This bill became law on Jun 28th, 2023.
Education & skills
Students in university startup accelerator courses can now use a new HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. loan to cover course fees, with the loan paid to the provider and turned into a student debt after the census dateThe date when the loan liability is triggered, so the course fee turns into a debt owed by the student..
Students in university accelerator courses were left without a dedicated HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. loan, and the law did not clearly support income payments while they studied. The bill creates SY-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. to cover accelerator course fees, lets eligible students access payments like Youth AllowanceA student payment some people in Startup Year courses may still qualify for if they meet the normal income and study rules. and AustudyAnother student payment that can still be available for eligible people while they take part in the accelerator course., and sets program rules.
University accelerator programs were already helping students turn ideas into businesses, but there was no dedicated HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. loan for those courses and the law did not clearly let eligible students receive student income support while studying in them. After Labor promised a national Startup Year program in 2021, the Albanese government used this bill in 2023 to create SY-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later., extend access to payments such as Youth AllowanceA student payment some people in Startup Year courses may still qualify for if they meet the normal income and study rules. and AustudyAnother student payment that can still be available for eligible people while they take part in the accelerator course., and lock in rules for how universities would run the new accelerator pathway once the Act passed.
The main criticism was that the Startup Year loanThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. scheme was rushed and underdesigned, risking extra student debt without clear enough rules, safeguards, transparency or testing before a wider rollout. These concerns were raised most strongly by Coalition speakers and later echoed from different angles by the Greens and One Nation, though the bill ultimately proceeded with added pilot, review and safeguard amendments.
Jason Clare MP introduced this bill. In the latest recorded vote on the bill in the Senate, support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, UAP, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 28 June 2023
Final passage
No counted final vote
1 recorded vote on the bill was found earlier in passage, but the final chamber agreement was not a counted division.
Passage speed
111 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Students in university startup accelerator courses can now use a new HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. loan to cover course fees, with the loan paid to the provider and turned into a student debt after the census dateThe date when the loan liability is triggered, so the course fee turns into a debt owed by the student..
Startup accelerator courses backed by this loan must protect student ownership of intellectual property they create, unless the student agrees to a different arrangement.
The rules for the new startup loans must aim for at least 25% of selected students to be studying through a regional university.
Students can have a startup loan cancelled if an audit finds serious rule-breaking in the course, which gives students protection if a provider does not comply.
Students using the new startup loan may also qualify for payments like Youth AllowanceA student payment some people in Startup Year courses may still qualify for if they meet the normal income and study rules. and AustudyAnother student payment that can still be available for eligible people while they take part in the accelerator course. while doing these accelerator courses, if they meet the usual eligibility rules.
If a student is entitled to an amount of *STARTUP‑HELP assistance for an *accelerator program course in which the student is enrolled with a higher education provider, the Commonwealth must:Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
(5) Without limiting the matters that may be included in the STARTUP‑HELP Guidelines made for the purposes of paragraph (2)(c), those guidelines must require that the higher education provider providing the *accelerator program course has arrangements in place to ensure that, in circumstances where a student creates intellectual property through undertaking the course, the student owns the intellectual property unless there is an agreement that provides otherwise in place between the student and the provider.Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
(1) The STARTUP‑HELP Guidelines must include principles and procedures for ensuring, so far as reasonably practicable, that at least 25% of the persons selected for receipt of *STARTUP‑HELP assistance are students enrolled in an *accelerator program course at a regional university.Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
(1) An amount of *STARTUP‑HELP assistance that a person received for an *accelerator program course provided during a period by a higher education provider is reversed if a report of an audit conducted in accordance with subsection (2) finds that there is any material non‑compliance with respect to the course provided in the period.Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
The Bill also amends the Social Security Act 1991, Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 and Student Assistance Act 1973 to provide that students entitled to SY-HELP assistance may qualify for relevant social security payments, including youth allowance and austudy payment, while undertaking an accelerator program course.Education Legislation Amendment (Startup Year and Other Measures) explanatory memorandum
Context
University accelerator programs were already helping students turn ideas into businesses, but there was no dedicated HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. loan for those courses and the law did not clearly let eligible students receive student income support while studying in them. After Labor promised a national Startup Year program in 2021, the Albanese government used this bill in 2023 to create SY-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later., extend access to payments such as Youth AllowanceA student payment some people in Startup Year courses may still qualify for if they meet the normal income and study rules. and AustudyAnother student payment that can still be available for eligible people while they take part in the accelerator course., and lock in rules for how universities would run the new accelerator pathway once the Act passed.
Labor promises a national Startup Year program
Anthony Albanese used his budget reply to promise a program to mentor 2,000 aspiring entrepreneurs through universities and private-sector incubators.
