ECT's HELP Debt Waived For Five Years When Working In A Remote Educational Setting

The Morrison Government today introduced legislation to waive the HELP debt for teachers and early childhood teachers who worked at very remote schools. Up to a maximum of five years, tuition fees could be waived which was deferred as a HELP loan. This includes a HECS-HELP loan, a FEE-HELP loan, or a combination of both.

Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government would wipe up to five years’ worth of HELP debt from students who spend at least four years working in very remote education settings.

The program will also assist more than 3,500 educators in very remote settings annually by removing indexation on their HELP debt.

"Our Government believes that every child, no matter where they live, should have access to a world-class education," Mr Tehan said.

"We’re supporting more teachers to spend more time in very remote schools where they can help improve student outcomes.

"Waiving their student debt will be an added incentive for teachers to work in the bush. It will prompt new teachers to consider a stint working in the bush, and will also attract remote community members into a teaching career."

To be eligible teachers must work in an eligible location for at least four years, commencing on or after the start of the 2019 school year, with an equivalent pro-rata rate for part-time teachers.

Here is a list of eligible locations and schools where Teachers and ECT's can have their HELP debt waived while working in these very remote areas: Very Remote Schools

Reference:
"Supporting More Teachers In Very Remote Communities", Media Release, Ministers For The Department Of Education, 16 October 2019