“Universities are very supportive of the Government’s focus on changing the way student repayments are made, as confirmed last week by the Prime Minister and Finance Minister,” Universities Australia Chief Executive Officer Luke Sheehy said.

“We recognise young people are facing increasing cost-of-living pressures and have called for targeted support for students in the May Budget.

“Changes to make HELP simpler and fairer would make a big difference to people’s lives.

“HELP has led to a significant expansion of the university system, and it is essential that we continue to open the door to university for more Australians as our need for graduates grows.

“As we have through the Universities Accord process, we will continue to advocate for a system that is fit-for-purpose, simple and fair for the benefit of students and universities.”