students this year?
AMITY: Amira Nunn (Ordinary Guild Councillor and National Union of Students delegate candidate and group agent) I collaborated with a number of organisations this year to run a very successful International Students Festival with over 150 people in attendance. We were able to collaborate with other university guilds as well with Murdoch and ECU Guild providing their support and presence as well. Sadly we did not receive the support of the UWA Guild which was unfortunate.
Selina Al Ansari (Ordinary Guild Councillor candidate) In my two months on the Guild Council, I have taken meaningful action to advocate for vulnerable groups both on campus and in the broader community. I helped to organise the Bangladeshi students solidarity sit-in on campus and have consistently supported initiatives for Palestine. Throughout the year, I’ve been actively engaged with the Guild Ethnocultural Department, championing the needs of CaLD students and helped with preparing a comprehensive survey of racism on campus.
GLOBAL: GLOBAL has worked extremely hard to be the international student voice on council, we’ve tirelessly worked with the guild and the university to ensure your voices and concerns are heard. We’ve lobbied the University to fast-track the release of results, transcripts and completion letters for students impacted by the changes to the 485-visa graduate application to ensure they don’t lose out on a year of their visa. We have also continuously lobbied the University to provide support by offering fee payment plans and no questions asked special considerations for international students from Bangladesh, Myanmar and Palestine that have been impacted by conflicts back home.
GLOBAL has actively taken a stand and ensure students know we are here to help them and voice their problems and will continue to do that.
What do you want to achieve for international students next year?
AMITY: Redwan Reham (ISD Presidential candidate) Next year, with my team, I will break the cycle of complacency. My vision is to transform ISD into a powerhouse of support and engagement. This starts with an International Student Handbook—because no student should feel lost before they’ve even begun. I will push for more job training certifications at discounted rates, because financial barriers shouldn’t stand in the way of opportunity. Mental health will no longer be whispered about but openly supported with a comprehensive framework that ensures no student suffers in silence. More than that, I will make ISD an active force on campus—through events, frequent welfare check-ins, and stronger advocacy. This isn’t just about filling a position; it’s about building a legacy of change and creating a future where every international student feels they belong and have the support to achieve greatness. Together, we will make ISD what it was always meant to be: a beacon of hope and progress.
GLOBAL: In the last six years, GLOBAL has been accountable and transparent and has always delivered on our promises.
This year, we’ve re-strategized our campaign by actively identifying gaps to ensure that we are learning and growing from lessons learnt from years prior. We’ve actively been listening, engaging and working on policies that encapsulate the wider student population. All our 25 policies are tangible and achievable like they always have been and will be achieved.
GLOBAL has always been the group run by international students, for international students and will continue to be create an inclusive environment for our diverse community and continue empowering our student population.
Of course, GLOBAL held the office this year, while AMITY did not.
GLOBAL controlled the ISD Presidency this year. If you could re-do this term, is there anything you would do differently?
GLOBAL: This past year has been extremely eventful for GLOBAL, we’ve tried our best to ensure all students are welcomed on campus. If we could do something differently, we would probably have advocated from transparency from leaders in the sense that students remain unaware of the advocacy we do for them, they aren’t aware about them till the very end. Students should be able to know what we’re doing to protect their rights and be their voice. Increasing consultation hours to provide them access to our student leaders.
If AMITY had controlled the ISD Presidency this year, what would you have done differently?
AMITY: Redwan Reham (ISD Presidential candidate) Had I been in control of the ISD Presidency this year, the focus would have been clear: practical, meaningful change. No more token gestures or hollow events like the year-end cruise that does little to solve the real struggles we face. I would have prioritised advocating for UWA to create job opportunities within the University, just as institutions in the USA do, ensuring international students aren’t left battling for scraps in a restricted job market. Every student deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive. This isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about empowering international students with the tools they need to build a future they can be proud of. I would have also made sure that ISD became a presence students couldn’t ignore—by being in the halls, by leading initiatives, and by making sure every international student knows that ISD is here for them.