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Trade Support Loans Amendment

Current status

This bill became law on Aug 21st, 2023.

Policy area

Education & skills

What does this bill do?

More apprentices and trainees in shortage areas like aged care, disability care and childcare can now get these income-contingent loans, not just people in traditional trades.

Why was it introduced?

Because the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. was framed as trade support, the priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. only covered traditional trades, leaving apprentices and trainees in other shortage occupations outside the loan scheme. The bill expands loan access to priority non-trade jobs, requires an up-to-date priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme., and renames the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to match its broader scope.

Broader context

Trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. had existed since 2014, but because the scheme and its priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. were built around traditional trades, apprentices and trainees in other shortage occupations could miss out on the same income-contingent help with living costs. As workforce gaps sharpened in areas including aged care, disability care and early childhood education, the 2023 bill expanded loan access beyond trades, required an up-to-date national priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. informed by Jobs and Skills AustraliaThe government body that advises the Minister on workforce shortages and training needs when updating the priority list., renamed the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments., and then became law in August 2023.

Key criticism

The main criticism was that expanding access to apprenticeshipA training pathway that combines paid work and study to qualify for a job. loans still leaves trainees taking on debt that can grow through indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. and start being repaid on terms critics said were too harsh. These concerns came mainly from crossbench and Greens-backed amendment efforts, while the Coalition's criticism was narrower and focused on the government's consultation process rather than opposing the bill itself.

Who supported it?

Brendan O'connor MP introduced this bill. It passed on the voices.

Introduced in House 25 May 2023
Passed House 14 June 2023
Passed Senate 09 Aug 2023
Became law 21 Aug 2023

Did it become law?

Yes

Became law 21 Aug 2023

Final passage

Passed without a counted vote

2 recorded amendment or procedural votes were found, but no counted vote on the bill itself was recorded.

Passage speed

88 days

From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step

Official record

View on APH

Parliament of Australia bill page

Meaning

What does this bill do?

  1. More apprentices and trainees in shortage areas like aged care, disability care and childcare can now get these income-contingent loans, not just people in traditional trades.

  2. The Minister can set and update a national priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. of jobs and qualifications for loan access, using advice from Jobs and Skills AustraliaThe government body that advises the Minister on workforce shortages and training needs when updating the priority list. so support follows workforce shortages.

  3. People applying for a loan instalment can get more time to apply when the rules allow it, which makes the loan programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. easier to use.

  4. The law now requires a current priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. to stay in place so apprentices and trainees have ongoing certainty about whether their course leads to loan support.

  5. Australian laws now use the new name 'Australian Apprenticeship Support LoansThe new name for the expanded loan program after this bill takes effect.' and matching updated terms, so the broader programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. is reflected consistently across related legislation.

Show source excerpts
  1. These changes will mean the Minister can expand the Program’s access to people who, through their apprenticeship or traineeship, are undertaking qualifications that lead to occupations experiencing skills shortages in other ANZSCO major groups, such as occupations in the aged care, disability care and childcare sectors. The Bill amends the Act’s title and short title, as well as many terms used in the Act, to reflect this expansion.
    Trade Support Loans Amendment explanatory memorandum
  2. Requiring the Minister to have regard to any relevant advice from Jobs and Skills Australia in determining the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List will assist in ensuring that the access to the Program is readily adapted to current, emerging, and future skills and training needs and priorities.
    Trade Support Loans Amendment explanatory memorandum
  3. New paragraph 10(1)(c) provides greater administrative flexibility by allowing the Secretary to extend the day by which an application for a particular payment instalment period may be made. The object of this item is to improve the Program’s accessibility.
    Trade Support Loans Amendment explanatory memorandum
  4. New subsection 105(6) provides that the Minister must take all reasonable steps to ensure that an instrument is in force under subsection (1) at all times after the commencement of this subsection. This will ensure continuity and certainty for people accessing support under the Program.
    Trade Support Loans Amendment explanatory memorandum
  5. The Bill makes minor consequential amendments to several pieces of legislation to update references to the Act’s short title and defined terms.
    Trade Support Loans Amendment explanatory memorandum

Context

Broader context for this bill

Trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. had existed since 2014, but because the scheme and its priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. were built around traditional trades, apprentices and trainees in other shortage occupations could miss out on the same income-contingent help with living costs. As workforce gaps sharpened in areas including aged care, disability care and early childhood education, the 2023 bill expanded loan access beyond trades, required an up-to-date national priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. informed by Jobs and Skills AustraliaThe government body that advises the Minister on workforce shortages and training needs when updating the priority list., renamed the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments., and then became law in August 2023.

