Anthony Chisholm (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

The government will oppose this amendment as it would have the effect of removing the Startup Year program from the bill. Although opposing startup, the amendments that the opposition offer in alternative are of a major nature and do not substantially change the program from what the government is proposing. The opposition have had the benefit of briefings, a Senate committee inquiry and even the provision of draft guidelines and the program handbook, as well as a schedule to assist in understanding the program. They've now offered paltry amendments and also opposed the bill, which is 'no-alition' politics at its finest.

In terms of the lack of support, I would disagree with that. I think this bill has been met with enthusiastic support from the sector. The consultation process was lauded by key stakeholders, and described as first class by Universities Australia. The Senate committee hearing emphasised this, as Universities Australia said that it supports and applauds the government's initiative in the establishment of the Startup Year. It also said that it was absolutely a value proposition for students in universities. The Australian Technology Network said:

We fundamentally think this is a great program.

And the University of Technology said in its submission to the inquiry that the bill would:

… help the next generation of young Australian entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life and commends the Government for exploring innovative and long-term solutions to fund and support new startups.

The government is confident these measure also be well received and will operate well, and we've committed to a pilot to ensure that that's the case.