We acknowledge the decision of the WA Government to defer the opening of Western Australia’s borders at this time.
The following can be attributed to Professor Jane den Hollander AO, Interim Vice Chancellor, Murdoch University:
We acknowledge the decision of the WA Government to defer the opening of Western Australia’s borders at this time.International students are integral to a diversified state economy and have made a significant contribution to our economy and, importantly to the vibrancy of our campus communities over recent years. Ensuring we keep all returning and new to Western Australia international students informed of changes to entry is essential to confidence and to ensuring safe and secure students commencing their studies.
Noting the Government recently announced borders would open on February 5, Murdoch University had been working to welcome our new and returning international students back to Western Australia and campus life. They are vital to a thriving campus and provide diversity and energy into our wider community and hence safe and structured orientations plans have been developed.
Last night’s decision means we revisit our plans and timelines, but in the meantime, it is important we work with the Government to be able to welcome international students back to Western Australia as soon as possible – we are diminished without them. Any delay will provide universities in the eastern states a competitive advantage, and put Western Australia’s universities on the back foot, not just this year, but for many years to come.
As a science and fact-based university, we echo the Premier’s statement that vaccination is vital to opening our borders. We encourage all Western Australians to get all three vaccinations as soon as they can. It will protect you, your loved ones and your community and it will prepare our state to open our borders as soon as possible – which will allow universities to open campuses to international students.