In the media
Finally – an educated adjustment to HECS calculations
Media release, 5 May 2024
In May last year, a group of local young people and concerned parents told me of their distress at the way HECS/HELP debt is calculated. That month I took those observations to the Federal Minister for Education who remarked at the time, “Tink has a point”. In March this year I met with the Minister again to advocate for reform but to also ask for debt forgiveness.
Over a year since that work began, and after strong advocacy from the crossbench, today’s announcement of a new approach to indexation as well as debt forgiveness from last year is overdue, but welcome.
This is an example of the change that can be delivered when a government is prepared to listen to the community. This is politics done differently.
Today’s announcement will have an immediate, positive impact on the lives of millions of young people who are grappling with escalating living costs and financial insecurity.
It is positive the government has listened and ensured the changes include retrospectively lowering the indexation figure paid by students on June 1 last year to the wage growth figure of 3.2 per cent.
This is a big win for young people, particularly young women, who have larger HECS debts but consistently earn less than men. By removing the unnecessary burden of thousands of dollars of debt, young people can focus on moving ahead with their lives.
Tertiary education is an investment in our future. It’s critical we not only alleviate immediate financial pressures but have a system that supports greater productivity and community prosperity.
Today’s announcement is also a small but important step towards improving intergenerational equity. However, there is much more we can do to improve outcomes for the next generation including implementing other recommendations of the Universities Accord, reforming our tax system, acting urgently on climate change and investing in a future-focused economy.
Other relevant posts
ABC Mornings Post-Budget Panel
ABC Radio Mornings, 26 March 2025
Kylea speaks with host Kathryn Robinson and Fowler's Dai Le MP about the 2025 Federal Budget, describing the government's headline-grabbing tax breaks as a "very tiny, very small green shoot" that indicates that Labor may be prepared to begin to consider larger scale tax reform. When asked about the upcoming election, Kylea reiterates her commitment to the community independent movement: "We need everyday Australians stepping up ... to bring their real-life, lived experience into Parliament House, because it's only when you have that experience that you understand the impact that some of these reforms will have."
Fairy Bread: A Bread & Butter Budget Sprinkled with Sugar Hits
Media Statement, 26 March 2025
The 2025 Federal budget is a classic bread and butter budget that focuses on the bare basics but lacks ambition. This time however, it’s more like fairy bread in that it’s sprinkled with a few sugar hits that offer temporary relief for some but no long term, lasting benefits.
The Coalition’s attack on the climate authority is a cynical attempt to put ideology over facts – it must be called out
The Guardian, 27 February 2025
On the Coalition's attack on the Climate Change Authority, Kylea writes: "As my grandmother used to say: we are all entitled to our own opinions. But we are not entitled to our own facts."
When does bipartisanship happen? When mutual self-interest is served
The Sydney Morning Herald, 19 February 2025
Economics editor Ross Gittins has described a bipartisan deal on electoral reform as “collusion”, saying the major parties have passed reforms that “advance their interests at the expense of the voters.” He says a minority government would allow independents to push for “braver policies in return for keeping the minority government in power. Not such a bad arrangement.”
‘Swimming in debt’: Sydney’s $14 billion student loan burden
The Sydney Morning Herald, 16 February 2025
New data shows that North Sydney is region with the 4th highest number of students with HELP debt (44,030).
The 12 teal battlegrounds to watch out for this election
Australian Financial Review, 26 February 2025
After the wave of independents that swept the 2022 election, here are the 35 community-backed independents to watch out for as we head towards the polls.
Every Friday
Kylea's newsletter hits the inboxes of people right across our electorate of North Sydney. Stay up to date with Kylea's plans and progress as she tells us about her week speaking with people in our community. We'll also highlight the latest community events and initiatives to get involved with.