2MFM Voices Concern Over Education Reforms

2MFM – Muslim Community Radio 92.1 FM was one of the attendees for the Opposition party’s media briefing regarding the Coalition’s announcements surrounding the education reforms on the 5th of September.
The media release was hosted by Shadow Minister for Citizenship and Multiculturalism Michelle Rowland and Shadow Assistant minister for Education and Higher Education Amanda Rishworth.

Michelle Rowland & Amanda Rishworth with 2MFM staff

The reforms currently include the privatisation of universities which may see university fees triple and interest fees of up to 6.5% being charged on government loans (HECS).
The main concerns which 2MFM voiced included the worry of parents that future students may be deterred from studying at a tertiary level due to accumulating debts. This was of particular concern to females who may take time off work when they choose to have children.

Shadow Assistant Minister Amanda Rishworth said that the changes may mean that many young adults will face the choice of either pursuing a tertiary education or purchasing a house, as a university degree may leave one with a debt of over $100,000. 2MFM questioned whether the opposition had an alternative proposal that keeps education affordable and helps strengthen the economy.

2MFM also commented on the current lack of science and mathematics teachers as well as nurses and whether the proposed changes could mean Australia will face a growing shortage if the education reforms are passed.
Shadow Assistant Minister Amanda Rishworth agreed with the views and reiterated the suggestions of 2MFM that further modelling will be necessary to adequately quantify the affect it may have on the current shortage.