The Minister for Education has announced that the government will remove all caps on full fee entry places and increase the HECS level for Commerce and Accounting students. The Minister also announced some reforms to
student income support.
Michael Nguyen, National President of the National Union of Students said, “Students welcomed the increased investment in higher education and reforms to student income support, however we are concerned that the government has thrown access and equity out the door.”
“With the cap on full fee entry places removed, some courses could become completely full fee pay entry and some Universities could in the future close their doors to commonwealth supported students.”
“Further, the government has announced that Commerce, management and accounting students will be slugged with an increase in HECS debt, whilst government contributions for these students to Universities will reduce. This amounts to approximately 180 000 students who could be hit with an increase in HECS.”
“Students welcomed the reform to student income support, however noted that the government still hadn’t removed harsh penalties for students engaging in part-time or casual work.”
For media comment contact: Michael Nguyen 0411 606 808
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Budget throws access and equity out the door
