Nita Green (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

As you know, Acting Deputy President Polley, and as I'm sure you campaigned to the good people of Tasmania, during the election we promised to cut student debt, and we meant it. It was the very first piece of legislation we introduced in this parliament, and now we are delivering on that commitment.

Over the next couple of weeks, young Australians will be getting one of the best text messages they've ever received. It's a simple message but one that will make a real difference. It will let them know that their student debts have been reduced by 20 per cent. Our government is stepping up for the more than three million Australians with a student debt. The average HECS debt today is about $27,000. That means the average reduction will be around $5½ thousand—wiped from those balances. There will be no applications, no forms and no hoops to jump through, just real cost-of-living relief at a time people need it most. That is what we are doing.

We are delivering for the people of Australia. We've delivered more bulk-billing Medicare. We've delivered cheaper medicines. We are now delivering the student debt cuts that we promised at the election. While those opposite bicker and back-step, our government is getting on with the job of delivering for all Australians.

In my last few seconds, as I stand here for what will probably be my last contribution of this parliamentary year, I want to say a quick congratulations to Australia's very own Robert Irwin. He has made the finals of Dancing with the Stars, and I know so many of us in Australia are rooting for him to bring it home tonight in the US. Robert is Australia's travel ambassador in the US. He's out there, working hard and proving why US travellers should come and visit Australia. I know those twinkle toes are going to bring home the trophy tonight. Good luck, Robert! We are all behind you. We can't wait to see you exceed our expectations. Congratulations for making the final.