Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA) welcomes the introduction of legislation to the House of Representatives extending the FEE-HELP loan fee exemption until 31 December 2022.
"The extension of the FEE-HELP loan fee exemption for all of 2022 will be good news for students and the independent higher education sector," said IHEA CEO, Dr Peter Hendy.
“Put simply, the 20 per cent FEE-HELP loan fee is an unfair penalty on students studying at independent higher education institutions.”
"The reintroduction of the 20 per cent FEE-HELP Loan Fee would’ve imposed considerable increases in debt for Australian students and their hardworking families.”
“That is why, as a matter of priority, IHEA has been working hard for a commitment from the government to legislate the FEE-HELP loan fee exemption for this year.”
“Whilst welcoming the exemption, the position of IHEA remains to advocate for, as much as possible, a level playing field for students irrespective of whether they attend a public or independent provider.”
“The loan fee should be abolished or, at the very least, equitable across the entire higher education sector.”
“All Australian students studying in accredited courses with registered higher education providers should be treated equally by government. Consequently, IHEA will continue to advocate to government on behalf of the independent higher education sector.”
“We will continue to ask the government to implement national tertiary sector reform to ensure, as much as possible, a level playing field between public and independent sector providers.”
All quotes above attributed to Dr Peter Hendy, IHEA CEO
Progress of FEE-HELP Loan Fee Exemption for 2022
On 27 October 2022, the federal government introduced and read the 'Education Legislation Amendment (2022 Measures No.1) Bill 2022' in the House of Representatives.
This bill incorporates the FEE-HELP loan fee exemption for 2022.
The second reading was moved in the House of Representatives on 27 October 2022.
As of 28 October 2022, however, the bill is yet to pass both Houses of the Parliament (House of Representatives and the Senate).
Until this occurs, IHEA will continue to liaise key decision makers on behalf of the independent higher education sector.
IHEA Media Contact: Matthew Coote, IHEA Communications Manager (matthew.coote@ihea.edu.au / 0413 735 710)
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