Shopkeepers have stood up with the Business Council of Australia in opposing the Coalition’s plan to cut 30,000 international student places more than Labour – resulting in 80,000 fewer international students than in 2023.
The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) said the cuts would significantly impact the retail workforce, with a sever impact on the $430 billion retail sector.
““International students play a critical role in supporting part-time and casual roles, which are the backbone of dynamic trading environments like retail stores and restaurants,” the ARA’s Fleur Brown said.
“Retail job vacancies remain high at 25,600 nationally, and retailers across the country are crying out for staff. This has a flow-on effect to all Australians in providing great service to customers.
“We should be sending positive signals to this essential workforce cohort – knowing it can take years to build a pipeline of students willing to travel to our shores.”
NRA interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said the proposed cuts would be devastating.
“Importantly, all Australians will be impacted,” Ms Carroll said.
“Skills shortages in the sector make it challenging for retailers to keep delivering the high-standard of service they aim to provide to their customers.
“Once we turn away international students, the recovery isn’t quick. Rebuilding those pipelines takes years, and in the meantime, our shops, restaurants and cafes suffer.
