David Johnston (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

This is just outrageous scaremongering from a group of people who have absolutely nothing to offer regional Australia. Those opposite have no understanding and no knowledge of regional Australia. The higher education reform package is a fair and balanced package which spreads opportunities for students and ensures Australia is not left behind in global competition. Regional students and their communities are among the big winners of the Australian government's higher education reforms introduced into this year's budget. The key measures include: expanding the demand-driven Commonwealth funding system for students studying for higher education diplomas, advance diplomas and associate degrees, costing $371.5 million over three years; extending Commonwealth funding to all Australian higher education students in non-university higher education institutions— (Time expired)