Explaining Government Policy Inaction on International Student Housing in Australia: The Perspectives of Stakeholders.

Ramia, G; Mitchell, E; Morris, A; Wilson, S; Hastings, C; Davies, J

Explaining Government Policy Inaction on International Student Housing in Australia: The Perspectives of Stakeholders.

Ramia, G Mitchell, E Morris, A

Wilson, S Hastings, C

Davies, J

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Publisher:: PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: High Educ Policy, 2022, pp. 1-19
Issue Date:: 2022-10-08

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Ramia, G
dc.contributor.author	Mitchell, E
dc.contributor.author	Morris, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7652-5370
dc.contributor.author	Wilson, S
dc.contributor.author	Hastings, C https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5486-8118
dc.contributor.author	Davies, J
dc.date.accessioned	2023-05-17T22:37:29Z
dc.date.available	2023-05-17T22:37:29Z
dc.date.issued	2022-10-08
dc.identifier.citation	High Educ Policy, 2022, pp. 1-19
dc.identifier.issn	0952-8733
dc.identifier.issn	1740-3863
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170364
dc.description.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.
dc.format	Print-Electronic
dc.language	eng
dc.publisher	PALGRAVE MACMILLAN LTD
dc.relation	http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP190101073
dc.relation.ispartof	High Educ Policy
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1057/s41307-022-00288-8
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/embargoedAccess
dc.rights	This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1057/s41307-022-00288-8
dc.subject	1301 Education Systems, 1605 Policy and Administration
dc.subject.classification	Education
dc.title	Explaining Government Policy Inaction on International Student Housing in Australia: The Perspectives of Stakeholders.
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.location.activity	England
utslib.for	1301 Education Systems
utslib.for	1605 Policy and Administration
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/DVC (Research)/lnstitute for Public Policy and Governance
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - IPPG - Institute for Public Policy and Governance
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
utslib.copyright.embargo	2023-10-08T00:00:00+1000Z
dc.date.updated	2023-05-17T22:36:50Z
pubs.publication-status	Published online

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.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10453/170364