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

(—) (): This is a reform package that can provide certainty to students in the future that they will continue to be able to access university places without a cap on those places and without the threat of any up-front fees being in place. It took off the table any notion of fee deregulation and it provides absolute certainty on the types of fees. It guarantees that students will continue to have the majority of their fees—54 per cent, in fact—paid for by the taxpayer and of course a generous taxpayer-subsidised student loan is available for those students. It expands opportunities for universities to offer one- and two-year associate degree and diploma courses with strong industry links. It expands the opportunities for Australian universities to engage with industry and business by offering work placement opportunities and work-integrated learning as well as payments to incentivise and encourage them to do so. This is a reform proposal that has a clear vision for Australian universities that maintains access, enhances access and enhances opportunities and links to work in industry. (Time expired)