Newcastle Federal MP Sharon Claydon Says 70,000 Hunter Students to Have Debts Slashed

9 November 2024

More than 70,000 students in the Hunter region are set to see significant reductions in their student debts if the Albanese Government wins a second term in next year’s election according to Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon.

An analysis of student debts by electorate reveals that 70,259 individuals across Newcastle, Paterson, Shortland, and Hunter electorates will benefit from a 20% debt reduction after the election.

This initiative isn’t limited to university debts; it also encompasses debts from TAFE courses and apprenticeship loans existing as of 1 June next year. For someone with the average HECS debt of $27,600, this policy would wipe approximately $5,520 from their loan.

Combined with other measures introduced by the Albanese Government, the plan aims to reduce student loan debt by around $20 billion for about three million Australians.

The government has also introduced legislation to establish Fee-Free TAFE as a permanent feature of the national vocational education and training system, funding 100,000 fee-free TAFE places annually in critical areas starting from 2027.

Sharon Claydon, Member for Newcastle and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, expressed her enthusiasm for the relief the plan would bring to her constituents.

“I’m so excited to tell the 25,398 people in my electorate that they have the chance to see a massive cut in their student debt,” Ms Claydon said.

“I’m working for my community every single day and asking for their vote to ensure the government is returned and this relief can be delivered for people in Newcastle and more than 70,000 people across our great region.

“I’m so proud to be part of a government that values education, values students, and has a plan to ease cost-of-living pressures.”

Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training, highlighted the significance of the upcoming election.

“There’s a clear choice at the next election,” Mr Giles stated.

“If the Albanese Government is returned for a second term, every single person with a student debt will have it cut by 20%. That means nurses, tradies, carers, apprentices, and teachers all seeing cost-of-living relief.

“The Liberals are focused on slamming shut the doors of opportunity for Australians—we are focused on building Australia’s future.”

Despite the potential benefits, the opposition remains critical of the plan, calling it a superficial fix that ignores the root causes of rising student debt. Shadow Education Minister Sarah Henderson labeled the proposal as “trickery and deceit,” arguing that it fails to address inflation, which she sees as the core driver of escalating HELP debt.