Sarah Henderson (Victoria, Liberal Party, Shadow Minister for Education) Share this | Hansard source

I have a number of questions in relation to the minister's position on amendments (4) and (5). Minister, I am deeply concerned that the government is not supporting these provisions, which give students the right to secure a refund. I'm deeply concerned that the government doesn't see the merit. I appreciate that there are existing measures in relation to these matters, but, insofar as what's been presented to me from the government, they are discretionary. In our discussions in relation to this particular provision, what was put forward to me would not give students an inherent right to secure a refund. In fact, this provides that the STARTUP-HELP guidelines must include the provisions to secure a startup refund. Could you explain to me, Minister, why it is that you don't believe universities should be held to account to ensure that they deliver the best quality courses?