Senator WATT (Queensland—Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations) (14:21): Thank you, Senator Faruqi. It is the case, of course, that, as the years have gone by, students and graduates have been asked to make a contribution towards the cost of their university education. That process actually began not long before I started university all those years ago, and, as a result of that, I incurred a student debt as a way of contributing towards the cost of my education, as did many people, no doubt, in this chamber. The Greens would like other people to believe that the Labor government has done nothing whatsoever about the issues facing younger people, including university students. The only problem with the Greens' argument is that we actually have. For example, this year's budget waived $3 billion worth of student debt for the very university students that you are asking about. No government has done that before in Australia's history, certainly no coalition government, which was prepared to— Senator Henderson: Because there's a 16 per cent increase. The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Henderson! Senator WATT: Oh, so Senator Henderson doesn't like cutting student debt. It's good to get your opposition on the record. Thank you, Senator Henderson, for confirming that the coalition does not support waiving student debt. Senator Henderson interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson! Senator WATT: This very budget, Senator Faruqi— The PRESIDENT: Minister, please resume your seat. Senator Henderson. Senator Henderson: On a point of order, particularly in relation to respect shown by the minister, I'd ask that he not misrepresent my position. The PRESIDENT: Senator Henderson, as you well know, that is not a point of order, and I will also remind you that when I call your name I expect you to come to order. Minister, please continue. Senator WATT: The Albanese government are very proud of the fact that we're the first government in Australia's history to waive student debt in the way that we announced in this year's budget. We've cut $3 billion from HECS-HELP and other student support loans for more than three million people. Senator Henderson: It's your inflation! Senator WATT: Jeez, they're really grumpy about cutting student debt, aren't they, President? They're really upset about cutting student debt. I'm really surprised that you'd be upset about that. But, again, you did vote against cost-of-living relief for everyone, so I guess you would also dislike making life easier for university students. I guess that's a consistent position. We have also provided $350.3 million to fully fund fee-free university-ready courses, $427.4 million to establish a new Commonwealth prac payment— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Faruqi, first supplementary?