Australian Homestay Network media statement – 11 February 2018

Julie Manche – Chief Executive Officer, Australian Homestay Network (AHN)

The Australian Homestay Network, like all of Australia, is shocked by what happened in Mill Park.

Our attention at this stage is focused on Mr Singaravelu and his family being able to recover and heal after Friday’s events.

Victoria Police have advised this is an isolated incident and we are confident we can safely continue our homestay services.

Our group has successfully placed more than 40,000 students in homestay and an event like this has never occurred.

The screening of students entering Australia is the responsibility of the Australian Government. More than 1.5 million student visas have been granted in the past five years and to our knowledge this is the first incident of its kind.

Our hosts are screened for suitability and we match visa-approved students with hosts based on their profile. This leads to a very rewarding cultural experience for all involved in the majority of cases. Any questions regarding entry and security clearance processes for international students are best answered by the relevant Government agencies.

We have been and will continue to assist authorities in any way we can.

As the matter is part of an ongoing police investigation, we will not be making any further comment at this time.

MEDIA CONTACT

Erin Webb
Media Relations – Australian Homestay Network
ewebb@homestaynetwork.org
0411 036 280 / 02 6881 1936