  1. 2014

    Trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. begin as a trades-only scheme

    The existing loan programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. was introduced in 2014 for apprentices in priority trade occupations, leaving the scheme tied to traditional trades rather than the full range of shortage jobs.

    Hansard ↗
  2. 25 May 2023

    Government introduces a bill to open the loan scheme to non-trade shortage occupations

    The minister introduced the bill to extend income-contingent support to apprentices and trainees in high-priority occupations of skills need, including non-trade roles for the first time.

    Hansard ↗
  3. 14 June 2023

    Parliament links the bill to acute worker shortages in care and essential services

    During debate, MPs pointed to drastic shortages in aged care, disability care, early education and other services as the practical reason to widen support beyond male-dominated trade occupations.

    Hansard ↗
  4. 09 Aug 2023

    Parliament passes the bill

    Both houses passed the bill in the same form, clearing the way for the broader loan programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. and the new Australian Apprenticeship Support LoansThe new name for the expanded loan program after this bill takes effect. name to take legal effect.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗
  5. 21 Aug 2023

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. makes the expansion law

    Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act, locking in the wider scheme, the requirement for a current priority listThe list of occupations and qualifications that can qualify for loan support under the expanded scheme. and the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments.’s new name across Commonwealth law.

    Parliamentary timeline ↗

Legislative route

How did it move through Parliament?

House Senate
Introduced 25 May 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 25 May 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 01 June 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 14 June 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

House second reading agreed 14 June 2023

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

House third reading agreed 14 June 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Introduced 14 June 2023

The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.

Introduced and read a first time

Second reading opened 14 June 2023

A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.

Second reading moved

Second reading debate 08 Aug 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Second reading debate 09 Aug 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate second reading agreed 09 Aug 2023

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

Committee of the Whole debate 09 Aug 2023

The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.

Senate third reading agreed 09 Aug 2023

The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.

Third reading agreed to

Passed both houses 09 Aug 2023

Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.

Finally passed both Houses

Assent 21 Aug 2023

The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe final step that turns a passed bill into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.

Key criticism

The main case against this bill

The main criticism was that expanding access to apprenticeshipA training pathway that combines paid work and study to qualify for a job. loans still leaves trainees taking on debt that can grow through indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. and start being repaid on terms critics said were too harsh. These concerns came mainly from crossbench and Greens-backed amendment efforts, while the Coalition's criticism was narrower and focused on the government's consultation process rather than opposing the bill itself.

No party represented in the debate opposed the bill, but some support was conditional on loan-setting changes.

Debt and indexation could still deter apprentices

Critics argued the bill expands a debt-based support scheme without fixing loan indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. or easing repayment settings, which they said could leave disadvantaged apprentices with rising debts and discourage take-up. Proposed Senate amendments sought to abolish indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. and lift the repayment thresholdThe income level that a borrower must reach before loan repayments start., but they were defeated.

Raised by Dai Le, Monique Ryan and Australian Greens amendment attempts in the Senate Source ↗

Government consultation was criticised as inadequate

Coalition speakers said the bill should proceed, but criticised the government for not properly consulting externally before bringing the changes forward. This was presented as a process problem rather than a reason to block the reform.

Raised by Sussan Ley and Aaron Violi Source ↗

Further sources

parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗ parlinfo.aph.gov.au ↗

Votes

Recorded votes

How the bill itself passed

The bill passed both chambers on the voices. The counted divisions below were about amendments or procedure, not final passage.

Passed

House passed the bill

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.

14 June 2023

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

Senate passed the bill

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.

09 Aug 2023

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.

Amendments at a glance

Recorded amendment and procedural votes grouped by chamber. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.

Senate

Defeated

Call to ease student debt

Aye 9 No 27

Defeated 9 to 27. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

09 Aug 2023

The amendment was defeated, so the bill proceeded without the Senate adopting that broader call for student debt reform.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 16
Greens 9 / 0
Unknown 0 / 6
Independent 0 / 1
Jacqui Lambie Network 0 / 1
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1
UAP 0 / 1
Defeated

Abolish indexation and lift repayments

Aye 10 No 25

Defeated 10 to 25. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, Liberal Party, Nationals, and minor parties and independents.

09 Aug 2023

The amendments were defeated, so the bill retained the government's approach to indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. and repayment settings.

