Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator McKenzie for her continued interest in the important area of education. What I am able to tell the Senate about this historical higher education reform is that it will ensure that more Australians are able to receive a world class higher education as well as wider opportunities through diploma and other pathway courses, and it will ensure that Australia's higher education is not left behind in what is an increasingly competitive international environment.

For the first time ever, the Australian government will provide direct financial support to all students studying at any registered Australian higher education provider such as a public university, a private university, a TAFE or a college for any accredited under graduate course including higher education diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees. For the first time ever, there will be direct financial support to all students in those categories. What those changes provide is an historic pathway into higher education for Australians. And a lot of those Australians will come from lower socioeconomic areas and regional areas. What that means by 2018 is world-changing for this country.