Brett Mason (Queensland, Liberal Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Education and School Curriculum Standards) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The coalition support the Higher Education Support Amendment Bill 2009. This bill provides for some new minor administrative efficiencies in the operation of FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP, the assistance schemes for students attending university or vocational education and training courses. Specifically, the amendments will allow higher education and vocational and education training providers to lodge their applications for approval to offer FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP before having their tuition assurance arrangements in place. This will speed up the approval of providers and access to loans. According to the government, the implementation of this bill will result in the streamlining of the application and assessment process as well as the elimination of current duplications between the Commonwealth and state and territory agencies. It is good news for the providers and also for the students. The amendments also broaden the conditions under which the minister may be satisfied that a VET provider is able to meet the VET quality and accountability requirements and so qualify to offer VET FEE-HELP. The new conditions include that the minister may be satisfied by a recommendation of a body that is approved under the VET provider guidelines. The coalition are always happy to support greater administrative efficiency in every aspect of government work and service delivery. We support this bill.

Ursula Stephens (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Mason for indicating the opposition’s support for the Higher Education Support Amendment Bill 2009. As he so clearly outlined, this bill provides for technical amendments to further streamline the operation of FEE-HELP and VET FEE-HELP assistance schemes. The amendments deliver efficiencies in the administration of the schemes and ensure faster access to financial assistance for students choosing to pursue higher levels of qualifications. On that note, I commend the bill to the Senate.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.