CEO Suggests ‘Infrastructure Levy’ for International Students Will Attract Talent, Reduce Housing Costs

Matt Barrie, the CEO of Freelancer, has said dramatic action is needed to address Australia’s spiralling inflation and housing crisis.
CEO Suggests ‘Infrastructure Levy’ for International Students Will Attract Talent, Reduce Housing Costs
Matt Barrie, CEO of Freelancer, accepts an award for Websites during the 19th Annual Webby Awards in New York City on May 18, 2015. Brian Ach/Getty Images for Webby Awards
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Tech CEO Matt Barrie has suggested international students pay an “infrastructure levy” to pay their fair share of the investment needed to build up Australia’s infrastructure services for a rapidly increasing population.

Barrie, CEO of the world’s largest freelance platform, Freelancer.com, said the move could also filter out those using student visas as a backdoor to permanent residency from genuine students and skilled migrants “who are prepared to invest in their future and contribute to a society.”

Alfred Bui
Alfred Bui
Author
Alfred Bui is an Australian reporter based in Melbourne and focuses on local and business news. He is a former small business owner and has two master’s degrees in business and business law. Contact him at [email protected].
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