The new HELP repayment threshold is through the Senate, with Education Minister Simon Birmingham going on Triple J to explain; “one of the world’s most generous student loan schemes stays that way – continues to be generous and continues to be accessible and available to future generations.”  What’s more acting now saved the scheme from worse later if debt grew.

“At some stage, some future government would call crisis on that and potentially do something much more abrupt and negative, whereas what we’ve done is carefully recalibrate the repayment settings,” the senator said.

The minister also appeared to indicate that there are no more higher education cuts to come. “we’re not anticipating any changes in terms of budget settings,” he added. But then again, it does not sound like the demand driven system is set to be restored either.