Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens and spokesperson for Higher Education, has called on Labor to bring in a bill right now to fulfil their promise of wiping 20% of student debt like they have done for fee-free TAFE places today.
As stated by Senator Faruqi:
"If Labor can introduce legislation for fee-free TAFE places today, why can't they bring in a bill right now to fulfil their pledge to wipe some student debt.
"People are hurting right now, they need student debt relief right now, not next year.
"Not only is Labor delaying their promised changes to student debt, they are making them uncertain by tying them to the result of the next election.
"There's no reason to wait. Student debt relief shouldn't be dangled like a carrot on a stick and held ransom to the next election results. We have the numbers in the parliament to lock in these changes right now.
"We've kept the pressure on Labor and it's clear they are worried more than ever before about people voting Greens.
"Let's keep up the pressure for wiping all student debt and making TAFE and uni free."