Bitter Sweet Budget for Students

11th May 2011

MEDIA RELEASE: Bitter Sweet Budget for Students

The Tasmania University Union today welcomes the Federal Government’s budget with reservations.

TUU State President Saleh Bintalib said “TUU definitely welcomes the increased funding for regional universities. The additional $110 million over four years will strengthen rural and regional higher education by helping to overcome the higher costs of regional campuses.”

“TUU also appreciates the Federal Government’s decision to deliver the key promises made in 2009 in conjunction with the releases of the Bradley Report” added Mr Bintalib.

“However, the TUU is disappointed with the Government’s decision to reduce the discount for paying HECS upfront from 20% to 10%. All this does is reduce the likelihood of students paying their University fees upfront, which will increase the burden of debt after their University years.

The reduction in HECS-HELP is expected to create $293 million for the Federal Government.

Mr Bintalib concluded by saying “The TUU hopes that government will use the additional funds for student support such as improving the Youth Allowance system.”

For further comments please contact
Saleh O Bintalib
TUU State Wide President
president@tuu.utas.edu.au
6226 2853 / 0409 958 158