In a significant move that will benefit thousands of students, Australia has announced a sweeping 20 percent reduction in Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) debt, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.
The landmark decision, announced on 3 November 2024, will provide substantial financial relief to approximately 3 million Australians nationwide, including current students and graduates of Griffith University across its Queensland campuses.
Key Changes to HELP Loans
Photo credit: Cameron Pentz/Google Maps
The reforms, according to the Education Department, will introduce a one-off 20% reduction in existing HELP debt, alongside an increased minimum repayment threshold from $54,435 to $67,000. A new marginal repayment system will be based only on income above the threshold, ensuring greater disposable income for recent graduates and current students.
New Repayment Structure
Under the new system, graduates will only begin repaying their HELP debt once they earn $67,000 per annum, a threshold that represents approximately 75% of average full-time earnings for recent higher education graduates. This marks a substantial increase from the previous threshold of $54,435.
Impact on Different Income Levels
The reforms will provide the most significant benefits to those earning under $180,000 annually. Lower-income earners will experience the greatest relief, with graduates retaining more disposable income in their early career years. Those earning over $180,000 will see no change to their repayment obligations.
The changes will come into effect from July 1 next year, automatically applying to all existing and new HELP debts. For Griffith University’s student population, this means reduced financial pressure and more manageable repayment terms as they transition from study to employment.
This initiative represents one of the most significant reforms to student financing in recent years, acknowledging the financial challenges faced by students and graduates while providing meaningful cost of living relief.
Griffith University in Nathan has announced a landmark expansion into Brisbane’s historic Treasury Building, a symbol of Queensland’s colonial past. The new campus, set to open in 2027, will breathe new life into the heritage-listed site, transforming it from a former seat of government and entertainment into a centre for education, business, and innovation.
The Star Entertainment Group previously occupied the campus. The new site will house Griffith University’s Business, Information Technology, and Law disciplines and postgraduate and executive education.
By 2035, the city campus will accommodate around 7,000 students and 200 staff.
A Glimpse into Queensland’s Past
The Treasury Building, an iconic structure in Brisbane, has long been a symbol of Queensland’s political and financial history.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Constructed in stages between 1886 and 1928, the building was initially designed as the headquarters for the Queensland Government’s Treasury Department. Its Italian Renaissance architectural style, with arched windows, elaborate cornices, and grand facades, made it a hallmark of colonial power and wealth. The Treasury Building was at the center of Queensland’s administrative life for much of the 20th century, housing government offices, including the Premier’s Department.
The building’s significance extends beyond its function as a government hub. It has witnessed key moments in Queensland’s history, from political debates to public protests on its steps. Following the government’s relocation in the late 20th century, the Treasury Building underwent a major transformation when The Star Entertainment Group repurposed it as a hotel complex in the 1990s.
Now, as Griffith University prepares to take up residence, the building will enter a new phase in its life, transitioning from a space of governance and entertainment to a centre for higher education.
A Hub for Industry and Community Engagement
Vice Chancellor and President Professor Carolyn Evans said the new Brisbane campus would enhance the University’s connections with industry and the broader community.
“The Brisbane CBD campus will deliver an entirely new experience for students, staff, and partners alike,” Professor Evans said. She emphasised that the campus will serve as a “front door” for partnerships with commerce, industry, and government.
“This flagship location will not only complement our existing South Bank campus but will enhance Griffith’s profile both locally and globally,” she added, noting the University’s commitment to making the new site an iconic centre for education and collaboration.
Preserving History, Embracing the Future
The Treasury Building, a landmark in Queensland’s history, will be preserved as part of this project. Griffith University is dedicated to maintaining the building’s heritage elements while adapting it to meet modern educational needs.
Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace, praised the development.
“The iconic Treasury Building is one of Queensland’s great landmarks and I’m thrilled that it’s going to be transformed into a place of learning.”
Daniel Finch, Chief Executive Officer of The Star Brisbane, expressed his confidence in Griffith University’s stewardship of the building.
