How one petition helped wipe out $3 billion in student debt
In 2024, a petition on Change.org helped wipe nearly $3 billion in student debt — and changed the future for over 3 million Australians.
“When we all stand up and demand change, the government has no choice but to listen”
Dr Monique Ryan, petition starterWhen the Australian Government announced a staggering 7.1% indexation increase to HECS-HELP debts in 2023, it hit a nerve across the country. Students and graduates — many already struggling with rising rent, groceries, and interest rates — watched their education debts balloon overnight. For many, even those making regular payments, their debts were rising faster than they could pay them off.
Independent MP Dr Monique Ryan launched a petition on Change.org calling for urgent reform to the way student debt is indexed — proposing that it be tied to wage growth instead of inflation.
The response was overwhelming. More than 280,000 Australians signed the petition, uniting students, parents, and educators in a call for fairness. Their voices echoed across social media, in parliament, and in the press.
In just under two months, their efforts paid off.
The government responded to the public pressure — and wiped almost $3 billion in student debt for 3 million Australians. The reform marked a turning point in the fight for fairer education and proved the power of people coming together to demand change.
Check out the petition to see how it became so successful..jpg)