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

I think it is important to put on the record what people like Belinda Robinson, CEO of Universities Australia, have said about the reforms.

Senator Lines interjecting—

There is a certain irony there! It is simply not possible to maintain the standards that students expect or the international reputation that Australia's university system enjoys without full fee deregulation. Senator Lines might disparage Belinda Robinson, but she knows what she is talking about in relation to universities, unlike Senator Lines. As I said earlier, under the reforms an extra 80,000 students a year will be supported by the Commonwealth. In supporting all students in higher education diplomas, advanced diplomas and associate degrees for the first time, we will be supporting students in pathways into higher education and in courses that will actually provide them with skills for jobs. Those pathways will equip students to do well at university and reduce the dropout rates. (Time expired)