Marise Payne (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for Human Services) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Muir very much for his question and for some prior notice to my office of the question. In relation to Senator Muir's question, clearly the government's view is most certainly that that will not be the case, but there are many third parties also participating in the debate at the moment who equally agree with the government's position on this matter. I will begin by referring to one that has an institution in the senator's constituency of Victoria—RMIT. Vicki Thomson, who is the Executive Director of the Australian Technology Network of Universities, has written an opinion piece and made it quite clear in that. She said:

So let me repeat what has been said a million times: the university sector is not looking to introduce standard $100,000 degrees and deregulation won’t deliver them.

Those who have brainwashed some journalists and … senators to accept that we plan to do just that deserve to be shot down.

It is not only wrong, it is shameful for the fear such myths are creating in the community.

She goes on to say:

Deregulating fees will provide students with increased choice and universities with flexibility. Will fees go up? Some may, but others would also decrease as we have the freedom to determine the size of our institutions and the degrees that we offer.

A far more realistic estimate of how high fees might rise for a standard degree in a deregulated market is $12,000 to $14,000 a year—rather lower than the $100,000 being yelled from certain rooftops.

Senator Muir asked about the government's view. Most certainly we are of the view that we will give students more choice, more flexibility and more opportunities, particularly with Commonwealth funding for those who are pursuing degrees such as associate diplomas and diplomas, both in private institutions and even through TAFEs in some examples— (Time expired)