The government yesterday released the consultation draft of the legislation to change the cost of some degrees for students

Not that minds are for changing, at least they weren’t yesterday. The Department of Education, Skills and Employment “welcomes submissions” on the legislation’s operation and how it “reflects” government policy. But they might be this morning.

National Party MP (Calare-NSW) Andrew Gee has made it plain for a while that core constituents want change. The junior minister for regional education has previously said moving social work and behavioural sciences from the new band four student-payment category ($14 400 pa), to the way-cheaper band two (allied health – $7 700) was raised at a roundtable of chancellors and vice chancellors from regional unis. And he reported they want the $5000 payment to help country kids relocate to study to be restricted to those who enrol at regional universities.  His report of roundtable recommendations appeared on his ministerial website, on July 13.  They were all over old-media yesterday afternoon.