http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/taxpayers-pick-up-bill-for-university-education/story-fn59niix-1225972402594

A Greens proposal to reintroduce free university education for all Australian students would cost taxpayers $23 billion over four years.

The estimate was included in yesterday's release of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations post-election brief to the incoming Gillard government.

The so-called Red Book for incoming minister Chris Evans includes a detailed analysis of Greens election policies since the government relies upon the minor party for support in parliament.

The Whitlam government introduced free tertiary education in the 1970s, but it was abolished by the Hawke government in 1989 and replaced with the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, under which students build up debts to be repaid after they enter the workforce.

Maqqa wrote on Dec 19^th, 2010 at 3:43pm:

The Whitlam government introduced free tertiary education in the 1970s, but it was abolished by the Hawke government in 1989 and replaced with the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, under which students build up debts to be repaid after they enter the workforce.

I noted that Laborites love to blame the LIBs for introducing the HECS fee....seems like the author of this article disagree with you  :D ;D :P

It was actually the Hawke/Keating government that stuffed us up!!

No one is interested in education, free or otherwise, we're Australian, thanks anyway macca.

Maqqa wrote on Dec 19^th, 2010 at 3:45pm:

Maqqa wrote on Dec 19th, 2010 at 3:43pm: The Whitlam government introduced free tertiary education in the 1970s, but it was abolished by the Hawke government in 1989 and replaced with the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, under which students build up debts to be repaid after they enter the workforce. I noted that Laborites love to blame the LIBs for introducing the HECS fee....seems like the author of this article disagree with you  :D ;D :P It was actually the Hawke/Keating government that stuffed us up!!

if they go down this track again.. I will scream..

nothing and I MEAN NOTHING IS EVER FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


when will they get that message do you think./.

.the greenies rely very much on young people for their votes... and who better than Uni. students.. oh god..free babies.. free paid for by the taxpayer maternity leave.. and now this.. why dont we just buy them all a house and car just to get them started in life and be done with it..


anyone want to buy a vote???

codswal wrote on Dec 19^th, 2010 at 5:39pm:

Maqqa wrote on Dec 19th, 2010 at 3:45pm: Maqqa wrote on Dec 19th, 2010 at 3:43pm: The Whitlam government introduced free tertiary education in the 1970s, but it was abolished by the Hawke government in 1989 and replaced with the Higher Education Contribution Scheme, under which students build up debts to be repaid after they enter the workforce. I noted that Laborites love to blame the LIBs for introducing the HECS fee....seems like the author of this article disagree with you  :D ;D :P It was actually the Hawke/Keating government that stuffed us up!! if they go down this track again.. I will scream.. nothing and I MEAN NOTHING IS EVER FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! when will they get that message do you think./. .the greenies rely very much on young people for their votes... and who better than Uni. students.. oh god..free babies.. free paid for by the taxpayer maternity leave.. and now this.. why dont we just buy them all a house and car just to get them started in life and be done with it.. anyone want to buy a vote???

I dont think tertiary education should be free. But it SHOUDL be affordable and thats another complete question. But it seems for most courses, the fees arent keeping people out. Most student work to pay their fees. I dont think thats a bad thing.

Uni should be free or heavily subsidised for Australian citizens and only occupations in need, IE medicine and only for those who are smart enough to succeed in that field.

It should not be free to those wanting a degree in arts or philosphy or drop kicks wanting a uni life for life.

Things like Engineering arent in short supply because of a lack of jobs or an expensive degree because they are well paid jobs.

Its because the degree is so bloody hard to get because the work is so intense.

Notice how there is no problems getting physio or pharamacy positions filled.

If they cut out all the handouts to families and middle australia than the monies could be put back into training our youth and the necessary infrastructures for population increases.........

NO COUNTRY CAN AFFORD TO PAY GENERATIONS OF FAMILIES TO BRING UP KIDS...it is disgusting!!

I am soo over watching my tax dollar sitting  gossiping in the school canteen and playground!!

I would be interested to see the articles where anyone has claimed Howard introduced HECS.
Everyone knows Hawke introduced HECS fees and in fact everyone would remember the ruckus it caused at the time.
Ive always paid up front for my uni courses because it is much cheaper and I would advise anyone going to uni to do the same thing.

My uni fees were paid by the Government

:)