Australian Financial Review ↗Government introduces the Startup Year bill
The bill was introduced to create SY-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. loans for university accelerator courses and to make eligible students in those courses able to access student income support.
Hansard ↗Government says the program will back up to 2,000 students a year
In the House debate the government said Startup Year would be piloted from 1 July 2023 and later support up to 2,000 income-contingent loans each year.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses passed the legislation, clearing the way for Startup Year loans and related student-support changes to become law.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Startup Year becomes law
Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act and makes the new law official. turned the bill into an Act, formally establishing the legal basis for SY-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. and the bill’s other education measures.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Reported from Federation Chamber
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
Third reading agreed to
Referred to Committee (23/03/2023): Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (28/04/2023)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Committee of the Whole debate
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Committee of the Whole debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main requested changes were: The official record also shows that the key Opposition amendments to delay STARTUP-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. until guidelines were tabled, require a pilot before wider rollout, and remove the Startup Year schedule were defeated, while the final Act commenced Schedules 1 to 3 the day after Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act and makes the new law official..
Consideration of Senate message
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Consideration of Senate message
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act and makes the new law official., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the Startup Year loanThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. scheme was rushed and underdesigned, risking extra student debt without clear enough rules, safeguards, transparency or testing before a wider rollout. These concerns were raised most strongly by Coalition speakers and later echoed from different angles by the Greens and One Nation, though the bill ultimately proceeded with added pilot, review and safeguard amendments.
Most criticism targeted the loan scheme’s design and safeguards, not the goal of supporting student entrepreneurship.
Rushed design and weak safeguards
Critics argued the startup loan scheme was too vague and underdeveloped, with unclear rules about how it would operate and too few protections for students before launch. They said the bill should be tested more thoroughly and not proceed in its original form without stronger safeguards.
Students could be left with more debt
Opponents said the scheme solved a funding problem by turning it into more student debt, and questioned whether students should have to take on another HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. liability for accelerator programs. Some critics argued public support should helpThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. students without pushing them further into debt or poverty.
Regional and smaller universities might miss out
Some critics warned the scheme could favour larger or better-connected institutions, leaving regional students and smaller universities with less access. They said eligibility, funding settings and delivery details were too uncertain to guarantee fair participation.
It needed a pilot and independent review first
A recurring reservation was that the program should start as a controlled pilot, with independent review and a report to Parliament before any broader rollout. That concern was strong enough to shape later amendments adding a pilot model, delayed commencement and review requirements.
Votes
The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Senate agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 35 to 28. Support came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and UAP. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Amendments grouped by chamber. Where APH reports aggregate counts, the package card summarizes the matching public amendment sheets by source theme.
House
Passed 76 to 57. Support came from Labor and Greens. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The bill was allowed to proceed to its second reading in the House, with the opposition's attempt to slow or scrutinise the bill defeated.
The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Crossbench amendments rename the loan scheme from SY-HELP to STARTUP-HELP throughout the bill and related notes, clarifying the startup year funding label across the text.
Passed on the voices
The chamber agreed to this amendment package without a counted vote. APH records the agreed count by amendment, while the source documents are grouped into amendment sheets.
Senate
Defeated 11 to 29. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Jacqui Lambie Network, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.
The bill's second reading then proceeded unchanged; the chamber declined the Greens' broader critique of the student loan system.
Defeated 29 to 30. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and Jacqui Lambie Network. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The government and supporters kept the program moving through committee without the opposition's delay and safeguard package.
Defeated 29 to 31. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and Jacqui Lambie Network. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The proposed extra safeguard did not become part of the bill.
Defeated 29 to 30. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and Jacqui Lambie Network. Opposition came from Labor and Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The bill moved forward without the opposition's pilot-only approach to the Startup Year program.
Defeated 11 to 42. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and minor parties and independents.
The chamber declined to change the bill's HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. repayment settings, leaving the indexation framework in place.
Defeated 12 to 38. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents.
The chamber kept the bill's repayment settings as drafted and did not adopt the Greens' alternative HELPThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. repayment settings.
The APH progress record lists two Independent amendments, as amended, as agreed on voices. These relate to compliance safeguards for STARTUP-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. assistance.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Senator Pocock's change allowing STARTUP-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. assistance to be reversed if an audit finds material non-compliance by the provider, and to include that ground in the reversal rules.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Senator Pocock's change allowing STARTUP-HELPThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. assistance to be reversed if an audit finds material non-compliance by the provider, and to include that ground in the reversal rules.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed to the government requests for amendments on voices, without a counted division.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Opposition sought to remove the Startup Year schedule, but the counted Senate division on whether Schedule 1 should stand was carried, so the Startup Year schedule remained in the bill.
