The Albanese Government's Universities Accord (Student Support and Other Measures) Bill 2024 implements key recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord Final Report, addressing several challenges faced by university students and the higher education sector. Central to the package is the introduction of the Commonwealth Prac Payment—a means-tested financial support of $319.50 per week for students undertaking mandatory practicums in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work. This $369.2 million initiative, starting July 2025, will support approximately 68,000 eligible higher education students annually, recognising the financial hardship faced by students during unpaid placements.

The legislation also establishes a new Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding cluster for "FEE-FREE Uni Ready" courses (formerly enabling courses) with a specified Commonwealth contribution of $18,278 per full-time student. This $350.3 million investment aims to increase enabling course enrolments by 40% by 2030, supporting approximately 30,000 students annually. Additionally, the Bill requires higher education providers to allocate at least 40% of their Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue to student-led organisations, ensuring stronger student representation and service delivery on campuses. While the Bill includes changes to HELP debt indexation using the lower of CPI or WPI (backdated to 2023), the government has not yet addressed other recommendations such as reforming the Job-ready Graduates scheme or changing the timing of HELP debt indexation.

Takeaways:

Commonwealth Prac Payment of $319.50 per week for eligible students in teaching, nursing, midwifery, and social work

New $18,278 funding rate for FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses to expand access and participation

Mandates 40% of Student Services and Amenities Fee revenue go to student-led organisations

Improves HELP debt indexation by using the lower of CPI or WPI, backdated to 2023

Facilitates the merger of University of Adelaide and University of South Australia into "Adelaide University"

[1] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd2425/25bd008