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

Senator Carr, these are provisions that apply only to VET FEE-HELP providers, as distinct from all VET providers, so in that regard we are talking about the 264 or thereabouts VET FEE-HELP providers as distinct from the some 4,700 or thereabouts registered training organisations. These provisions—the pausing of payments provisions, which are subject to a ministerial discretion or determination—are also subject to AAT appeals mechanisms as well. So—as distinct from the earlier provisions, which are a clear rule that applies consistently across all VET FEE-HELP providers in terms of a calculation of an annualised cap on their loan limit—because these are individual, subjective decisions that are undertaken in accordance with an assessment and against the terms of the amendments, there are appropriate appeals mechanisms through the AAT provided for.