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

I can indeed do that for Senator McGrath. These reforms have enormous benefits for students. Above all, though, it means they will get an education of the quality they want, a truly world-class education in the courses they want, with the Commonwealth support they want, without having to pay a single cent up front.

The new bill makes HECS even more generous. It is HECS that guarantees that access to higher education is based on ability, not income. The Commonwealth scholarship scheme will support tens of thousands of disadvantaged students in going to university, and with even more students supported now through additional scholarships in the new bill. The Commonwealth will be supporting all Australian undergraduate students in all registered higher education institutions, from diplomas to bachelor degrees, supporting students on pathways into higher education, and, importantly, in qualifications for jobs. We will in fact see lower fees for many students, as COPHE, the Council of Private Higher Education, has confirmed. (Time expired)