Anne Stanley (Werriwa, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela once noted that education is the most wonderful weapon you can use to change the world. Labor knows the enduring truth of these words. But, more importantly, Mandela's words are etched into the legislative programs and policy announcement of this government. Let me give you just three recent examples.

Firstly, I'm delighted that Macquarie Fields in Werriwa will be home to one of the 10 new suburban university study hubs. Study hubs will provide student support and campus-style facilities for those studying a university or TAFE course without needing to leave their community. The study hub will encourage more young Australians to not only enrol in postsecondary education but also finish their studies. Secondly, the Albanese Labor government will support the national VET system by continuing to offer free TAFE places. The first 18 months of fee-free TAFE has seen over 508,000 enrolments. Labor believes in equal opportunity and, by making TAFE free, we're removing the financial barriers to access and ensuring everyone has a chance to achieve their potential. Finally, at a university level, the Albanese Labor government has announced a raft of measures regarding HECS, not least being a further cut of 20 per cent to all student debt.

Labor is the champion of education at all levels, ensuring no-one is left behind.