While the creation of a very modest structural adjustment fund, a guarantee that fees for domestic students will be lower than for international students, and changes to the Government’s original proposal on student loans are a step in the right direction, these fall far short of what is required.

In addition to the retention of the CPI interest rate for student loans, Universities Australia reiterates its position that a substantial moderation of the proposed 20 per cent cut to higher education funding so as to put downward pressure on fees, a $500 million structural adjustment package, and the establishment of an independent expert panel to oversee the implementation of the changes are required.

In considering the Bill, Universities Australia encourages the Senate to insist on these amendments as a minimum condition for passing the Bill.