National Liaison Committee for International Students (NLC), the national peak body for all International Students, has successfully pressured the NSW Department of Community Services (DoCS) to provide welfare services to International Students.

On 28 January 2009, NLC received the formal statement from the office of Minister Linda BURNEY confirming that the International Students Community be covered by all programs administered by DoCS.

“DoCS policies and procedures do not exclude or restrict provision of support or assistance to a child, young person or any member of their family based on their residency status.”

Ms SINGH Dolores, National President of NLC, said, “This is a big win for NLC, but it is an even bigger win for all International Students residing in NSW.”

On 21 January 2009, NLC met with DoCS Minister Linda BURNEY to present the landmark case of Tracy and her baby girl.

This case was brought to NLC’s attention on 3 March 2008, when then 21 year old Tracy was abandoned on the streets after her estranged Australian partner forcefully removed their 7 month old daughter, from her care.

Prior to this incident, Tracy and her baby girl had been receiving assistance under the DoCS Brighter Futures program: an early intervention service to protect vulnerable children and their families.

As Tracy was an International Student, both DoCS and CareSouth immediately stopped providing welfare assistance to her the moment her baby girl was taken away.

“The landmark case of Tracy and her baby girl illustrates the worst of welfare deprivation for International Students in Australia, and although it took an unfortunate tragedy to get the attention of authorities, NLC is delighted that International Students in NSW can now rest assured that DoCS programs are available to them when faced with critical situations,” Ms SINGH said.

Currently NLC is in the process of confirming with relevant Ministers of all other state and territory governments on the welfare assurance for the International Students Community.

For further information about Tracy's case, go to www.nlc.edu.au/welfare_operation.htm.