APSAA IAC Report

The 2021 year was very much a continuation, though with a variation, of the previous year’s issues, coupled with a steady approach towards the ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. While it remained very challenging there was a perspective it was moving to new business as usual approach in a changed environment.

The changing rules and restrictions throughout the year added a further layer of processes to the operation of student accommodation. Adding to the complexity was the difference in Australian state-by-state, which also impacted movement of students across the country. This further flowed to changes in management with confirmed issues of COVID-19 within residences and colleges.

In a year still dominated by the impact of the COVID-19 infections across the world there was considerable work and optimism in both supporting students continuing to reside in accommodation as well as planning initiatives for a gradual progression in the return of international students.

Consistent reporting from all of the Industry Advancement Committee (IAC) members at meetings was the dominant focus on COVID-19 related support activities within residences and colleges. With representation on IAC from Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore, there were similarities in studentfocused approaches in understanding the impact of stress and isolation on residents’ wellbeing.

IAC also discussed perspectives raised on the continued inability for international student to travel to Australia diminishing the attractiveness of the country as a study destination, which could have a longer-term reduction on occupancy. Throughout the year APSAA’s perspective was represented on a number of state and national committees by IAC members.

APSAA had input into the various approaches by state-based groups in Australia to propose trialling pilot programs of limited groups of international students travelling into Australia. However, these were not supported by the federal government for a relaxation of the imposed travel restrictions. A successful return of a group of international students to New Zealand was noted during 2021.

The relevant state based Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) legislation continued to be of issue where they applied to specific residences. Representation was made by IAC members to advisory boards in seeking to clarify the actual application of changes in the RTA.

Input was sought from IAC members on state government incentives for rental accommodation, including student accommodation. The level of support varied across the different Australian states and added to support already being provided by universities for students.

Contact continued with the state based ‘Study’ organisations established by Australian state governments to promote their relevant location as a destination for international students. This further enhanced the level of support for international students.

Members of IAC were involved in both the revision as well as the review of the COVID-19 guidelines. These were released as the APSAA COVID-19 Industry Guidelines Version 2.0 in November 2021.

André Lee, Industry Advancement Committee Member