Passed on the voices
The chamber agreed to this amendment package without a counted vote. APH records the agreed count by amendment, while the source documents are grouped into amendment sheets.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
The parliamentary record also shows 2 Government requests and 2 Independent[as amended] amendments agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Clare supports the bill and says it will back universities, startup training and research funding.
Read in Hansard ↗Marino says the opposition is not convinced by the startup year bill, arguing that it is rushed, underdeveloped and leaves too many questions about eligibility, funding and regional access.
Read in Hansard ↗Violi says the coalition will not block the bill’s second reading, but argues it is poorly designed, lacks transparency and could leave students exposed to debt traps.
Read in Hansard ↗Pocock says he supports the bill's goal of helping young entrepreneurs, but argues the design is wrong because it would push students into HECS debt for courses that are currently free.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
11 speakers · 12 contributions · 11 support
“What is really terrific about this legislation is it brings to fruition an election commitment we made, an election commitment that was borne of many conversations over many years with people around the country about it. In particular, there were conversations in Western Sydney about the need for support for startups and entrepreneurs in the western part of Sydney. I note the member for Lindsay is here, and I'm looking forward to her supporting this, because she knows as well as I do the great work that the Western Sydney University Launch Pad does at its Kingswood campus. I remember when it first started—I think it was around 2015. It has been a really great stepping stone for young people of all backgrounds across Western Sydney, to be part of an accelerator and get support. That's what this legislation is about—making that even more available to people.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's why I'm so passionate about those on that side. They left an enormous mess and a huge debt that generations will be paying off. But, time and time again, we have come in and said that we are open, transparent and putting people first. To do that and to deliver on our election commitments means that those people in this chamber need to respect the Australian people who voted for a Labor federal government. Let us do our job. Don't play politics. For the Greens wanting to come in and turn this place into a utopia again, it's not going to happen. That's not the real world. You might want to have these clips for your social media, but it does not put a roof over people's heads—it does not! Coming in here trying to claim that you're the only people who have a heart and think about those who are less well off is quite frankly disingenuous to other people in this chamber. All of us in this chamber—well, most of us, anyway—come here with the best intentions. We do, absolutely. I commend this bill to you, and I urge those people on the other side not only to support this bill but to reconsider the housing future fund. (Time expired)”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I wholeheartedly support initiatives that inspire and enable innovation, which is why I'm so supportive of this bill. It's a great idea and it will be a well administered program. Student and provider eligibility for SY-HELP assistance is defined in line with existing types of help assistance. SY-HELP will operate in a similar manner to existing assistance, with a student incurring a HELP debt on a predetermined census date. Those are just a few details about the program.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is a pillar in the Albanese Labor government's plan for growing our economy, creating jobs for the future and investing in the potential of our nation's innovators.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill helps us as a nation support our higher education sector through supporting institutions and students to make sure they have opportunities to pursue ideas, to reach their potential as leaders in business and innovation.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill, if I may commend it to the House, is about sending the signal that we value the ideas particularly of our young Australians, putting those ideas to work to create new firms and to improve the economy and national wellbeing. If we can see that start from this it will be a great thing for the nation. I'm very, very supportive of that.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Through this bill, we will support students to participate in accelerator programs at universities, because we know when it comes to innovation, when it comes to new ideas and when it comes to research, Australian universities are world-class. We know that nurturing the talent of every single Australian provides a dividend for the whole country. This bill seeks to create a new type of support for young entrepreneurs who will be the business leaders of the future.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Jason Clare, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Moved amendment
Clare supports the bill and says it will back universities, startup training and research funding. He argues it creates a Startup Year loanThe new loan for students in approved university accelerator courses that pays course fees up front and becomes a student debt later. program for students, lists Avondale University as a table B providerA university category under higher education law that affects what grants and funding a provider can access., and boosts Australian Research CouncilThe research funding body whose budget settings are also adjusted by this bill, alongside the startup loan changes. funding.
“The measures in this bill further the government's commitment to supporting our higher education sector, and I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Jason Clare supports the bill and says it will back university startup programs, expand loans for student entrepreneurs, and fund other education measures. He also backs Senate committee review, but only as a way to pressure test and improve the bill before it starts.
