Labor has revealed plans to fund $760 million in election promises by increasing international student visa fees. If re-elected, the party aims to raise the visa application fee for international students from $1,600 to $2,000. The Coalition, in response, has proposed a higher fee structure, suggesting charges of $5,000 for Group of Eight universities and $2,500 for other international students.
The announcement was made as part of Labor’s election costings, which provide a detailed outline of how the major parties intend to finance their campaign commitments. The move to raise student visa fees is projected to contribute significantly to the budget over the coming years, with savings expected to come from various sources, including reduced spending on consultants, contractors, and non-wage expenses.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher emphasized that the increased fees would not impact applicants from Pacific Island and Timor-Leste. They also highlighted additional savings of $1 billion since the last budget, achieved through prudent financial management without affecting public services.

One of the key aims of these measures is to offset the cost of Labor’s proposed $1,000 instant tax deduction for work expenses. By streamlining expenditure and eliminating inefficiencies, the party aims to redirect funds towards essential services and initiatives, such as healthcare, housing, and tax relief.
Chalmers has called on the Coalition to be transparent about its financial plans, urging them to disclose both the costs of their policies and the areas they intend to cut to fund their initiatives. Labor asserts that it is the only party with a comprehensive and credible plan, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making for voters.
While the Coalition has assured that their costings will be made public in due time, concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency, particularly with early voting already underway. This has sparked debate about the accessibility of critical financial information for voters ahead of election day.
As the election campaign unfolds, the focus on funding mechanisms and budget allocations remains a central theme. The decisions made regarding international student visa fees not only impact the education sector but also have broader implications for the economy and government revenue.
With the Australian public closely monitoring these developments, the outcome of the election will not only shape the future of education policy but also set the course for fiscal management and government accountability in the years to come.
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