How do we protect students from ballooning HELP debts? A fixed maximum indexation rate would help – The Conversation

The indexation of student debt is arguably the federal governments biggest political problem when it comes to universities. Last June, student debt balances increased by 7.1%, the highest rate in decades. While HELP loans do not attract interest, they are indexed to inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). When inflation remained low,…

A scheme meant to help people avoid debt is now causing it Centrepay needs urgent repair – The Guardian

Centrepay is once again in the news, and not for good reasons. This week the Guardian uncovered new examples of the government system being used as a vehicle of financial abuse Centrepay was diverting money away from people receiving Centrelink payments to energy giants, years after they stopped being power customers. To be clear, were…