Cumberland City Mayor Steve Christou has written to the Federal Government urging greater efforts be made to prioritise university positions for local students in Cumberland and more broadly across Australia.
As one of the largest Councils in Western Sydney, Cumberland City Council services approximately 240,000 residents including around 13,200 residents who attend university.
Compared to other local government areas, Cumberland City is ranked 14th when it comes to residents attending university and we share the average for Greater Sydney (around six per cent).
“Universities are struggling now as a result of COVID-19. By their own admission, they stand to lose around $3-4.6 billion in revenue from international students in 2020 and more in 2021,” said Mayor Steve Christou.
“This overreliance on international students and the fees they pay has not only hit universities hard financially but the Government has been expected to step in and provide additional financial relief for international students.
“I think public universities and the Federal Government can and should do more to ensure Australians are given priority places and reduce the reliance on international students and the fees they pay.
“Australians deserve a quality education and their needs should be prioritised.”
Read more in the Mayor’s letter.
