Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Amendment (National Student Ombudsman Levy) Bill 2026

Summary

Universities and other higher education providers will be required to pay a new levy that funds a National Student Ombudsman — an independent official who investigates complaints from students about their institutions. This amends the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency Act to establish how this ombudsman position will be paid for and operated. Currently, students who have problems with their university have limited independent complaint pathways, so this creates a dedicated free service to help resolve disputes between students and their education providers.

What happens at this stage

The bill is introduced to the chamber by its sponsor and given a formal title. No debate takes place. This step exists so all members are officially notified the bill is coming before any substantive discussion begins.

Next: Second Reading, where the chamber debates the bill's overall purpose and principles