“We are delighted to hand the baton to Griffith University, knowing the Treasury Building is in the safe hands of another proud Queenslander which respects its history as much as we have,” Finch said.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Accessible and Well-Connected Location
The Brisbane City campus will offer enhanced accessibility for students from across the South East region, with strong connections to Brisbane’s public transport network, including bus, train, and ferry services. International students are also expected to benefit from the prime location, offering easy access to the heart of the city, where they can live, work, and study.
Professor Evans noted the importance of the campus’ central location as Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Olympic Games, saying, “The CBD campus will solidify Griffith University’s presence on the global stage, attracting talent from around the world.”
Griffith University’s expansion into Brisbane’s CBD represents a major milestone, setting the stage for a world-class educational environment while maintaining the heritage and cultural significance of the historic Treasury Building.
Beryl Exley, Professor at Griffith University has been honoured as one of Queensland’s most influential teachers at the prestigious Queensland College of Teachers 2024 TeachX awards.
Professor Exley received the Excellence in Teacher Education award, recognising her significant impact on shaping the next generation of educators.
With a career spanning over three decades, her journey in education began in 1987. She dedicated her first 12 years to teaching in both state and independent schools, where her passion for literacy education flourished. This passion led her to pursue higher education, completing a Master of Education Honours and a PhD.
Photo credit: qct.edu.au
Professor Exley’s commitment to advancing education extended beyond the classroom. She spent 17 years at the Queensland University of Technology and seven years at Griffith University, where she has been instrumental in developing Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programs. Her expertise and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her securing over $2.25 million in research funding throughout her career.
A prolific researcher, Professor Exley has published more than 100 research articles and reports focusing on literacy education and working with preservice teachers in ITE programs. Her influence in the field is further exemplified by her past role as the National President of the Australian Literacy Educators’ Association, where she continues to be a respected life member.
Photo credit: Griffith University
Professor Exley’s adaptability and leadership were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. When professional experience placements were disrupted in 2020, she collaborated with other universities and the Department of Education to implement an innovative online professional experience program for soon-to-be graduating preservice teachers. This initiative not only allowed students to graduate on time but also equipped them with valuable skills for the evolving educational landscape.
From 2018 to 2022, she held the position of Deputy Head of School of Education and Professional Studies at Griffith University, overseeing the academic and teaching and learning portfolio. Her leadership in this role further solidified her reputation as a driving force in educational innovation and excellence.
2024 TeachX Awards
Photo credit: Queensland College of Teachers
Professor Exley’s recognition at the TeachX awards, where she was selected from 349 nominations and 80 shortlisted candidates, underscores the significant impact she has had on education in Queensland.
As one of the 31 teachers honoured this year, her award celebrates not only her individual achievements but also her outstanding contributions to the school community and the teaching profession as a whole.
Through her tireless efforts in research, teacher education, and leadership, Professor Beryl Exley continues to shape the future of education in Queensland and beyond, inspiring both current and future generations of educators.
Festival organiser Sandra Beynon is contesting a $774 fine issued by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) following a year-long investigation into the Jazz Blues and Koala festival held at Griffith University, Nathan in October 2023.
The free festival, organised by Beynon’s company under a community liquor permit, designated the Queensland Koala Crusaders as the beneficiary of all bar profits. However, the OLGR’s investigation, which included obtaining four warrants and extensive financial searches, alleges discrepancies in reported amounts for liquor sales and mishandling of raffle money donations.
Beynon strongly denies any wrongdoing, attributing the issues to clerical and technological errors involving amounts less than $200. She claims to have incurred a loss of $179 from the event.
The investigation’s findings suggest that total net sales were higher than initially reported by Beynon. Documents from financial services company Square reportedly showed net sales takings of $1048.71, after administrative fees.
Beynon argues that she was never given the opportunity to rectify any issues before being fined. She plans to challenge the fine at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal, following the denial of her formal request to waive the penalty on September 20.
Brisbane City councillor Steve Griffiths, who awarded a $5000 grant to the festival, stated that the grant did not cover bar expenses and that all event-based costs were correctly accounted for.
The case raises questions about the regulation of community events and the challenges faced by organisers in complying with liquor licensing requirements. As the situation unfolds, it highlights the importance of clear financial reporting and communication between event organisers, beneficiaries, and regulatory bodies.
