25 May

I never win this debate, but it’s been a while. HECS. University students pay a contribution for their degree, once they enter the workforce. This is usually justified by saying they tend to get higher-paid jobs, so they should be expected to contribute towards their education. Why I’ve always thought this is rubbish. - what if a graduate doesn’t end up earning more than other people? They still pay the extra tax. - why do many tradies not only pay no HECS, but are also paid while training? University students are not paid for studying. Many tradies earn even more than university graduates as well, often much more. - ditto for elite athletes, whose training is paid for by taxpayers. - anybody who earns more already pays more tax, in a progressive tax system, why single out people who have done higher learning to pay even more tax? HECS is a big middle finger to learning, that’s all. Introduced by my favourite people, the Boomers, who received it all without charge.