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The HECS hoax has to stop

HECS is the sleeper issue for the May budget, and with over four million people in HECS debt, it’s an issue that can’t be ignored.

James KirbyJames Kirby
less than 2 min read
1:48PMApril 08, 2016
Business Spectator

The farce that is the student loan system is going to end soon.

It appears that the government is set to lower the salary level at which graduates are required to start paying back student loans and the changes could be announced as soon as next month.


HECS is the sleeper issue for the May budget, and with over four million people in HECS debt, it’s an issue that can’t be ignored.

James Kirby
James KirbyAssociate Editor - Wealth

James Kirby, Associate Editor-Wealth, is one of Australia’s most experienced financial journalists. James hosts The Australian’s twice-weekly Money Puzzle podcast.He is a regular commentator on radio and television, the author of several business biographies and has served on the Walkley Awards Advisory BoardHe was a co-founder and managing editor at Business Spectator and Eureka Report and has previously worked at the Australian Financial Review and the South China Morning Post. Since January 2025 James is a director of Ecstra, the financial literacy foundation.

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/business-spectator/commentary/the-hecs-hoax-has-to-stop/news-story/3463859aa4ed72ebfd32eb3b6f1aa46c