Opened the debate
Ayres argued that the bill addresses educational inequality by ensuring that students from low socioeconomic backgrounds and regional areas have equal access to university places if they meet academic requirements. Ayres stated that the legislation creates a Managed Growth Funding System, allowing the Australian Tertiary Education Commission to allocate additional places where needed, including uncapping limits for disadvantaged students. Ayres highlighted that the bill introduces needs-based funding, doubling support per student compared to previous programs, to help students complete their degrees. Ayres also noted that the bill transfers authority over international student allocations to the independent commission to improve system management.