Plans for higher fees will make it harder and more expensive for young people in Macarthur to go to university.
Under the plan, which is currently subject to a Senate inquiry, thousands of students will see their fees double.
The federal member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, said he was worried about the effect this will have on local high school students who have already had a tough year.
“Year 12 students have had a very disruptive final year – the last thing they need is the Liberals making it harder and more expensive for them to go to uni – but that’s exactly what’s happening,” says the Labor MP.
“Youth unemployment has gone through the roof.
“If young people can’t get work, the government should be doing everything they can to help them upskill.
“But this government are doing the exact opposite.
“It’s a shame Scott Morrison wants young people to join the dole queue instead of letting them study.”
Dr Freelander said he had heard from many young locals who are reconsidering their options, or deferring study altogether due to their concerns about accruing a large debt.
“In education, work, health and housing and social welfare, young people are discriminated against all the time,’’ he said.
“For far too long, the scales have been tipped against young people in our society, and this is just another example of the government disregarding the needs of future generations.’’
He said Labor will vote against Scott Morrison’s unfair plan.
“Labor believes education and jobs go hand in hand. By locking young Australians out of uni, Scott Morrison is locking them out of jobs,” Dr Freelander said.
“We want every Australian to get a great education, no matter where they live – to have the training they need to get a job, to get ahead, and stay ahead – whether that’s university or TAFE.”