“I have also had a discussion with the shadow minister for education about the opposition's proposal that this bill be referred to a Senate committee for review, and I support that. I think that that would be a wise and prudent thing for us to do. It will give a further opportunity for us to pressure test this bill and see what further amendments might be recommended or suggested to the parliament that could improve this bill. I would hope that that process might occur in April while the parliament is not sitting so that, when we return for the budget sitting, we can consider the bill in the Senate and any amendments in the House, and that the legislation would be ready to commence in July of this year. The measures in this bill deliver on our election commitment and further the government's dedication to supporting our higher education sector. I commend the bill to the House.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The measures in this bill deliver on our election commitment and further the government's dedication to supporting our higher education sector. I commend the bill to the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The measures in this bill further the government's commitment to supporting our higher education sector, and I commend this bill to the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill strikes at the core of one of Labor's most renowned values, providing an education that is accessible and equitable for all. We are investing in a better and fairer education system because that is what Labor governments do—in fact, it is what we do best.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
6 speakers · 1 support · 5 oppose
“The bill certainly raises more questions than it answers, and we are right to ask those questions. In looking at the bill, it appears to me that the government has yet to do enough work and enough homework. It appears to be rushed, without the detail needed to back it up.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“While we on this side won't stand in the way of giving the bill a second reading, our second reading amendment makes it clear to all Australians our concerns about the purpose, design, value and risk to students posed by this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“While this bill may be well-intentioned, the detail, as per usual, is lacking. In its current form, the coalition cannot support such a risky bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are very concerned about this.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill demonstrates that the Albanese government has not put the interests of students first. We are supporting the provisions in relation to Avondale University as a table B provider, the provisions in relation to the Australian Research Council and the amendment in relation to providing New Zealand citizens who apply for PR, up until 1 July, the opportunity to access HECS. But we will be seeking to vote down the Startup Year provisions because these pose such a significant risk to students. As I say, it's very regrettable that the interests of students have not been put first and foremost by this government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“On this side of the House, we believe that the Albanese Labor government should return with a serious reform proposal rather than this half-baked idea—one that actually benefits students, strengthens the economy and supports our education sector. Sadly, this bill does none of these things as it stands. It is just another half-baked idea from a half-baked government.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
2 speakers · 3 contributions · 2 mixed
“We support this program but very reluctantly. I say 'reluctantly' because this program will shackle students with more debt. Students can access two loans of up to $11,800 over their lifetime to participate in these courses. It is a really sad and rather shameful reality that in a country like Australia the only way that students can access programs like this or any type of higher education is through being shackled by a burden of debt, a burden of debt that is increasing every year to obscene levels.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Janet Rice on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Janet Rice says the Greens oppose the bill because, although it offers some support to students, it adds to student debt instead of wiping it and making different budget choices. She argues the money would be better spent on support that does not push students further into poverty.
“We've got to be able to do more. Although this bill is going to give support to students, it's not the direction that we need to be going in. Basically, we need to be making different budget choices. As I said earlier and as our spokesperson for education, Senator Faruqi, will be putting in the second reading amendment, we feel that we should be wiping all student debt rather than adding to student debt.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Rice says the Greens will support the bill because it delivers extra helpThe Commonwealth student loan system this bill uses to fund the new Startup Year loan. to students, but she argues it is only a partial fix and that the government should instead wipe student debt and raise student and youth allowanceA student payment some people in Startup Year courses may still qualify for if they meet the normal income and study rules. above the poverty line.
“The Greens are supporting this bill because you can't stand in the way of extra support for students, but it is not to say that we think that this is the most appropriate way for us to be supporting the students.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 oppose
“To properly encourage startups in this country, we need to fix the broken taxation system and make sure energy is as cheap as humanly possible. The government is crippling startups by making it difficult to start up. Shovelling money instead towards universities and building a HECS debt will do nothing to encourage business in this country. It's a transfer of wealth from students to universities. We won't let the Albanese government hold us to ransom, bundling up necessary amendments with radical programs. If not amended and if it remains dishonest and deceitful, One Nation will oppose this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 mixed
“I understand that there have been a number of amendments circulated on this. I will continue to engage with the crossbench in these discussions to ensure that we do support young entrepreneurs and universities that are helping their students make their ideas into start-up businesses that are helping solve some of the huge challenges we face—start-ups that are pioneering new fields and creating new opportunities for us, such as quantum computing. We have start-ups here in Canberra looking at the recycling of plastics and other materials that are currently not recyclable. We have people doing innovation in food. There are a huge number of start-ups worthy of support. I have real concern with the potential founders going through an accelerator program and having a big HECS debt that they will one day have to pay off, with no guarantee that that start-up will actually be successful.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Referred to Federation Chamber
Referred to Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Reported from Federation Chamber
Reported from Federation Chamber
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Consideration in detail: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Committee of the whole: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Senate · Committee of the whole: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Senate · Bill agreed to, subject to requests
Bill agreed to, subject to requests
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Consideration of Senate message
House made Senate requested amendments
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
House · Consideration of Senate message
House agreed to Senate amendments
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns the bill into an Act and makes the new law official., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (28/04/2023)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (23 Mar 2023): Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee; Committee report (28 Apr 2023)
APH bill page notes
