Address to the House of Representatives, Statements by Members

Monday 28 July 2025

Despite the views of the member for Gippsland, our work in reducing HECS debts is nation-building work. This work is part of our strategy to promote intergenerational fairness while recognising that quality education can change lives.

This work has already begun in this place with the introduction of the Universities Accord (Cutting Student Debt by 20 Per Cent) Bill 2025 last week. This means that every Australian with a HELP debt loan or other form of student debt will enjoy a 20 per cent reduction in that debt. This is an average saving of $5½ thousand for more than three million Australians. In my electorate of Bean, that means relief for 15,645 students—students like Laura who is entering her final semester at the Australian National University. This is only happening because of a Labor government. Before the election, those opposite attacked this policy and said that Australians would see no benefit. The Australian people and particularly young Australians disagree.

On 3 May 2025, Australians made their voices heard. They voted to cut the debt of three million Australians by 20 per cent, and they voted for this important step in helping those who will build Australia's future. Those opposite would do well to listen to the voices of the Australian people and join the government in supporting this measure, this intergenerational investment in young Australians.