1.1
On 3 September 2020, the Higher Education Support Amendment (Job-Ready Graduates and Supporting Regional and Remote Students) Bill 2020 (the bill) was referred by the Senate to the Education and Employment Legislation Committee (the committee) for inquiry and report by 25 September 2020.
1.2
Details of the inquiry were made available on the committee's website. The committee also contacted a number of organisations and individuals inviting submissions to the inquiry. Submissions were received from 280 organisations and individuals, as listed at Appendix 1. Submissions are available on the committee's website.
1.3
The committee also received 45 form letters from organisations concerned about proposed funding changes for communication courses. In addition, the committee received 583 emails arising from a campaign by the National Tertiary Education Union.
1.4
The committee held two public hearings in Canberra on 15 and 17 September. The witness lists for these hearings can be found at Appendix 2.
1.5
Chapter 2 outlines the context for the higher education reforms and the key provisions contained in the bill.
1.6
Chapter 3 outlines the key issues as raised by submitters and witnesses and presents a committee view on the bill.
1.7
The committee thanks those individuals and organisations who contributed to the inquiry by preparing written submissions and giving evidence at the public hearing.
1.8
References in this report to Hansard are to the Proof Hansard. Please note that page numbers may vary between the proof and official transcripts.