2024-11-03
Senator Mehreen Faruqi, Deputy Greens Leader and spokesperson for Higher Education, has responded to Labor’s plan to wipe 20% of student debt if they win the next election.
Quotes attributable to Senator Faruqi:
“This is a big win for the Greens and all those in the community who have pleaded and pushed for action to tackle skyrocketing student debt. Our campaign has made this progress socially and politically possible.
“The Greens have relentlessly pushed the Albanese Government to deliver desperately needed student debt relief since they came to power, and the pressure has worked.
“We are proud of this win but let’s be clear- Labor’s plans still fall short of what’s needed. All student debt should be wiped and university and TAFE should be free.
“This is a start, but if Labor can wipe 20% of student debt, surely they can wipe all of it.
“There’s no reason to wait till July to deliver much needed student debt relief. Labor should bring on the legislation now and we’ll work with them to pass it.
“Instead of promising to wipe some student debt if they get re-elected, Labor should start wiping student debt now. Student debt relief shouldn't be dangled like a carrot on a stick and held hostage to the next election results. We have the numbers in parliament to do it right now.
“The Greens will keep fighting to wipe all student debt and make uni and TAFE free.
“We want to work with Labor to deliver the changes that will make life better for millions of people, like wiping all student debt, making TAFE and uni free and delivering dental and mental health into Medicare.”