Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Education and Training) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, again, Senator Wang. As you, I know, would appreciate, having looked at the legislation closely that there is an extension in certain areas of Commonwealth Grant Scheme support in the legislation that we have brought to this parliament. Importantly, it seeks to extend opportunities for sub-bachelor programs, for diploma courses and for those entry level pathways that will give greater opportunity to many more students. It is a profound disappointment that this Senate has stood in the way of giving those enhanced opportunities to more people.

We also absolutely stand for providing opportunity to non-university providers to enter this space. That, again, has been a feature of the reforms to date. So, Senator Wang, if there are areas that you would like to discuss with us, I, Minister Pyne and the government of course remain very happy to do so—with you and with other crossbenchers. We would be particularly happy if the Labor Party would actually have a constructive discussion with us on this very, very important reform rather than just saying no, no, no, as they have— (Time expired)