Party Recorded votes Aye / No
Labor 0 / 16
Greens 9 / 0
Unknown 0 / 6
Independent 1 / 0
Jacqui Lambie Network 0 / 1
Liberal Party 0 / 1
Nationals 0 / 1

These are amendment votes, not the final passage vote on the bill itself. The bill passed both chambers on the voices.

Parliamentary debate

Who spoke, and what they said

Start here — lead voices

Sponsor speech Supports

Brendan O'Connor

Australian Labor Party • MP 25 May 2023

O'Connor supports the bill and says it will widen support loans to more apprentices and trainees in high-need occupations, including non-trade roles and care jobs, so they can complete training and fill skill shortages.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead supporting voice Supports

Helen Haines

Independent • MP 14 June 2023

Haines supports the bill because it expands trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more training areas, especially early childhood education, aged care and disability care, and she says that will help people finish qualifications in occupations where regional workforce shortages are acute.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead non-major voice Supports

Zali Steggall

Independent • MP 14 June 2023

Steggall supports the bill because it broadens trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more occupations and should help address skills shortages, workforce participation and gender inequity.

Read in Hansard ↗
Lead voice Supports

Brian Mitchell

Australian Labor Party • MP 14 June 2023

Mitchell supports the bill, saying it expands and improves trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. so more apprentices, especially in care and regional areas, can afford training and complete their qualifications.

Read in Hansard ↗

All speeches by bloc

Labor

12 speakers · 13 contributions · 12 support

  1. Brian Mitchell ★ Mitchell supports the bill, saying it expands and improves trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. so more apprentices, especially in care and regional areas, can afford training and complete their qualifications.
    “The bill broadens the eligibility criteria for trade support loans, making the system fairer and more inclusive by addressing key issues and decision points. In doing so, we foster a stronger apprenticeship system that better supports apprentices across various occupations and helps bridge that national skills gap that we hear so much about.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Graham Perrett Graham Perrett supports the bill and says it should pass because it expands trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices, including people in non-trade priority occupations, and fixes unfair gaps in access and backdating.
    “Despite there being a record number of trade apprentices currently in training, the proportion of apprentices completing their apprenticeship has been in steady decline since 2013. This is a trend we need to see improve, and these practical changes to financial support will deliver better outcomes for all industries and for the nation, both in traditional trades and in non-trade occupations. I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Dan Repacholi Dan Repacholi supports the bill, saying it will expand trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. beyond traditional trades to more apprentices and trainees, including care-sector occupations, so people can finish their training despite cost-of-living pressures.
    “I commend the bill to the House.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Andrew Charlton Charlton supports the bill, saying it strengthens trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. by expanding access to more priority occupations and making the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. fairer and more responsive to labour market needs.
    “I rise to support the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023 and the Student Loans (Overseas Debtors Repayment Levy) Amendment Bill 2023. The amendments included in these bills build upon the federal government's existing trade support loans, established in 2014. Every year, these interest-free, income-contingent loans are crucial to thousands of Australian apprentices and businesses alike. They provide up to $22,890 for apprentices to meet their day-to-day costs while they undertake training.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Sam Lim Sam Lim supports the bill and says it will help apprentices and trainees by expanding access to income-contingent loans, including into priority non-trade and female-dominated occupations.
    “In closing, I urge each and every one of you to support the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023. Let us come together to empower our apprentices and trainees, irrespective of their chosen occupation, and provide them with the necessary tools and opportunity to thrive. By doing so, we not only shape the lives of individuals but also ensure the prosperity and wellbeing of our country.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  6. Murray Watt Watt supports the bill and says it will expand Trade Support LoansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices and trainees in priority occupations, including non-trade roles, so they can keep training and complete qualifications in areas of skills shortage.
    “Australia is currently facing the most significant skills shortages in decades, and the measures in this Bill are a practical way that we can extend the benefits of a Trade Support Loan to more apprentices and trainees. It will support them to continue—and to complete—their qualifications, so that they can gain secure work in areas of greatest need for the economy.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  7. Carina Garland Garland supports the bill and says it will remove barriers by expanding Trade Support LoansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices and trainees, including non-trade jobs in care and early childhood education.
    “I'm so proud to be able to support this bill, a bill that will help more apprentices with cost-of-living pressures while they train and that will ensure more apprentices enter meaningful occupations in current, emerging and future skills needs for Australia's economy.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 01 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  8. Helen Polley 2 contributions Polley supports the bill and says it will help apprentices and trainees access financial support while strengthening the workforce in care, aged care, disability and other shortage areas.

    Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Helen Polley on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 08 Aug 2023

    Polley supports the bill and says it will strengthen trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. by expanding eligibility to apprentices in priority non-trade and care sectors, making the programThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. fairer and more useful for people facing skills shortages and cost-of-living pressures. She backs the changes as a practical way to help apprentices and future-proof the scheme.

    “The Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023 will only strengthen this critical work that is being done, and it will demonstrate expanding the valued trade support loan program to make it fairer for hardworking apprentices across the country. Our amendments will broaden this vital loan program to Australian apprentices in the priority non-trade sector, an historic first which will make life-changing differences to so many apprentices, particularly in female dominated industries, across countless local communities in Australia, including in my home state of Tasmania.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗

    Second reading speech Australian Labor Party • Senator • 09 Aug 2023

    Polley supports the bill and says it will help apprentices and trainees access financial support while strengthening the workforce in care, aged care, disability and other shortage areas. She frames it as part of Labor's wider effort to rebuild vocational training after years of coalition neglect.

    “These amendments, which I have spoken about previously, will make things so much easier by enabling apprentices and trainees to access financial support to continue on their path of sustaining their training and will ensure that they are able to find good, well-paying jobs while at the same time reinforcing Australia's economy against foreign dangers by addressing systemic skills shortages in critical domestic workforce sectors.”
    Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
  9. Brendan O'Connor ★ O'Connor supports the bill and says it will widen support loans to more apprentices and trainees in high-need occupations, including non-trade roles and care jobs, so they can complete training and fill skill shortages.
    “Australia is currently facing the most significant skills shortages in decades, and the measures in this bill are a practical way that we can extend the benefits of a trade support loan to more apprentices and trainees. It will support them to continue—and to complete—their qualifications, so that they can gain secure work in areas of greatest need for the economy.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 25 May 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  10. Anne Stanley Stanley supports the bill, saying it fixes a flaw in trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. by expanding access beyond trade occupations so more essential workers, especially in care sectors, can get help with living costs while training.
    “These bills are a continuation of our investment in Australians. Trade support loans are there to help Australian apprentices meet their everyday expenses. They help support them with interest-free loans as recognition of the low wages in the first few years of an apprenticeship. As of 28 March 2023, over 167,000 apprentices have taken up trade support loans since the scheme's establishment. However, the trade support loans scheme has a significant flaw. It does not acknowledge those who are in an occupation listed as a priority occupation but are non-trade workers—that is, it excludes many essential workers in the care economy: aged care, disability care and early childhood education. These are undervalued and heavily female dominated sectors. This legislation seeks to fix that. It replaces the trade support loans priority list with a new Australian apprenticeships priority list that will no longer be limited to trade occupations and will provide ongoing flexibility to the program.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  11. Tony Burke Burke says Labor supports the bill because it expands loan access for apprentices and trainees, including people in non-trade occupations, and better targets help to skills shortages.
    “With the expanded Australian apprenticeship support loan program, the government is boosting access to the support available to apprentices and trainees to complete their qualifications. It's also better targeting that support towards occupations where there is the greatest skills need. I welcome the opposition's public statements of support for the bill and hope that their support will facilitate swift passage of the bill through the other place to ensure that apprentices and trainees receive this cost-of-living support as soon as possible.”

    Australian Labor Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  12. Anthony Chisholm Chisholm supports the bill, saying it expands trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices and trainees, especially in in-demand non-trade fields such as aged care, child care and disability care.
    “The amendments in this bill will replace the existing priority list with a new Australian apprenticeships priority list. The new priority list will be responsive to Australia's skills needs and will include key in-demand occupations that can be pursued through an apprenticeship or a traineeship.”

    Australian Labor Party • Senator • 09 Aug 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Coalition

5 speakers · 5 support

  1. Aaron Violi Aaron Violi says the coalition will support the bill because it expands trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices and trainees, including priority occupations like aged care, disability support and child care.
    “For these reasons, the coalition will be supporting this bill.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Nola Marino Marino says the coalition supports the bill because it is a sensible reform that her side developed in government to help apprentices and training.
    “The coalition will be supporting these bills—the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill and the Student Loans (Overseas Debtors Repayment Levy) Amendment Bill—as we've heard. They are sensible reforms which the coalition developed whilst in government, starting these reforms, as we've heard from previous speakers.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Jenny Ware Jenny Ware supports the bill because she says it will expand financial help for apprentices and trainees, address skills shortages, and improve completion rates and workforce participation.
    “I rise to speak in support of the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023 and the associated legislation, particularly because these bills provide additional financial support and other support to apprentices and trainees.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Michaelia Cash Cash says the coalition will support the bill because it extends trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more apprentices and is a sensible reform the former coalition government had already developed.
    “I rise to speak on the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023 and the Student Loans (Overseas Debtors Repayment Levy) Amendment Bill 2023. I advise the Senate that the coalition will be supporting these bills, and the reason we will be supporting these bills is that they actually implement sensible reforms which the former coalition government developed whilst in office.”

