Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, has responded to Labor’s latest student debt measure and calls on the Government to go further and act faster.
Senator Faruqi:
“The Greens welcome the Government’s decision to raise the repayment threshold, but it’s still nowhere near enough relief in a cost-of-living crisis.
“The Greens have had legislation sitting in Parliament for two years to scrap indexation and raise the repayment threshold, but Labor has been blocking it.
“If Labor had backed our bill, reforms like this could already be in law. People would have smaller student debts, and would be keeping more of their paychecks.
“But instead, Labor wants people to wait till July next year when people need help now. We’re calling on the Prime Minister to bring this legislation to Parliament next week so we can pass it this year.
“After years of blocking us, Labor is finally starting to listen to the Greens about the need to address soaring student debt, but it’s a small step well below what is needed.
“This proposal won’t shave a cent off your student debt or make university more affordable.
“Under Labor, student debts have risen by 16% and arts degrees now cost more than $50,000.
“Student debt can’t be fixed because student debt shouldn’t exist. Labor should wipe all student debt. If Anthony Albanese can go to uni for free, so should everyone else.”