Sarah Hanson-Young (SA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

This first amendment is pretty straightforward, I think. Both the coalition and the government would agree that, if we are to pass a piece of legislation like this, which includes quite significant reforms in the area of student income support, we need to have a proper review process to ensure we are on the right track and that we are developing a package of support that really supports students and does not undermine their educational outcomes. That is basically what this amendment is about, and my understanding is that both sides have agreed to support it. I move Greens amendment (2) on sheet 5957:

(2)    Page 3 (after line 2), after clause 3, insert:

3A  Review of impact of student income arrangements

        (1)    The Minister must cause a comprehensive review to be undertaken of the impact of the student income arrangements implemented by this Act on equity, with a particular focus on the impact on rural and regional students.

        (2)    The review must:

             (a)    start not later than 30 June 2012; and

             (b)    be completed within 3 months.

        (3)    The Minister must cause a written report about the review to be prepared.

        (4)    The Minister must cause a copy of the report to be laid before each House of the Parliament within 15 sitting days of that House after the day on which the Minister receives the report.