Millions of Australians will have their student debts reduced under an Albanese government plan to deliver financial relief.
Under a cost of living pitch, the federal government is set to announce it will take 20 per cent off student debts for every Australian with a student debt.
This will include all HELP, Vet Student Loan, Australian Apprenticeship Support Loan and other income-contingent student loans.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to detail the plan as he joins South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas for a campaign rally in Adelaide tomorrow.
The government estimates the plan will cut about $16 billion in debt on accounts that exist on June 1 next year.
A university graduate with the average HELP debt of $27,600 will see around $5520 wiped from their outstanding HELP loans next year.
The government said this builds on their reforms to fix the indexation formula, announced in the 2024-2025 Federal Budget which wipes around $3 billion in student debt.
"It means that all up, the Albanese Government will cut close to $20 billion in student loan debt for more than three million Australians," the Prime Minister's office said in a statement.
"The government will introduce legislation which will give effect to this commitment next year."
The education minister announced on Saturday the Albanese Government will raise the minimum repayment threshold for student loans and cut repayment rates to make the system fairer for all Australians with student debt.
"We're already fixing indexation and today, we are going further by taking 20 per cent off student debt – for everyone with a student debt," Albanese said.
"This will help everyone with a student debt right now, whilst we work hard to deliver a better deal for every student in the years ahead."
Cost of living pressures are at the forefront for many young voters ahead of next year's federal election.
People under 35 have been hit the hardest by multiple interest rate and rent rises, according to Commonwealth Bank data released in August, which has seen their savings go backyards.
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/people-enjoying-drinks-at-a-japanese-festival-right-a-shiba-inu-dog-in-a-robe.jpg?id=60327700&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=96%2C0%2C96%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Montreal is about to feel a lot more like Tokyo — at least for a couple of days in June.</p><p><span></span><a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/yatai-mtl" target="_blank">YATAI MTL</a>, Quebec's largest Japanese street market, is returning from June 5 to 8 at Hangar 1825 along the Lachine Canal, and it's bringing all the flavours, fashion, and vibes you didn't know you needed.</p><p>This year's edition promises to be bigger than ever, with over 25 food stalls serving iconic Japanese street eats like karaage, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, ramen, and yakitori. You'll also find more than 40 vendors selling everything from matcha and mochi to handmade ceramics, art prints, kimonos, and bento boxes.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJElXjVvOry/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJElXjVvOry/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>But it's not just about the food. YATAI MTL is also packing the weekend with cultural events, performances, and parties — including a Ghibli-themed piano concert, a Shiba Inu fashion show and walk, and a nostalgic 80s-style City Pop dance night. The festival kicks off with GACHA POP Night on June 5, where DJs PinkPopo and Pocaille will turn Hangar 1825 into a kawaii dance floor inspired by anime, J-pop, and Japanese arcade culture.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzXLfxM3HP/?img_index=1" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJzXLfxM3HP/?img_index=1" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Festival-goers can also sip sake cocktails at the onsite SAQ Bistro, check out tea ceremonies and Kendo demos, and even network with creatives at a special Québec–Japan industry mixer. And yes, dogs are welcome, especially if they're Shibas.</p><p>Admission is $4 in advance or $5 at the door, but it's free if you’re under 12, over 65, dressed in a yukata, or happen to be a Shiba owner. You can buy tickets <a href="https://www.asiasie.com/yataimtl" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Whether you're a diehard Japanophile or just in it for the snacks, this festival is a one-of-a-kind summer experience that's worth clearing your calendar for.</p><h3>YATAI MTL</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9ciF5MUs4/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DJ9ciF5MUs4/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: $5 at the door (free entry for children and seniors)</p><p>When: June 5 to 8</p><p>Address: 40 Rue des Seigneurs, Montreal, QC</p><p><a href="https://www.asiasie.com/yataimtl" target="_blank">Yatai MTL website</a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p>
<p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p><p><br/></p>
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