More than 31,000 Central Coast residents will see their student debts slashed, should the Federal Labor Government win a second term at the election next year.

A breakdown of the number of student debts by electorate reveals that 15,404 residents in Dobell and 15,470 in Robertson will have their debts cut by 20 per cent after the election.

In neighbouring Shortland, which includes the northern Central Coast suburbs of Budgewoi, Chain Valley Bay and Mannering Park, 14,824 people have the chance to see student debt relief.

This isn’t just for uni debts; it also includes debts from TAFE courses and apprenticeship loans that exist on 1 June next year.

For someone with the average HECS debt of $27,600 they will see around $5,520 wiped from their loan next year.

Combined with other Federal Labor Government measures – this will mean around $20 billion cut in student loan debt for about three million Australians.

The Federal Labor Government will also introduce legislation to establish Fee-Free TAFE as an enduring feature of the national vocational education and training system, funding 100,000 Fee-Free TAFE places a year in critical areas from 2027.

The Opposition have labelled Free TAFE “wasteful spending”, and have opposed these vital cost of living measures for 3 million Australians.

Quotes attributable to Andrew Giles, Minister for Skills and Training –

“There’s a clear choice at the next election.

If the Federal Labor Government is returned for a second term – every single person with a student debt will have it cut by 20 per cent. That means, nurses, tradies, carers, apprentices and teachers all seeing cost of living relief.

The Liberals are focussed on slamming shut the doors of opportunity for Australians – we are focussed on building Australia’s future.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Gordon Reid, Member for Robertson –

“I’m so excited to tell the 15,470 people in my electorate that they have the chance to see a massive cut in their student debt.

I’m working for my community every single day, and asking for their vote to ensure the Government is returned and this relief can be delivered for more than 31,000 Central Coast residents.

I’m so proud to be a member of a Government that values education, values students and has a plan to ease cost of living pressures.”

ENDS