The lab, set to open in early 2025, will play a crucial role in developing and testing components for PsiQuantum’s ambitious utility-scale quantum computer project in Brisbane.
PsiQuantum’s co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer, Pete Shadbolt, visited the campus to address students and staff, marking the formal announcement of this collaboration. This partnership is part of a broader initiative involving Griffith University, PsiQuantum, and four other Queensland universities, as outlined in a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding.
Photo credit: griffith.edu.au
Professor Carolyn Evans, Griffith University’s Vice Chancellor and President, emphasised the importance of this development: “We are excited about the partnership with PsiQuantum and the opportunities it will bring for more Queensland students to build future-focused STEM careers. This partnership builds on more than 20 years of leading research in quantum technology here at Griffith and across the state.”
The new lab will focus on testing and calibrating components for PsiQuantum’s quantum computer, which is expected to be the size of a warehouse. It will require state-of-the-art software, including advanced circuits and electronics. The facility will also serve as a hub for generating and testing ideas for next-generation quantum computing technologies.
Collaboration will be a key feature of the lab’s operations, with plans to work closely with other PsiQuantum facilities worldwide. As the project progresses, the lab’s role is expected to evolve in tandem with the development of the main quantum computer site.
Initially, the lab will seek experts in applied quantum physics, photonics, electronics, and programming. As the project advances, there will be increasing demand for professionals with broader engineering and applied physics expertise.
This partnership not only solidifies Griffith University’s position in the quantum computing landscape but also promises to create new opportunities for research projects, internships, and industry PhD programs, further strengthening Queensland’s role in the rapidly advancing field of quantum technology.
Expectations run high, as Griffith University swimming champion Kaylee McKeown seems poised to dominate the Paris 2024 Olympics, leveraging her world record-breaking prowess and extensive international experience.
Kaylee, who has been making waves in the swimming world, currently trains with the Griffith University swim group under the guidance of coach Michael Bohl.
At just 15 years old, Kaylee joined her older sister Taylor on the Dolphins swim team, becoming one of its youngest members. Inspired by her sister, who she considers a hero, Kaylee made her international debut in 2017 at the World Championships, finishing fourth in the 200m backstroke. Her strong performances continued at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she placed fourth in both the 100m and 200m backstroke events.
In 2018, she shone at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, securing gold in the 50m backstroke, silver in the 100m backstroke and 4x100m medley, and bronze in the 200m backstroke. Her success continued into 2019 when she won silver in both the women’s 200m backstroke and the women’s 4x100m medley relay at the World Championships.
The postponement of the Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 appeared to benefit Kaylee. In 2021, she broke national backstroke records in the 50m, 100m, and 200m events at the Sydney Open. She then set a world record in the 100m backstroke at the Australian trials for the Tokyo Games. Opting to focus on backstroke events at the Olympics, she won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke, as well as in the women’s medley relay, and also claimed bronze in the mixed medley relay.
In 2022, she continued to excel, winning the 200m backstroke world title in Budapest and dominating at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where she won four gold medals and six medals in total. She ended the year with a victory in the 200m backstroke at the World Short Course Championships in Melbourne. Her momentum carried into 2023, where she set a new world record in the 200m backstroke at the NSW Championships.
Kaylee’s Olympic Prospects
Online sportsbooks have recognised Kaylee McKeown’s potential for the upcoming Olympics, placing her as a favourite for the 200m backstroke. Despite the competitive field, including American Regan Smith, McKeown’s consistent performances and current world record position her as a strong contender.
Professional gamblers and swimming analysts suggest that while McKeown is the favourite, the race will be highly competitive. McKeown’s odds reflect her dominance in the sport, but the competition from athletes like Smith ensures that the event will be exciting to watch.
Griffith University will be well-represented at the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games with a team of 45 students, alumni, and team members. This includes debutants like sprinter Torrie Lewis and seasoned athletes such as Cameron McEvoy and Jessica Fox.
Duncan Free, Director of Sports Engagement at Griffith University and a former Olympian, expressed immense pride in the athletes. He highlighted the university’s tradition of nurturing champions and is optimistic about surpassing their best-ever medal haul from Tokyo.
The Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, 2024, are set to showcase the world’s top athletes across a range of disciplines, with high expectations for thrilling performances and record-breaking achievements. The event, anticipated to be one of the most watched in history, will feature a significant presence from Griffith University, including top contenders like Kaylee McKeown.
Griffith University is proposing to build a high-frequency Metro link to its Nathan campus and the nearby Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre in Mount Gravatt, as part of a plan to present initiatives that would leave a lasting legacy to the community even after the 2032 Olympics.
Cities Research Institute at Griffith University is in charge of the initiative that aims to tackle concerns about public transport access to the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre (QSAC), a key athletics venue for the Olympic Games.
The State’s decision to ditch the Gabba rebuild and reject other stadium proposals has sparked debate about the long-term benefits and transport links of the $1.6-billion QSAC redevelopment.
Brisbane LM Adrian Schrinner, who previously threw his support behind the Victoria Park option, has left the issue of transport around QSAC to the government.
Professor Matthew Burke from the Cities Research Institute believes there’s a more cost-effective solution. He is proposing a Metro route that would run from the South East Busway into the university campus. This would make it easier for students to get around, improve logistics for the Games, and boost public transport options for the QEII Jubilee Hospital.
The plan would involve turning existing parking lots into Metro stations, which could lead to fewer people driving. State Development Minister Grace Grace says the government is keen to explore all options that will ensure the Games’ success and leave a positive legacy for the community. This includes improvements to transport links between QSAC, the hospital, and Griffith University.
Griffith University Vice Chancellor Carolyn Evans emphasised the importance of better connections between the campus, QSAC, and the hospital. She said a well-integrated precinct would benefit the wider community.
While the specifics of the Metro proposal are still being considered, Cindy Hook, CEO of the Brisbane Organising Committee, has acknowledged the value of fresh ideas in shaping the Games infrastructure.
As discussions continue, there’s also a focus on the potential environmental impact. Professor Burke says there would be minimal disruption to the nearby koala habitats.
In the midst of these developments, the upcoming launch of the Metro system later this year highlights the city’s commitment to improving its public transport network, with further expansions planned.
While QSAC has been chosen as a Games venue, the ongoing discussions show the complex interplay between building infrastructure, considering the environment, and leaving a positive legacy for the community.
The 26-acre property adjacent to Toohey Forest in Upper Mount Gravatt is an unassuming patch of land. To the untrained eye, it’s just another overgrown lot dotted with relics of its farming heritage. But to environmental experts, it represents something far more significant – a rare opportunity to expand critical habitat for Brisbane’s native flora and fauna.
The potential sale of the parcel of land, located at 139 Klumpp Road in Upper Mount Gravatt, represents a unique chance to safeguard and grow the habitat for native plants and animals, according to Michael Fox, co-President of the Mt Gravatt Environment Group (MGEG).
Mr Fox notes that since 2007, the group has documented an impressive 280 different species of native plants thriving in the area. Living nearby, Mr Fox is intimately familiar with the forest’s wildlife, including two families of squirrel gliders and a population of koalas that call Toohey Forest their home.
Photo credit: Michael Fox/Mt Gravatt Environment Group
Dr Carla Catterall, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Sciences at Griffith University, noted in a letter to Brisbane City Council that securing the land comes with several benefits, including avoiding compromising the longer-term ecological integrity, flora and fauna of Toohey forest; and enabling preservation and enhancement of the riparian and aquatic habitats, and water quality, in Mimosa Creek.
Photo credit: Michael Fox/Mt Gravatt Environment Group
Dr Catterall and local environmental groups like MGEG are urging Council to seize this chance to purchase and restore the Klumpp Road site through an online petition, transforming it into a strategic wildlife corridor linking Toohey Forest to the nearby Roly Chapman Bushland Reserve.
Photo credit: realestate.com.au
“If the council purchases this land they could build a koala-safe fence. Volunteers from schools and community groups could assist with planting native plants and trees, including suitable koala food sources. The reserve is home to over a hundred species of birds as well as koalas, wallabies and echidnas. It is worth investing in,” the petition reads.