    Liberal Party • Senator • 08 Aug 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Sussan Ley Ley says the coalition will support the bill because it makes sensible reforms that expand access to trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. for apprentices in skills shortage areas.
    “I rise to speak on the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023 and the Student Loans (Overseas Debtors Repayment Levy) Amendment Bill 2023. The coalition will be supporting these bills. These are sensible reforms which the coalition developed whilst in government.”

    Liberal Party • MP • 01 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Greens

1 speaker · 1 support

  1. Mehreen Faruqi Faruqi says the Greens support expanding fairer access to financial support through the bill, but they argue it does nothing to tackle the broader student debt crisis.
    “The Greens support changes to expand fairer access to financial support, especially for feminised professions, but we can't ignore the elephant in the room: student debt.”

    Australian Greens • Senator • 08 Aug 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗

Minor parties and independents

5 speakers · 4 support · 1 mixed

  1. Helen Haines ★ Haines supports the bill because it expands trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more training areas, especially early childhood education, aged care and disability care, and she says that will help people finish qualifications in occupations where regional workforce shortages are acute.
    “I rise today in support of the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023. This bill aims to expand the list of apprentices that are eligible for trade support loans. These loans provide almost $23,000 to an apprentice who is completing their qualification in a traditional trade. Apprentices who successfully complete their qualification receive a 20 per cent reduction in their loan obligations to further encourage them to finish their apprenticeship. This bill means that the list of occupations eligible for the loan will now be expanded to other areas where we're experiencing skills shortages—areas like early childhood education, aged care and disability care.”

    Independent • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  2. Zali Steggall ★ Steggall supports the bill because it broadens trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to more occupations and should help address skills shortages, workforce participation and gender inequity.
    “I commend the government on the Trade Support Loans Amendment Bill 2023. I will support this legislation, but I encourage the government to be dogged in pursuing innovation and innovative solutions to address training and workforce issues, as I have highlighted, and to maximise workforce potential and contribution in our emerging new economy.”

    Independent • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  3. Dai Le Dai Le says she will not oppose the bill, but only on the condition that the government fixes the loan indexationThe yearly increase applied to the loan balance, which critics say can make the debt grow while someone is training. and makes the scheme more generous for apprentices.
    “"whilst not declining to give the bill a second reading, the House:”

    Independent • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  4. Zoe Daniel Zoe Daniel supports the bill and says it will help more apprentices and trainees, especially women, complete qualifications and move into critical occupations.
    “This legislation appears to be one small step in the right direction. In its original incarnation, it encouraged more apprentices to complete their qualifications. I see every reason why these measures will provide further support and encouragement. Importantly, it's designed to encourage more women to enter and complete those qualifications. Equally importantly, the new priority list will have the flexibility to include occupations in early childhood education, aged and disability care. These are all areas of priority and where we have significant shortfalls in the number of qualified workers that we need. But, when it comes to women, we must also not forget what are termed 'traditional trades'. Completion rates for women in construction and building trades are lower than for men in many cases because women find the workplaces an unfriendly, unwelcoming environment. These are factors that we, as a parliament and a society, still need to address.”

    Independent • MP • 14 June 2023

    Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
  5. Monique Ryan Ryan supports the bill, saying the expansion of trade support loansThe loan scheme that helps apprentices and trainees with living costs while they train, using income-contingent repayments. to priority non-trade apprentices and trainees is a sensible response to serious workforce shortages, especially in care and early childhood.
    “Last year, more than 50,000 apprentices across a variety of industries received a trade support loan payment. In addition, nearly 17,000 applications were received, and a completion discount was paid to more than 12,000 apprentices. But, currently, only apprentices in trade related apprenticeships are eligible to receive these trade support loans. Therefore, I welcome the change in this bill to expand the Australian apprenticeships priority list to include a wider range of critical non-trade apprentices and trainees in priority occupation areas.”

    Independent • MP • 14 June 2023

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