Explanatory Memorandum
(Circulated by authority of the Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations the Honourable Julia Gillard MP)Outline and financial impact
OUTLINE
The purpose of the Bill is to amend the VET FEE-HELP Assistance Scheme provisions of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 to enable the scheme to be implemented consistent with the original policy intent.
The amendments broaden the guidelines-making powers, to provide VET FEE-HELP assistance for full-fee-paying students in Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma courses that are accredited as VET qualifications and where credit toward a higher education award is available for Diploma and Advanced Diploma courses. This will ensure that there are good pathways for students wishing to continue through to further study.
Restricted access arrangements will increase VET providers' ability to meet the specific training needs of employers and industry bodies, while still allowing eligible students to access VET FEE-HELP assistance.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Nil.