Higher Education Support Amendment
Wednesday, 22 April 2009 05:25
Mr Speaker, this Bill is about some far-sighted initiatives, including giving momentum to Labor’s education revolution in early childhood learning.
My own child, Isaac, now only a few months old, will soon have the benefit of this - something I’m very pleased about.
Hopefully, in 2027, when he graduates from university, if he chooses that path, he will be amongst the clueyest generation Australia has produced, thanks to early childhood learning and this Bill.
This Bill is also about plugging some of the gaping holes in our Labour supply left behind by the previous Howard Government, particularly in science and maths.
But most importantly, Mr Speaker, this Bill contains a measure that goes to the heart of Labor philosophy, and our principles – a principle that separates us from the Liberals on the other side.
This Bill makes sure students gain access to higher education on merit; not on their ability to pay.
It puts an end to this shameful chapter in higher education, when kids missed out on university places because they couldn’t afford to pay.
Mr Speaker, this Bill phases out full-fee-paying undergraduate places for domestic students in public universities from 2009. And what a great thing that is! I am very pleased to say it!
I congratulate the Deputy Prime Minister for her principle in putting this forward, and I know she is passionate about it. When this Bill passes, I am sure she will look back on it as a very important achievement, and something that is good for Australia.
Mr Speaker, many ordinary working families whose kids are today studying their guts out to gain entrance to universities, will punch the air in joy when this law goes through. They will know they are back in the game. They will no longer be discriminated against because they have a lesser income than others.
The laws, brought in by the previous Government, allowing wealthy students better access to universities, are repulsive to the overwhelming majority of Australians Mr Speaker.
I made me angry Mr Speaker to know a student was sitting in a university lecture theatre and someone of equal ability was locked outside the university gates, and the determining reason for their predicament was the size of their wallet?
Today, through this Bill, that ends, and it’s a darn good thing.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
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