Labor to Introduce Bill to Cut Student Debt by 20 Percent in 2nd Term

‘The prime minister’s already said the first legislation will be about dropping that HECS debt on students,’ Tanya Plibersek.

Minister for Social Services Tanya Plibersek and government members and senators arrive at a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on Nov. 30, 2023. AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The first thing on the agenda for the Albanese government as it begins its second term is to cut student debt by 20 percent.

Senior Labor frontbencher Tanya Plibersek said it will be “straight back to work” for ministers, with the top priority being a bill to reduce HECS loans with taxpayer funds.