HECS relief but universities, students still waiting for answers as budget reality dampens promise of historic ‘accord’

Since taking office the government has talked up reforms to higher education as its blueprint to transform universities for decades to come.

The budget also promises an additional Accord spend of $2.7 billion beginning in the 2028-2029 financial year, or a hypothetical third term of the Albanese government.The $1.1 billion is mostly chewed up by three initiatives. There's $350.3 million to expand access to courses helping students qualify and better prepare for university.As well as improving equity and giving more people a chance to study, it’s intended to ensure more students complete their degrees.

The government criticised this legislation — passed by the previous coalition government — first in opposition, and now in government, yet nothing is done to curtail it. It’s also promising a "needs based" funding system from January 2026, to boost numbers of students from First Nations families, low SES backgrounds, with disabilities and from the regions.

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