Journal article
Explaining Government Policy Inaction on International Student Housing in Australia: The Perspectives of Stakeholders
Higher education policy, Vol.37, pp.21-39
03/2024
PMID: 36249879
Appears in Recent Faculty of Education Publications
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Abstract
Housing is a major concern for many international students. This is especially so in those countries where students are mostly dependent on the private market for their accommodation. Australia is one such country, and is one of the world’s major destinations for international students. This article analyses governmental failure to address problems relating to international student housing affordability and conditions. Using theory on ‘policy inaction’ to frame the analysis, we draw on 20 interviews with policy stakeholders to explain the Australian government’s reliance on: (1) market-based housing provision for international students, and (2) a longstanding policy preference not to provide support. Interviewees were widely critical of the lack of action to address international student housing problems and understood inaction in relation, rather than in opposition, to the dominance of market-based action in housing and higher education. However, analysis of stakeholder perspectives also illuminates how policy-making action benefiting some emerges as inaction for others left behind or overlooked by the status quo. The interview data points to the need for government to overhaul its policy framework, and in doing so, to collaborate with higher education providers in revising the market-based regulatory approach. The main implications for theory and policy are discussed.
Details
- Title
- Explaining Government Policy Inaction on International Student Housing in Australia: The Perspectives of Stakeholders
- Creators
- Gaby Ramia - University of SydneyEmma Mitchell - Western Sydney UniversityAlan Morris - University of Technology SydneyShaun Wilson - Macquarie UniversityCatherine Hastings - University of Technology SydneyJake Davies - University of Sydney
- Publication Details
- Higher education policy, Vol.37, pp.21-39
- Publisher
- Palgrave Macmillan UK
- Grant note
- This study was supported by Australian Research Council (Grant No. DP190101073).
- Identifiers
- 991013125992202368
- Copyright
- © International Association of Universities 2022
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Education
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article