A controversial bill dramatically shaking up university fees is expected to pass into law after Centre Alliance senator Rebekha Sharkie committed to supporting the federal government's proposal.
The Centre Alliance senator, who is the minor party's education spokesperson, said on Tuesday morning she would support an amended Jobs-Ready Graduates Bill, which would see extra support for those in South Australia.
"These legislative reforms are by no means perfect but overall Centre Alliance recognises what the Government is trying to achieve and what the university sector is calling for which is funding certainty following the 2017 indexation cuts," Ms Sharkie said in a media release.
"Without change, many universities were at risk of significant job losses and campus closures going into next year.
"We also appreciate that there may be increased costs for students studying the humanities but we recognise that these reforms will provide a significant increase in university places from 2021 and that universities have the discretion to set fees that reflect the delivery of some courses.
"Students will be able to substantially reduce their fees if they study subjects or majors in areas that Government has identified as areas of need, such as studies in English or languages."
Ms Sharkie said she had secured 12,000 extra Commonwealth Supported Places for South Australia's three universities over the next four years and said the bill's amendment would see her home state's growth rate grow to levels comparable to the rest of regional Australia.
The bill would drastically cut fees for in-demand fields, such as nursing and teaching, but increase the cost of some arts and humanities courses by double.
Former Centre Alliance member, independent Senator Rex Patrick, slammed his former colleague, sharing an earlier tweet by Ms Sharkie where she suggested her parliamentary position would not be possible without an affordable and accessible higher education system.
"So, whilst you are forever grateful for the opportunity afforded you, you don't care for future students in your electorate or state that might want the same opportunity," the independent senator wrote in a tweet.
So, whilst you are forever grateful for the opportunity afforded you, you don’t care for future students in your electorate or state that might want the same opportunity #auspol#FundUniFairly#higheredhttps://t.co/Hsz2lYMsqJ
— Rex Patrick (@Senator_Patrick) October 5, 2020
Labor, the Greens and fellow crossbencher Jacqui Lambie have also publicly denounced the bill.
The bill will be before the Senate on Tuesday afternoon for a second reading debate.
