Ash Ambihaipahar (Barton, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to thank the member for Indi for raising her matter of public importance for discussion in this House, the example of Darcy's story and the other issues raised in the member for Indi's contributions this afternoon. I can hear that there's a bit of consensus in this chamber around some of the challenges for students in higher education.

I also speak from a place of experience. Before I was a solicitor, I worked at the University of Sydney for about eight years in the anatomy department—specifically, teaching medical students and a number of other students in the allied health profession. I understand from that experience a lot of challenges that students go through on campus and also in dealing with cost-of-living challenges and accommodation.

On the tail end, prior to coming into this House, I had the opportunity to work with St Vincent de Paul Society for a couple of years. In that capacity, I had the opportunity to look after a very big patch of New South Wales going up from Wyong, out to the Blue Mountains and down to Helensburgh. That captured a number of great institutions, a number of universities, where a lot of youth Vinnies members did a lot of engagement on those campuses with students dealing with cost-of-living challenges, with housing and accommodation.

So this comes from a place of experience and understanding. I want to acknowledge that everyone in this chamber seems to be singing from the same song sheet, knowing that those are the challenges for a lot of students in this industry. Also I've had the opportunity to speak to a number of HSU members—and I've had really active conversations more recently—who work in the allied health profession.

This Labor government understands that it's quite tough for students when they're completing mandatory placements. That is why we are delivering on real cost-of-living support, which includes this Commonwealth prac payment. I believe this assistance is quite careful; it's quite considered. The payment is helping those who are studying to become teachers, social workers, nurses and midwives so they can solely focus on upskilling.

Having the opportunity to reflect on some of the stories that we're hearing in this chamber today, including from the member for Indi—the reality is that the universities accord has recommended the government focus on nursing, on care and teaching professions. This is a responsible government responding to advice provided to us to prioritise key roles and courses. The 2023 employment white paper also identified that those in care and teaching professions are key enablers for the economy and that unpaid placements discourage many students in care and teaching professions from enrolling in and completing courses. And, as the Minister for Education has said, the accord is not a plan for one budget but a blueprint for the next decade and beyond.

You've heard today from a number of people on this side of the chamber that we've developed this policy position over a period of time in the Labor Party. I'm very proud that we have made these changes and that we have support in the chamber on this here today. But I understand that there's a lot of work to be done to help those who are studying these particular courses.

Since 1 July 2025, around 73,000 students across Australia have been eligible for $331.65 each week. It is the first time ever that a federal government has provided financial support to students while they complete their mandatory prac placements; I think it's pertinent to highlight that. There is a review, and there is opportunity to expand, but this is a conversation that we can continue to have not only in the chamber but outside as well. It's important to highlight that this is the first time that a Labor federal government has introduced this. We're starting with students who are studying nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work, to address the urgent need for more students in these areas. Going back to the universities accord, it's talking about particular courses of priority and focusing on the skill shortage.

To further support students with the cost of living, Labor is cutting 20 per cent from everyone's student debt. I know that, in my electorate, this message has been well received. You can see from the results of the election that it is something that people supported and voted for. I am really proud that we will be able to deliver that in the coming days.

I again thank the member for Indi for her contributions and also the member for Mayo for sharing the experience with her daughter. As someone who's also taught students and who has experience of supporting students at the University of Sydney and in my capacity at St Vincent de Paul, I completely understand these challenges.

See this speech in context