Malcolm Turnbull’s new look cabinet announced it will do away with the controversial university fee scheme introduced by its predecessor under Tony Abbott, and will rethink its approach to reform.
Under former education minister Christopher Pyne, the government introduced a bill to allow universities to set their own fees, but it was twice knocked back in the Senate.
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott condemned the announcements on Melbourne radio.
“I’m a little disappointed by it and, frankly, I am disappointed that the people who call for reform did not get behind the 2014 budget,” he said on 3AW.
Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham said the announcement was about giving certainty to universities and students.
“Today I am announcing that higher education funding arrangements for 2016 will not be changed from currently legislated arrangements, while the government consults further on reforms for the future.
“Any reforms, should they be legislated, would not commence until 2017 at the earliest.”
Despite the announcement Senator Birmingham said change to funding at university level is required.

Source: ABC