Australia: Albanese Government Wipes $10B Off Student Loans
Above: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at Wesley Church on July 22, 2025, in Canberra. Image copyright: Hilary Wardhaugh/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-government narrative
This debt relief delivers crucial cost-of-living support when young Australians need it most. The 20% cut provides immediate financial breathing room for graduates struggling with housing costs and living expenses. Combined with higher repayment thresholds, this reform makes education accessible without creating lifetime debt burdens.
Government-critical narrative
This AU$16 billion could be used to address more pressing education issues, such as scrapping the failed Job-ready Graduates program or extending paid placements to medical students. The money would better serve disadvantaged students through needs-based funding rather than blanket debt forgiveness.
