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Student Start-up Loan Determination

Announcement date 
30 March 2026 

Link to announcement 
Social Security and Student Assistance (Student Start-up Loan Debts and ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan Overpayments) Determination 2026 - Federal Register of Legislation

Problem being addressed 

The Social Security and Student Assistance (Student Start-up Loan Debts and ABSTUDY Student Start-up Loan Overpayments) Determination 2026 (the Determination) sets out circumstances in which an amount of a student start-up loan is a debt due to the Commonwealth under the Social Security Act 1991 (Social Security Act), for youth allowance and austudy payment purposes; and an amount of an ABSTUDY student start-up loan is an ABSTUDY student start-up loan overpayment under the Student Assistance Act 1973 (Student Assistance Act).

The Determination ensures that student start-up loans are targeted to people who have a genuine commitment to continuing their study.

Proposal 
The Department of Social Services proposed to remake the instrument without significant amendments.  

Assessment comments 
Consistent with the Government's Policy Impact Analysis requirements for sunsetting instruments, the Department of Social Services has certified that the instrument is operating effectively and efficiently in lieu of preparing an Impact Analysis for remaking the Instrument. This assessment was informed by a consultation process that involved Services Australia.

Regulatory burden 
The Department of Social Services estimates no change in the average annual regulatory burden to people, business or community organisations in remaking the instrument. 

Attachment File type Size
Certification Letter pdf 734.68 KB