http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-02/pynes-education-gaffe-draws-fire-from-oppo...Christopher Pyne's education gaffe draws fire from Opposition, Greens
By Naomi Woodley
Updated Mon 2 Jun 2014, 2:48pm AEST
The Federal Opposition and Greens have leapt on a mistake by the Education Minister as proof the Government does not understand its own budget and it does not deserve support.
From June 2016, the Federal Government wants to change the rate at which all higher education loans are indexed, meaning the effective interest rate would go from CPI to as high as 6 per cent.
The Education Department's website states it would apply to all existing debt, but Education Minister Christopher Pyne seemed to indicate something different as he defended the change.
"Anybody who was enrolled before May the 14th, nothing will change in terms of their arrangements," he told Insiders yesterday.
Mr Pyne's office said he was referring to any fee changes not impacting on current students, but that was not the question he was asked.
His comments drew a swift response from Labor and the Greens, who say they will not compromise on any element of the Government's plan.
AUDIO: Labor and Greens not willing to compromise (AM)
There are around $5 billion worth of savings measures in the higher education budget, but the vast majority are currently unlikely to pass the Senate without negotiation.
"Either he doesn't understand his own policy, or he has deliberately misled the Australian people after the election, as well as before the election," said Kim Carr, Labor's education spokesman.
Greens education spokeswoman Lee Rhiannon said: "Either the Minister deliberately lied when he made the statement, or he doesn't understand his own budget changes".