The Greens want the federal government’s plans to reduce student debt by 20 per cent rolled out before the next election.
In a letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Greens leader Adam Bandt and deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi welcomed “the government adopting the Greens policy” but want to see it implemented before next year’s election.
“We will continue to campaign to wipe student debt entirely and make university and Tafe free, but we are keen to see the government’s measure passed as quickly as possible,” the Greens wrote.
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“We don’t consider it fair to make this change dependent on the next election result. People need debt relief and certainty now.
“Even though we would like it to go much further, the Greens commit to working with the government to pass this legislation through the parliament by the end of this year.”
The Greens have had legislation in Parliament for two years to scrap indexation and raise the repayment threshold, which Labor had blocked.
Announced on Sunday, the federal government said around $16 billion would be wiped off around three million student loans.
The announcement would support those with HELP, VET Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other income-contingent student support loan accounts that exist on 1 June next year.
For someone with a debt of $27,600, approximately $5,520 would be wiped from their outstanding loan.
Mr Albanese said everyone with a student debt would benefit.
“My Government will make sure our education system is fairer and affordable for every Australian. We won’t delay unwinding the damage caused by the former Coalition government,” he said.
“No matter where you live or how much your parents earn, my government will work to ensure the doors of opportunity are open for you.”