Sean Edwards (SA, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Of course it is. Money is not free. When will you work out that money is not free, that you have to earn it? This is a hand up, not a hand out. This is going to help young people at the most critical time of their lives. It is no different from somebody starting a business when they need a loan for the business. It is no different at all. They get a loan for the business and repay the loan. We are equipping young apprentices with the money, with the ability to get to work, with the ability to buy a car and with the ability to buy the tools of trade. They can get this loan so that they can earn and then allocate money they earn. It is no different from anybody going to university and getting a degree. It is no different from HECS.

I want to empower the trades of this country. I do not know why anybody wants to put a block in front of people living effectively, working effectively and being able to get to work. Why would they not choose to train in a skill? This system will grow the pie, it will grow productivity and it will grow manufacturing because more and more people will be able to go into training knowing full well that they will be able to pay their bills. What can the loan money be spent on? These loans are designed to provide financial support for apprentices to cover their cost of living and learning while training.

Senator Cameron interjecting—