Extend HECS-HELP scheme to graduates employed in specialist family violence services

As part of our approach, we have engaged with the Commonwealth on the importance of incentives to encourage graduates to work in key professions related to family violence. This may require a different approach to be developed as part of the Commonwealth higher education funding reforms, as the HECS-HELP benefit scheme will no longer operate after 30 June 2017. This decision came into effect following the passing of the Commonwealth Budget Saving (Omnibus) Bill 2016 on 31 August 2016.

The Minister for Training and Skills has written to the Commonwealth Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, to advocate for incentives to talented higher education graduates to enter specialist family violence and associated workforces. The Commonwealth Government is currently considering changes to the higher education funding settings.

As the above actions are complete this recommendation is implemented, subject to Implementation Monitor review. Additionally, the Department of Education and Training will continue to encourage the Commonwealth Government to address the need for attracting talented graduates to enter key family violence workforces.