Following proposed amendments to the HECS/HELP scheme, Science & Technology Australia has made a submission to highlight the impact on Australian researchers and students.
STA acknowledges that this program must remain sustainable and accessible to all students, but it is our concern that the proposed amendments in this bill will have negative effects on the capabilities and composition of our STEM workforce.
Two schedules in particular are of concern to STA. These would adversely affect early-career STEM professionals and prevent STEM graduates from obtaining a teaching qualification. They are:
- Reduction of the Repayment Threshold to $45,000 p/a (Schedule 1); and
- Implementation of a HELP/HECS lifetime limit (Schedule 3).
Investment in the education of young Australians will pay dividends for many years to come, and a less skilled workforce will risk Australia’s future.
Be sure to read our full submission.
