Q&A: Students shout down minister over university, HECS changes
Students revolt: Australia's youth protests against the government's education changes Photo: ABC
Furious student activists briefly interrupted Monday night’s first post-budget episode of Q&A, with protests over the unfair treatment of young people.
Students are facing higher university fees and a lower HECS repayment threshold as a result of last Tuesday’s budget.
Angry students shouted down Education Minister Simon Birmingham during the live panel discussion program, claiming the proposed education changes are completely unfair.
At least two protesters were removed from the Gold Coast Arts Centre as Senator Birmingham was left to defend the changes alone, while his fellow panellists overwhelmingly agreed with the students.
How are proposed education changes fair for university students? @Birmo responds #QandA pic.twitter.com/MjuePe4OTq
— QandA (@QandA) May 15, 2017
Labor shadow treasurer Chris Bowen agreed with Senator Waters and even went a step further, saying that this government had “abandoned young people”.
angry about.”
Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox echoed the statements, saying Australia’s future is dependent on the prosperity of its youth.
Senator Birmingham – who paid HECS and worked at a pizza shop while completing his university degree – said the changes for young people are to guarantee university students are never forced to pay upfront.