HUNTER students could see their study debts slashed by June 1 next year.
The federal government has promised to spend $16 billion on wiping at least 20 per cent of student debts from university, TAFE courses and apprenticeship loans if they win a second term in the 2025 election.
A breakdown of the number of student debts by electorate revealed that 70,259 people across Newcastle, Paterson, Shortland, and the Hunter could benefit.
For University of Newcastle student Peter Hyslop, having roughly $5000 deducted from his $30,000 HECS debt would be a welcome decision, but he questioned why it wasn't offered sooner.
"I'm pleased to hear some of my HECS debt will be wiped, but it's not a great deal of cash in the context of $30,000 or more debt. In real terms, humanities students are still far behind cohorts in cheaper degrees," he said.
"I'm wondering why the federal government has left it so late in their term to do this. It seems more like an attempt to win young people at the next election."
The promise could also allow young Australians to more easily buy a home as HECS debt is a consideration for bank loans.
Many have welcomed the changes but Australian National University economics researcher Ben Phillips says they will primarily affect a small number of people.
"Most of the impact will be kind of invisible," he told AAP.
"It just applies to those with debt right now, it doesn't affect those who will have debt in the future - and for those who have paid it off, it makes no difference at all."
Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon encouraged voters to back the return of the Labor government.
"I'm working for my community every single day, and asking for their vote to ensure this relief can be delivered for people in Newcastle. I'm so proud to be part of a government that values education, values students and has a plan to ease cost of living pressures."
Labor has also introduced legislation to establish Fee-Free TAFE, funding 100,000 places a year in critical areas from 2027.
- with AAP
