Senator PAYNE (New South Wales—Minister for Human Services) (14:49): I thank Senator McKenzie for her continued interest in the important area of education. What I am able to tell the Senate about this historical higher education reform is that it will ensure that more Australians are able to receive a world-class higher education as well as wider opportunities through diploma and other pathway courses, and it will ensure that Australia's higher education is not left behind in what is an increasingly competitive international environment. For the first time ever, the Australian government will provide direct financial support to all students studying at any registered Australian higher education provider such as a public university, a private university, a TAFE or a college for any accredited under graduate course including higher education diplomas, advanced diplomas, associate degrees and degrees. For the first time ever, there will be direct financial support to all students in those categories. What those changes provide is an historic pathway into higher education for Australians. And a lot of those Australians will come from lower socioeconomic areas and regional areas. What that means by 2018 is world-changing for this country. Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Resume your seat, Senator Payne. You are entitled to be heard in silence. When silence resumes, you will be called upon to continue the answer. Senator PAYNE: What that means by 2018 is that the reforms will see the Australian government supporting over 80,000 more students as they pursue the best course for them. The government will also offer HECS style trade support loans for apprentices from 1 July 2014 that will encourage more people to take up a trade and complete their qualification. Like HELP loans for university students, they will only be repayable once apprentices are earning a decent income. We are going to introduce a massive new Commonwealth scholarship scheme which will boost equity of access for disadvantaged university students from low socioeconomic backgrounds— (Time expired)