ATN Universities welcomes plan to reduce student debt
ATN Universities welcomes plan to reduce student debt 4 November 2024 The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) supports the proposed changes to existing HECS-HELP debt which have been announced by the Federal Government. “We welcome the Government’s focus on the needs of graduates through a reduced debt burden and removing the worst effects of…
ATN Universities welcomes plan to reduce student debt
4 November 2024
The Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN) supports the proposed changes to existing HECS-HELP debt which have been announced by the Federal Government.
“We welcome the Government’s focus on the needs of graduates through a reduced debt burden and removing the worst effects of the existing repayment cliff edges,” ATN Executive Director, Dr Ant Bagshaw, said.
“The Government has shown its serious commitment to improving the conditions of students and graduates, including changing debt indexation and implementing a prac payments policy which is putting money into students’ pockets when they need it. ATN hopes the legislation enabling these changes will be passed before the end of year.”
As a further measure to remove financial disincentives to pursue higher education, ATN universities call on the Government and Coalition to support the urgent reform of the Job Ready Graduates (JRG) student contribution that dramatically increased student fees for courses like arts degrees. The Universities Accord called for the JRG package to be redesigned before it caused long-term damage to Australian higher education by increasing the cost of gaining a qualification.
Media Contact (not for publication)
Frank Coletta (Deputy Executive Director) m 0468 987 295 e frank.coletta@atn.edu.au
