Daniel Mulino (Fraser, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I'm passionate about the power of education and the opportunities it creates. Education is the underpinning of individuals having the chance to realise their potential. It is also the pathway out of cycles of disadvantage for so many. The Albanese government's recent announcements in relation to education policy are game-changers.

Firstly, we'll be cutting student debt by 20 per cent for everyone. Secondly, we'll be raising the threshold people can earn before they need to start repaying their loans. Almost 20 per cent of people in my electorate have a HECS debt. They will directly benefit from these changes. These changes, on top of already-legislated changes to the way HECS is indexed, will help immediately with cost of living and, by reducing debt, will enable more home loan applications.

This government has also ensured that fee-free TAFE is here to stay. This will enable training for more tradespeople, more carers and so many other professions that our society needs. It will reduce barriers for more Australians not only to progress their own lives but also to build Australia's future. Employment projections show that 90 per cent of future jobs will require postsecondary education. Therefore, it is extremely important that universities and TAFEs are accessible and affordable and that barriers to opportunity are lessened, as this is what will reduce cycles of generational disadvantage. These changes to HECS and TAFE will enable so many more people to attend university and TAFE, especially in communities like mine. This is both fairer and better for the economy.