Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Today I stand before you to express my support for the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023. This is a milestone piece of legislation that reflects our commitment to fostering equitable opportunities. The Albanese Labor government will deliver on its promise of providing steadfast support to all students pursuing higher education and contributing to closing the gap with the most disadvantaged.

One of the reasons I came to Australia in the first place, and one of the reasons so many come to our country, is academic excellence. I came to Australia to give my children a good education. So many of my constituents in Tangney came here pursuing the opportunity to go to university. Recently I stood before you to share a story of success, the story of a primary school in Tangney, Oberthur Primary School. Through one of two language immersion programs in Western Australia, it has achieved outstanding results in the academic performance of its students. Not only do we have excellent primary and secondary education in the electorate of Tangney; our electorate is also home to Murdoch University, an institution that is truly committed to bridging the gap and addressing the systemic inequalities with our Indigenous brothers and sisters.

At its core, this bill addresses two critical recommendations from the Australian UniversitiesAccord interim report. The first recommendation strikes down the punitive 50 per cent pass rule, a measure that has inadvertently hindered the progress of countless students striving for academic excellence. This rule, introduced by the coalition in 2022, was aimed at discouraging students from pursuing courses that they were allegedly not academically suited for. But they failed to account for so many reasons why a student may be facing performance issues. It's impact proved unduly harsh; it disproportionately affected students from our First Nations, from low socio-economic backgrounds and those facing educational disadvantages. We should never try to discourage our youth from pursuing their dreams—never! Never should we tell them they're not suited for it.

We recognise that success isn't only measured by grades but also by the determination and resilience displayed in the face of challenges. By eliminating this rule, we affirm our belief in a student's potential to overcome obstacles and realise their aspirations. We put our faith and confidence in them, and we sent a clear message that we will support them.

Having problems in achieving academic results can be the result of many factors: living in a household facing job insecurity, precarious housing arrangements, coming from a marginalised neighbourhood or other personal circumstances can wreak havoc on a student's ability to focus on their courses. I have lived this. During the most challenging time of my life—during my daughter's battle with cancer—my youngest son struggled with his studies, worried about the wellbeing of our family. This shows that a government has a duty to show compassion for our people. We don't know the challenges they are facing.

To do this, we are also introducing a new policy requirement, mandating higher education providers to outline their commitment to supporting students in their journey to success. This proactive approach ensures that every student, regardless of background, receives the necessary assistance to try, both academically and personally. Moreover, our dedication to equal opportunity is showcased through the second part of this amendment, which extends demand driven funding to metropolitan First Nations students. By broadening the eligibility criteria for Commonwealth supported places we pave the way for more Indigenous people to access higher education, including those living in metropolitan areas. This is a pivotal step towards closing the gap and fostering a brighter future for Indigenous communities.

These measures we're taking are not isolated changes; they stem from a comprehensive set of recommendations outlined by the Australian University Accord interim report. Other policies include: creating more study hubs in the regions and also in the suburbs; extending the higher education continuity guarantee in 2024 and 2025; and working with states and territories to improve university governance.

We believe that education should be an avenue of empowerment, going beyond geographical boundaries and socio-economic barriers. Our commitment to doubling the number of Indigenous students in university within a decade is not just a promise, it's a declaration of intent to bridge the gap and to uplift our First Nations people through the power of education.

As a member of this parliament, I recognise the responsibility we hold in shaping the destiny of our nation. I, myself, emerged from a disadvantaged background, aware of the immense hurdles that can obstruct one's educational journey. It is our duty to ensure that these obstacles do not define a person's potential but instead to help them overcome them, to walk with them together towards a brighter future.

It is not to be overlooked that these recommendations are the result of the hard work of a panel of professionals with a combined wealth of experience in STEM, social science, business and public policy. It is a panel that is diverse in its composition. Furthermore, many of our prominent universities and higher education institutions have committed their support to the report.

I know firsthand the struggle that many face on their educational journey. I understand that. Not everyone has the same privileges or support network. But that doesn't mean they lack potential. It is our duty as a compassionate society and as a responsible government to level the playing field and to extend a helping hand to those who need it most. When we change our perspective on higher education, when we see it as a place of empowerment and growth, we open the door to a future where every student, regardless of their background, can excel. By supporting this bill we are not just changing the law; we are changing people's lives. We are making a commitment to building an education system that uplifts, that encourages and that propels every student towards their dreams. By supporting this bill we send a resounding message to all Australians that, regardless of circumstances, everyone deserves a chance to thrive, to explore their passion and to contribute to the progress of our country.

Our nation's strength lies in the diversity of its people, and it is our collective duty to ensure that this strength is harnessed and cherished. I encourage all my colleagues and members of this House to support the Higher Education Support Amendment (Response to the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report) Bill 2023. Let us pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive and equitable future for all Australians. Thank you.

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