Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

Part of the response to Senator Ruston's second supplementary question also finishes what I was saying about the HELP loan arrangements. We will see the abolition of the loan fees of 25 per cent for FEE-HELP loans and 20 per cent for VET FEE-HELP. That will reduce the cost for thousands and thousands of Australian students. It is interesting to know that South Australian students and South Australian universities and other higher education providers will benefit from the higher education reform package. In fact, the South Australian higher education minister, Gail Gago, in the Australian Financial Review last week, welcomed the federal government's plan to fund sub-bachelor higher education courses such as diplomas. She said:

The extension of funding of sub-bachelor programs to TAFE SA and other registered higher education providers provides an opportunity for TAFE SA to access Commonwealth funding for its diploma and advanced diploma courses. Recognition and funding of these sub-bachelor programs delivered by TAFE SA is welcome.

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