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

Consistent with discussions that I think our officers have had, Senator Carr, I am happy to give the government's undertaking to progress a model that could see application of an ombudsman. My understanding is that it may require some further referral of powers from the states, if they were to apply in a manner consistent with the international Ombudsman. There may be scope for some narrower application that just deals with VET FEE-HELP-type matters, which could be an alternative.

In light of the constructiveness with which we have dealt with some of the issues at least, the government did not oppose your second reading amendment and is willing to work through those issues.