Tracey Roberts (Pearce, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

The incorporated speech read as follows—

Thank you Deputy Speaker

I am pleased to give my strong support for the VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025. While this Bill addresses a technical and legislative issue, its implications are far-reaching. This legislation not only resolves an important legal gap but also strengthens the foundation of Australia's vocational education and training system, which is crucial to our workforce and economy.

Vocational Education and Training, or VET, is often described as a pathway—but it is so much more than that. It is the backbone of skilled employment and economic growth throughout Australia.

From the suburbs to regional towns and cities, Vocational Education and Training delivers the practical skills that industries rely on every day. Whether it is plumbing houses, engineering infrastructure, carpentry, automotive repairs, aged care, or information technology, VET supports a diverse range of professions essential for our nation.

The accessibility of vocational education is critical. Many Australians choose Vocational Education and Training because it delivers hands-on education aligned with workforce needs. It provides opportunities for young people starting out, for mature-age learners looking to upskill or retrain, and for communities in regional and remote areas where options can be limited. The VET Student Loans program is an important part of this ecosystem.

By offering income-contingent loans for eligible diploma-level courses and above, the program removes upfront financial barriers. This means students can focus on their studies without the immediate worry of tuition fees, and repay based on their income once they enter the workforce. It is an equitable, sustainable funding model that broadens access and supports lifelong learning.

The Bill under discussion today tackles an issue that emerged during a review by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)—specifically, how students' tax file numbers, or TFNs, are handled by VET Student Loans providers during loan administration. Although it may seem technical or administrative, how this sensitive data is governed impacts student privacy, program integrity, and legal clarity for providers and government alike.

Under the existing VET Student Loans Act 2016, students must submit their TFNs as part of the loan application. TFNs are fundamental because repayments of these loans happen through the tax system. The TFN links the student's loan obligations correctly to their tax records at the Australian Taxation Office. So, proper handling of these numbers is essential for accurate tracking and repayment.

However, the Department's review revealed a gap. The 2016 legislation did not expressly authorise VET Student Loans providers to handle or manage students' TFNs. This was a significant issue because the previous VET FEE-HELP scheme—now replaced—was governed by the Higher Education Support Act 2003, which clearly permitted providers to manage TFNs within defined controls.

This legislative ambiguity presented risks: providers managing TFNs without clear legal backing, exposing themselves, the department, and government officials to potential legal challenges.

In response, DEWR acted decisively. Since early 2025, they implemented IT system upgrades to better safeguard this sensitive information. Now, TFNs are masked from providers in the student interfaces, and the transfer of TFNs is automated securely within government systems. This technical solution enhances security and privacy by limiting provider access to sensitive data.

The Bill now formalises these improvements by retrospectively authorising providers' handling of TFNs from 1 January 2017 through to 30 September 2025. Retrospective authorisation is critical because it removes any doubt about the legality of past administration of TFNs, providing certainty to providers, government officers, and the department.

I want to make clear that there have been no complaints from students about TFN handling since the program started—it is an issue that has been well-managed with appropriate safeguards. Providers operate under stringent security controls, including strict use and disclosure provisions under the VET Student Loans Act, rigorous approval processes, and mandatory notification of any student-related data breaches. These safeguards protect student privacy and will continue under this Bill.

Let me take a moment to highlight why this matter, while technical, is so vital. The TFN is not just a number; it is a key that unlocks equitable administration of the loans program and proper repayment tracking through the tax system. It ensures loan repayments are fair, timely, and tied to real income levels.

At the same time, the privacy and security of personal information must be guarded carefully. In today's digital world, with growing concerns about data breaches and misuse of personal information, robust security measures are non-negotiable. This Bill balances those considerations—upholding administrative effectiveness, legal clarity, and data protection.

It is also important to assure students and the public that this Bill does not change how students apply for loans. The current electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form, or eCAF, remains the user-friendly portal for applications, preserving ease of access as intended by the program's design.

Beyond data handling, this legislation supports the foundational role vocational education plays in Australia's economy and society. It supports students on pathways leading to high-demand, skilled professions.

These trades and careers—electricians, plumbers, carpenters, engineers, aged care workers, and many others—are the backbone of everyday life and critical to national productivity and innovation.

Vocational education drives social mobility. It opens doors for individuals who might otherwise be excluded due to financial or geographic barriers. By enabling students to access education without upfront financial strain, VET Student Loans promote workforce participation, skill development, and economic inclusion.

In addition, this Bill provides support to providers and governments by clarifying the law to align with current practices and technology. When legislation falls behind technological advancements or administrative practices, it creates risk and uncertainty. Bills like this one are necessary to modernise the legal framework, ensuring ongoing, uninterrupted, and lawful delivery of programs.

This Bill is part of the Albanese Labor Government's broader commitment to continual improvement and integrity in our public programs. It shows an attention to detail in governance—ensuring our systems are secure, compliant, and fit-for-purpose as they evolve.

To conclude, the VET Student Loans {Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025 addresses an important technical gap with a practical, forward-looking solution. It safeguards sensitive student information, protects providers and government officers retrospectively, strengthens legal certainty, and supports students' access to vital vocational education and training.

On behalf of my constituents and all Australians seeking skills and qualifications through VET to build fulfilling lives and careers, I commend this Bill to the House.

Thank you.

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