Photo credit: realestate.com.au
Their calls come amidst growing concerns over the relentless destruction of koala habitat across southeast Queensland, prompting the Australian government to recently reclassify the iconic marsupial as an endangered species.
The land is believed to have once been owned by the Williams family – among Brisbane’s pioneering settler families. The Williams are said to have introduced irrigation techniques to grow pineapples, lettuce and celery to the region, cementing their legacy as farming trailblazers.
Whilst the e-petition has already ended earlier this month, the race is still on for Council to submit an expression of interest for the coveted Klumpp Road property before 30 March 2024, securing the critical biodiversity corridor before developers potentially move in.
Researchers at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt have received continued funding for their AI-powered ‘facial recognition’ camera system to monitor koala crossings in South East Queensland.
The project, now in its third year, uses cameras with artificial intelligence software to identify individual koalas using wildlife crossings. The data provides insights into koala movement to support conservation efforts for the vulnerable species.
Led by Professor Jun Zhou from Griffith’s School of Information and Communication Technology, the project recently received a $100,000 grant from the Queensland Government’s Department of Environment and Science. This follows previous funding of $90,000 in 2021 and $100,000 last June.
Photo credit: Griffith University
“This project extends our innovative AI-powered koala monitoring system to cover wider areas of koala habitat in South East Queensland, and engage with 14 local community groups across 10 local government areas to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the camera network,” Professor Zhou said.
Since 2021, the team has set up cameras at 24 locations in Redland City. The AI analyses the footage to recognise individual koalas and track their crossing activity.
Frank Mikula from Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary said the technology is valuable for koala conservation.
Photo credit: Griffith University
“We’re all about sharing information and it’s really good to be able to put people in contact and create that conduit between researchers so that everyone can get to the same goal faster,” Mikula said.
“The technology does the heavy lifting for us, and that’s really important moving forward.
“With increased knowledge about how koalas are crossing roads, we can better inform mitigation and management so that we can ensure a better long-term future for koalas.”
The project engages with 14 community groups across 10 local council areas. The aim is to facilitate data-driven planning to protect declining koala populations in the region.
In a surprising turn of events, the plan to convert an unused student housing complex at Griffith University in Mt Gravatt into crisis accommodations has been abandoned.
Despite spending $2 million for its preparatory works, concerns have been raised about the area’s fire safety standards because it is close to bushland, hence the decision to discontinue the project.
The abandoned initiative at Griffith University was part of the government’s efforts to address the state’s pressing crisis. However, detailed assessments revealed that significant renovations would be necessary to bring the vacant student accommodation up to current fire safety standards. With this in mind, the decision was made to explore alternative options.
Instead, Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles confirmed that the State Government secured a deal to purchase 64 properties across the state, which will be transformed into housing.
“After consulting with Queensland’s leading housing advocacy group, QShelter, we’ve made the decision to purchase homes directly on the private market to get more people into accommodation quicker,” Mr Miles said.
“We haven’t taken this decision lightly. Many Queenslanders who have never experienced housing stress before are struggling, and we are committed to doing as much as we can,” he added.
The Queensland Government plans to invest $25 million to acquire existing houses and units from various locations throughout the state.
By utilising funds originally earmarked for repurposing the disused student accommodation, the government aims to expedite the process of providing housing for vulnerable individuals and families.
“The allocation of funding to purchase housing directly makes more sense given the challenges presented by the Mt Gravatt site,” Fiona Caniglia, the Executive Director of QShelter, expressed support for the shift in strategy.
“We support any action which achieves homes for Queenslanders faster. In the longer term, this funding will go further and achieve sustainable housing outcomes for as long as people need them. QShelter will be working with the government to ensure that not-for-profit community housing providers assist in any way possible to implement this plan.”
The Department of Communities, Housing, and Digital Economy is already in the process of progressing property purchases in several suburbs across Queensland, including Acacia Ridge, Annerley, Atherton, Bucasia, Cloncurry, Cooran, Eagleby, Emerald, Gladstone Central, Gleneagle, Gordonvale, Griffin, Kawungan, Mount Low, Ormeau, Pimpama, Rural View, Smithfield, Tully, and Urangan.
