30th May 2025 – (Perth) During her studies in Western Australia this March, a 16-year-old Hong Kong female student found herself in a troubling situation after a disagreement with her homestay family. Subsequently, she sought help by contacting the Western Australia police. However, she was swiftly removed from her homestay by personnel from TAFE International Western Australia (TIWA) responsible for coordinating homestay arrangements, alongside law enforcement officers. Her student visa was revoked, and her confirmation of enrolment (COE) and accommodation and welfare confirmation (CAAW) documents were annulled. In an interview with SBS Cantonese radio, the student, named Andrea, described the incident as a humiliating ordeal devoid of any opportunity to voice her concerns.
Andrea, a 16-year-old Hong Kong student attending a public school in Western Australia, had an altercation with her homestay family in early March that led to her feeling unsettled. She contacted the Western Australia police for assistance, only to be swiftly removed from her homestay by officials from TAFE International WA (TIWA) and the police. She was not provided with emergency accommodation and was promptly dispatched to the airport that very evening.
“I called the police, feeling panicked, as I had done nothing wrong. Why was I being sent away? I started as a victim but now feel like an offender,” said Andrea.
This incident, involving the expulsion of a minor student, has prompted Andrea’s mother to question the fairness of the process, the oversight from Australian educational authorities, and the law enforcement’s actions.
Andrea’s educational journey in Western Australia stemmed from her childhood aspiration to become a veterinarian. Having studied previously in Queensland and New South Wales, she chose Western Australia due to the educational system’s alignment with her academic and career goals.
“I aspire to become a veterinarian, which is why I chose Western Australia. Here, an additional 10% is given in three subjects – specialist, mathematics, and a language other than English. This system allows me to aim for better grades and plan my career path effectively,” Andrea expressed.
Andrea attended a government school in Western Australia, where her accommodation was arranged by TIWA. However, the homestay experience left a lasting negative impact on her.
According to her account, within a week of moving in with the homestay family, they began enforcing strange rules, such as not allowing her to use the bathroom, brush her teeth, or pour water after 9:30 pm. The situation escalated further with late-night door-pounding incidents during her sleep.
“After about a week of staying, the homestay family started emotionally abusing me. They imposed new and bizarre rules every day, which were not part of the initial agreement,” Andrea recounted.
Andrea had requested a lock on her door for privacy, which was denied by the family. A dispute over cleaning the bathroom led to a further deterioration of their relationship.
“On that night, the homestay family member got emotional and pounded on my door for two hours. I was on a video call with my mother in Hong Kong, and she instructed me to lock the door and call the police,” Andrea elaborated.
Upon the arrival of TIWA personnel and law enforcement, Andrea claimed they failed to inquire about or review any video evidence on her phone. Instead, she was accused of being childish and pressured to unlock the door immediately.
“In less than a minute, the police threatened to break the lock if I did not open the door. My mother advised me to comply, and upon opening the door, the first thing the police said was ‘You’re being childish’,” Andrea recounted.
Subsequently, TIWA officials informed Andrea of her imminent expulsion that night, granting her a mere 10 minutes to pack her belongings. Despite Andrea’s repeated attempts to explain the situation, she was not heard out and was deprived of her phone, which she had been using to stay in touch with her mother.
Her mother, who witnessed her daughter’s removal remotely, described the event as absurd and unjust. She expressed deep dissatisfaction with the arbitrary expulsion and the annulment of her daughter’s enrolment and accommodation documents. Within two days of her daughter’s return to Hong Kong, she accompanied Andrea back to Western Australia to seek justice, engaging legal assistance in the process.
Andrea’s mother also shared her daughter’s psychological trauma post-incident, emphasizing the need for weekly therapy sessions.
“The trauma is significant; even going to the bathroom triggers anxiety. Why weren’t we allowed to close the door that night? We have been advised to see a therapist weekly, and the experience has left a profound impact,” Andrea stated.
Intent on holding accountable those responsible, Andrea’s mother vowed to seek justice through legal channels, calling for transparency and accountability from TIWA and the authorities.
“If the truth lies with us, regardless of the cost, it’s not about whether it’s worth it. It’s about making this incident public. The issue doesn’t just concern my daughter alone; it’s about speaking up when others may not have the courage to do so, and parents who may not dare to come forward,” Andrea’s mother asserted.
