House debates Appropriation Bill (No. 1) 2008-2009

Consideration in Detail

Thursday, 5 June 2008 House of Representatives

Jodie Campbell

Jodie Campbell Bass, Australian Labor Party

10:20 am

I will ask a question. Why should a prospective student who can pay full fees be given preference over another? Minister, I am sure you will have something to say about that in a moment. Why should university places be awarded based on finances rather than merit? And I am sure, Minister, you will have something to say about that in a moment. I believe, and this government believes, that that should not be the case. The higher education support amendment bill does away with that culture that discriminates, and provides the means through which universities can offer positions to non-full-fee paying students and not lose. In my home state of Tasmania, the changes brought forward by this bill are particularly welcome, Minister. The incentives offered to encourage study in specific areas will assist would-be university students to offset the costs. Can I, Madam Deputy Speaker, talk about an incident where we certainly worked—

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