Independent Member for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, welcomes the Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024. This Bill will see retrospective changes in indexation rates, returning $3 billion worth to Australian university students. Please see above for full speech.
“The Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 isa welcome first step in alleviating some of the unfair and unnecessary pressures facing Australian students and those with ballooning HECS/HELP debts,” Mr Wilkie said. “I’ve been lobbying the Government to reform the HECS system for years. So for me it was personally heartening to see the Government subsequently include HECS arrangements within the scope of the Accord review.
“This important first step that changes the indexation arrangements, and the limited debt forgiveness, will in fact give some much-needed relief to students.
“Of course, much more needs to be done. I’ve argued for a return to fee-free first degrees for Australian Citizens. It is a legacy that has shaped our country, but excludes younger Australians, who are being told it is too costly and their education is no longer our country’s priority.
“There are the 47 recommendations of the Universities Accord report, many still awaiting government response. We can afford to do more. We are one of the richest countries in the world, and more than capable of making higher education accessible and affordable for any Australian with the desire and aptitude to pursue it. It’s all about priorities.”