Question Time AU

Bill Debate · Second Reading

VET Student Loans (Miscellaneous Measures) Bill 2025; Second Reading

House of Representatives · Wednesday 29 October 2025

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Minister for Skills and Training introduced legislation to retrospectively authorise the handling of student tax file numbers by VET Student Loans providers. The bill addresses a legislative gap identified during a review, ensuring past administrative actions were compliant with the law. It applies to providers and government officers from 2017 to September 2025. The Minister confirmed that IT systems have since been updated to prevent providers from handling these numbers directly. The debate concluded with the bill being commended to the House.

Outcome

The debate was adjourned after the Minister commended the bill to the House.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Opened the debate

Andrew Giles (Scullin) (Australian Labor Party) ALP

Giles argued that the bill was necessary to rectify a lack of clear legislative authority for providers to handle tax file numbers under the VET Student Loans Act 2016. The legislation retrospectively validates the handling of these numbers by providers and the disclosure of them by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations between 1 January 2017 and 30 September 2025. Giles noted that IT system updates implemented in early 2025 now mask these numbers and automate transfers, removing the need for provider handling. The measure aims to maintain confidence in the vocational education system and ensure compliance while supporting workforce skills development.

Government response

Andrew Giles (Minister for Skills and Training) ALP Scullin

Giles stated that the bill ensures the VET Student Loans program remains accessible and compliant with legal requirements. The Minister highlighted that no student complaints regarding tax file number handling had been recorded since the program began in 2017. Giles emphasised the importance of vocational education in addressing skills shortages in critical industries such as engineering and trades. The legislation clarifies the basis for past administrative practices to support the integrity of the loan system.