Media Releases 2003

5 July  2003

AVCC welcomes Labor Party Support for Higher Education

Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) Chief Executive Officer, John Mullarvey welcomed support from the Labor Party leadership on higher education issues.  Mr Mullarvey’s comments follow opposition leader, Simon Crean’s announcement of part of Labor’s higher education policy in Perth today.

“Labor have stated that proposals by the Howard Government to introduce real interest rate student loans will be abolished under a Labor Government” Mr Mullarvey said.

“This supports our response to Backing Australia’s Future by the Howard Government that there should be no real interest rate loans introduced for students.

“The AVCC has also been calling for an increase in the income graduates earn before they start paying HECS and we are pleased that Labor has indicated they will lift the HECS threshold from the present level of just over $25,000 to $35,000. 

“We welcome Labor support and appreciate that Mr Crean and his team are aware of and are prepared to consider the position of the AVCC.

“The AVCC looks forward to further information on Labor education policies including full costings,” Mr Mullarvey said.

Media Inquiries Tracey Jiggins – phone: (02) 6285 8206 or 0400 166691