Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Senate

   First Reading
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2. Tuesday 25 November 2025 · Senate

   Second Reading

   Senator Mehreen Faruqi introduced the Greens' bill to reverse fee increases for humanities and social science degrees implemented under the Job-Ready Graduates package. Faruqi argued that the current fee structure imposes excessive debt on students and undermines the value of arts education, citing calls for reform from Labor MPs and public figures. The senator urged the government to act on its own previous criticisms of the policy and the findings of the Universities Accord. The debate was adjourned with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

   Outcome: Debate adjourned with leave granted for the senator to continue remarks later.

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3. Wednesday 1 July 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated a Greens bill to reverse fee hikes introduced under the Job-ready Graduates (JRG) scheme, particularly for arts and humanities degrees. The Greens and an Independent senator argued the scheme was failing students and exacerbating inequality, while the Government and Coalition opposed the bill, citing funding shortfalls and the need for comprehensive reform through the Australian Tertiary Education Commission. The bill was defeated in a division.

   Outcome: The bill was defeated in a division with 11 votes in favour and 30 against.

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