Senator Pauline Hanson confronted the government over its plan to wipe 20% from existing HECS debts, questioning why taxpayers should foot the bill for so-called “professional students” and even individuals with massive debts, such as one reportedly exceeding $800,000. Hanson demanded to know why relief wasn’t limited to future students, calling the move a taxpayer-funded handout to those who had already agreed to repay their loans. One Nation maintains that education policy should uphold fairness and fiscal responsibility.