Higher Education Support Amendment (Fair Study and Opportunity) Bill 2024

High-Level Summary
The bill proposes to amend the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to lower the maximum student contribution amounts for 'Society and Culture' subjects, effectively reducing the cost for students in these courses.

Summary
The Higher Education Support Amendment (Fair Study and Opportunity) Bill 2024 amends the Higher Education Support Act 2003 by moving subjects listed under 'Society and Culture' from table item 1 to table item 2 in 'Maximum student contribution amounts for a place'. This change will lower the maximum fee charged to students from $15,142 to $4,124 per unit. The amendments apply to units of study with a census date on or after 1 January 2025. From the explanatory memo:
The Job-ready Graduates policy of the Morrisson Government significantly increased the student contribution for Arts degrees as part of an initiative to encourage STEM course enrolment. However, this measure had minimal effect, and the bill aims to rectify this by making Arts education more affordable.

Argument For
Normative Bases
  1. Egalitarianism
  2. Pro-Democracy

The bill should be supported because it promotes educational equality by making Arts courses more financially accessible. Reducing the cost of 'Society and Culture' subjects aligns with the principle of egalitarianism by ensuring that all students, regardless of financial background, have the opportunity to pursue their interests and talents in these fields. Moreover, a well-rounded education system that includes affordable Arts education is vital for fostering informed and engaged citizens, which strengthens democratic processes [Judgment].


Argument Against
Normative Bases
  1. Propertarianism

The bill should be opposed because it may lead to increased government expenditure indirectly, as universities might seek compensation for lost revenue through other funding sources. This could result in a higher tax burden or a reallocation of funds that could otherwise be used for more economically impactful educational programs, potentially undermining property rights and financial prudence [Judgment].


Date:

2024-11-04

Status:

Not Proceeding

Sponsor:

LE, Dai, MP

Portfolio:

Unspecified

Categories:

Education, Discrimination / Human Rights

Timeline:
04/11/2024
28/03/2025

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