You Ask the Questions…We Ask the Government
Question 3:
“What concrete steps will you take to help young people afford an education?”
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The rising cost of education in Australia is placing immense pressure on families and young people. According to the ABC (2025), many Australian households are struggling to afford essential schooling costs such as textbooks, uniforms, laptops, and excursions—even in the public school system. These costs can add up to over $6,000 annually, and this financial stress is compounded for families with multiple children. Additionally, post-secondary education has become increasingly unaffordable, with HECS-HELP debts rising significantly due to indexation and inflation. Futurity’s 2025 report reveals that the full cost of a government education from kindergarten to Year 12 now exceeds $80,000 in metropolitan areas. For non-government schools, that figure skyrockets to over $300,000. With youth unemployment, underemployment, and casual work still common, many young people lack the financial stability to afford higher education or training without accumulating significant debt.
These economic uncertainties are leaving young Australians feeling excluded from educational opportunities and future employment prospects. There is growing public pressure for governments to implement targeted support, including lowering HECS indexation, funding placements, and expanding access to vocational training like TAFE. Without meaningful intervention, education risks becoming a privilege rather than a right for Australia’s youth.
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Political Responses
The Albanese Labor Government has pledged a number of education-focused initiatives to address affordability concerns. A major commitment is to wipe 20% off all existing student debt and adjust the HECS-HELP repayment threshold and rate, offering meaningful relief to graduates facing rising living costs. Labor also promises to make Free TAFE permanent, helping more Australians gain vocational skills without incurring debt. This measure aims to expand employment opportunities for young people and support sectors in need of skilled workers. In early childhood education, Labor plans to guarantee three days of subsidized childcare per week for eligible families and build more centers across the country, easing financial stress on young parents and carers pursuing education or work.
In contrast, the Coalition’s approach focuses on limiting access for international students. They propose capping enrolments at 240,000 per year and increasing visa fees, especially for students who change providers. This is framed as a strategy to reduce housing pressure, although critics argue it may impact university funding and diversity. Additionally, the Liberal Party has been criticized for proposing cuts to childcare funding, which would disproportionately affect young families. Overall, while both parties acknowledge rising education costs, their strategies differ significantly in scope and target population.
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Policy Recommendations
AYAC advocates for raising the Commonwealth Prac Payment to at least the minimum wage, ensuring fair compensation for students undertaking mandatory placements.
Extending Commonwealth Prac Payments to include all students in courses requiring practical placements, with an urgent call to incorporate youth work programs.
AYAC urges the government to cap HELP debt indexation to the lower of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or a fixed maximum rate, preventing disproportionate debt increases.
A substantial increase in Youth Allowance and Jobseeker payments to at least $88 per day, aligning with the Henderson poverty line to ensure basic living standards.
Increasing rent assistance rates to alleviate housing stress among young people, particularly those in education and training.
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Courtesy of Anthony Albanese
The Albanese Labor Government has pledged a number of education-focused initiatives to address affordability concerns. A major commitment is to wipe 20% off all existing student debt and adjust the HECS-HELP repayment threshold and rate, offering meaningful relief to graduates facing rising living costs.
Labor also promises to make Free TAFE permanent, helping more Australians gain vocational skills without incurring debt. This measure aims to expand employment opportunities for young people and support sectors in need of skilled workers.
Courtesy of 7 News Australia
The Coalition’s approach focuses on limiting access for international students. They propose capping enrolments at 240,000 per year and increasing visa fees, especially for students who change providers. This is framed as a strategy to reduce housing pressure, although critics argue it may impact university funding and diversity.