Concerns about proposed Austudy loan scheme

Western Australian Education Minister Kay Hallahan today joined student leaders in voicing concern about a proposal to replace Austudy with a loans scheme for university students.

Mrs Hallahan said she had reservations about any proposal which had the potential to become a disincentive to Western Australians entering higher education.

"Austudy has been highly successful in providing income support to students undertaking university studies, and any changes need to be treated with caution," she said.

Mrs Hallahan said she had asked State officials to examine the proposals in detail so that WA could make a formal submission to the Federal Government.

The loans scheme was floated in a draft report being prepared for the Federal Government.