Cuts for Student Debt as Labor Targets Young Voters

Slashing the HECS debts of millions of university students will be a major boost for young Australians, the education minister says, as the federal government seeks a reset by targeting younger voters. The government has indicated it will take 20 percent off students debts, which would apply to $16 billion worth of loans, if Labor wins the next election. It means students with the average HECS debt of $27,600 would have more than $5,500 taken off their loans, helping an estimated three million people. Education Minister Jason Clare said the changes would provide much-needed support to students. “A lot of young Australians are doing it tough at the moment. They’re just starting out, they’ve just finished their uni degree … this will cut the cost of that bill,” he told Sky News on Sunday....