David Smith (Bean, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I congratulate the member for Fadden on his first speech and wish him well in this place. There's a great opportunity for all members in this place to support important legislation, such as the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023. This will end the 50 per cent pass rule that was introduced by the previous government as part of the Job-ready Graduates Package. Rather than supporting students who are struggling with the demands of academic life and getting them ready for life after university, this rule was intended to dissuade struggling students from continuing their studies. The statistics speak for themselves. Since the 50 per cent pass rule was implemented, more than 13,000 students at 27 universities have been affected. According to research from the Department of Education, many of these students come from a disadvantaged background. In the Albanese Labor government's vision of education, students who are struggling and/or are from disadvantaged backgrounds should be supported to complete their studies rather than be penalised for struggling.

On the passing of this bill, universities will be required to demonstrate how they will identify students who are struggling and how they will connect those students with the support services to help them. Universities will be required to provide sufficient, non-academic supports for students, such as financial assistance and mental health supports.

This is also why we are implementing the third recommendation of the report. As recommended by Professor O'Kane and her team, this government must extend demand-driven funding currently provided to Indigenous students from regional and remote areas to cover all Indigenous students to close the education gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We cannot ignore the historical and systemic challenges that have perpetuated the gap, hindering the access and opportunities for Indigenous students to receive quality education. By taking action in line with the recommendation, we are demonstrate a commitment to rectify past injustices and build a foundation of empowerment for Indigenous Australians through education. This measure directly supports efforts towards achieving Closing the Gap outcome 6, to increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who've completed a tertiary qualification to 70 per cent by 2031. Universities Australia, the peak body representing Australia's universities, has said that the 50 per cent fail rate measure was unnecessarily punitive on students and that universities have long called for uncapped places for all Indigenous students and the removal of barriers to a university education for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

This measure builds on our government's election commitment to deliver up to 20,000 Commonwealth supported places and fee-free TAFE. Australian universities also contribute to economic activity and jobs in our country. Education added more than $29 billion to the economy in 2022. This is a tangible demonstration of the relationship between education and economic development. The importance of our universities transcends their immediate academic function. They are dynamic engines of progress, shaping the next generation of skilled professionals who address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In acknowledging the existing skills crisis in Australia, we must recognise that the solution lies within a robust and resilient education system. The demand for skilled professionals, whether they be nurses, doctors, engineers, scientists or in other vital roles, cannot be met without a strong and capable education foundation.

From the earliest stages of primary school to the halls of higher education, Australian students deserve nothing less than the best-quality education that not only imparts knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, creativity and adaptability. Our education system should be a nurturing ground for future leaders, innovators and problem-solvers. This is something that we have focused on and will continue to strive to achieve. The Labor Party's dedication to education reflects our collective understanding that an empowered, educated population is the cornerstone of a resilient democracy. In our pursuit of progress, let's also remember that education equips individuals with more than just knowledge. It empowers them to be empowered, engaged citizens who contribute positively to society. Education is a policy space where we have always demonstrated our dedication to creating fairer and more equitable societies where every individual can reach their potential. It has been Labor that has led this country in advancing higher education, and no doubt it will be Labor that continues to lead this country in ensuring that our nation has a higher education system that encourages Australians, no matter their socioeconomic status, to advance their education.

I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our Minister for Education, the Hon. Jason Clare, for bringing this bill before the House. The Albanese Labor government understands that if you want to upskill, it's in the national interest for the government to do what it can to facilitate this. But this is just the beginning. As we look to the future, we must continue to work together, united in our purpose, to build a society where every Australian has a chance to unlock their potential and fulfil their aspirations. All members of this parliament should be able to recognise the important place of higher education and therefore the importance of this bill. I commend this nation-shaping legislation to the House.

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