Labor to oppose Malcolm Turnbull's university changes
Oz Kiwi opinion
This article shows that Labor will oppose the Government's changes to university fees. With the Greens also likely to oppose them, that leaves crossbenchers holding the balance of power for a Bill to be passed.
“The key crossbench Nick Xenophon and Pauline Hanson blocs have both expressed openness to working with the government on its higher education changes.”
Labor to oppose Malcolm Turnbull's university changes, forcing Senate showdown
11 May 2017
Matthew Knott - The Age
Labor will put higher education at the centre of its response to this year's budget by announcing it will oppose all the government's major university changes, including the proposed rise in fees and slashing of the HECS repayment threshold. The Greens also oppose the government's package, which is designed to save $2.8 billion over the next four years.
Shadow education spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek confirmed the opposition would oppose:
- the proposed 7.5 per cent fee increase;
- the reduction in the HECS repayment threshold to an annual salary of $42,000; and
- the 2.5 per cent efficiency dividend on university funding.
The key crossbench Nick Xenophon and Pauline Hanson blocs have both expressed openness to working with the government on its higher education changes.
Read the full Age article.