The cleaning industry is one of Australia’s largest employers for international students.  The visa extension being only in the Hospitality and Tourism has an effect on our industry as international students are leaving employment in the cleaning industry to seek work that offers the ability to earn more income with more hours. The cleaning industry will be dramatically affected by a shortage of people to perform cleaning services.  If we don’t address this issue now, it will become a major problem that will impact businesses and the community.

Our pool of eligible international students has reduced dramatically due to the reduction of international students entering Australia for study purposes.  Currently, an international student can only work 20 hrs per week.  By extending the working hours for international students, the cleaning industry won’t lose their workers to the Hospitality and Tourism industries.  International students were among the worst affected financially at the start of the pandemic, extended working hours will assist them to support themselves and their families in a more secure industry.  By increasing the hours of international students in the cleaning industry, it enables the cleaning industry to continue their valuable service to the community and the public sector by maintaining a COVID safe environment.

The cleaning industry needs to continue to provide services during the pandemic, we need to retain our frontline workers.  Without cleaning services it puts your workplace and community at risk.