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

I particularly thank Senator McKenzie for her question. She, of course, has an ongoing interest in the area of education and I am very glad for that.

This government's higher education package is going to bring about enormous benefits for Australian students. Above all, it is going to mean that they can get a world-class education in the courses they want and with support that they what. Universities and other higher education providers who are going to compete for students will mean that students are the winners out of that process. Of course, for the first time the Commonwealth will be supporting all Australian undergraduate students in all registered higher education institutions in higher education diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees, as well is bachelor degrees. The strong assessment of that support will mean over 80,000 new students a year by 2018. As well as that, in the vocational education and training sector another 80,000 students will benefit through the abolition of the 20 per cent loan fee for VET FEE-HELP.

Interestingly, the Commonwealth scholarships scheme is going to provide what will likely be the largest scholarship support system in Australia's history for students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, which will include many students from rural and regional Australia. Above all, it will particularly help students with living costs. We are also acting to ensure that the HELP program remains sustainable.

Of course, no higher education student needs to pay a cent up-front for their course and no-one needs to repay a cent until they are earning over $50,000 a year.