Fed: Govt intent on lifting uni fees - Macklin

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2003
Fed: Govt intent on lifting uni fees - Macklin

Labor says university students can blame the independent senators and the federal government
for fee hikes if the government's planned changes pass the Senate.

Education Minister BRENDAN NELSON offered a series of changes yesterday to his $1.7
billion higher education reform package, in a bid to woo over senators.

The votes of the four independent senators are vital to allowing the package to pass.

A reported agreement with the four independent senators would set the maximum HECS
course fee increase at 25 per cent, instead of the original 30 per cent sought.

The government has also agreed to lift the HECS threshold to $36,000 and to expand
the number of full fee-paying places.

Labor's education spokeswoman JENNY MACKLIN has told reporters what's clear is that
the HOWARD government wants to put up student fees.

She says the higher education legislation is set for debate in the Senate today.

However she says the independents have not yet agreed to all elements of the package
-- particularly the industrial relations conditions imposed on universities.

AAP RTV dep/sb/rca/rt

KEYWORD: UNIVERSITIES LABOR (CANBERRA)

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