Transcript: Doorstop Interview Parliament 24 November 2015

SUBJECT/S: Turnbull’s plan for a 15 per cent GST on higher education, Newspoll.

AMANDA RISHWORTH, SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR EDUCATION, SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION: Labor is calling for answers from this Government that is providing uncertainty for universities. What will happen to the 20 per cent cut to universities that is still in the Budget? And will there be a 15 per cent GST on university fees? These are some of the questions that both universities and students have. What will be the impact on fees if there is still a 20 per cent cut and a 15 per cent GST on university fees? As well as questions for students if there is an increase in the GST, how will that affect the cost of their study materials? How will that affect the cost of their accommodation and the cost of living? These are the questions that Government has to answer. The Government must come clean on what its plan is for universities. Will it still pursue $100,000 university degrees? And will it still pursue a 15 per cent GST on everything? In contrast to this, Labor has a positive plan for students and universities. We have announced a student funding guarantee that will guarantee funding for universities to ensure students get a quality education without putting upward pressure on fees. In addition, we’ve also announced a plan to boost completions, improve quality and provide students with information. This is in clear contrast to the Government that has no plan except to hike up fees and put a GST on everything.

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