Key crossbench Senator Ricky Muir has issued a fresh challenge to Education Minister Christopher Pyne, urging him to seek an election mandate on the government's university reforms.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Senator Muir's position casts further doubt on whether Mr Pyne can successfully convince at least two crossbench senators who voted against the controversial reforms at the end of 2014 to change their minds and back the package in 2015.
The Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party senator's view are roughly in line with independent Senator Nick Xenophon, who has called for a review of the higher education sector and delay to any major reforms until after the next federal election.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott's office called Senator Muir on Tuesday to open talks for the new year. Senator Muir said that while he was listening and consulting on proposals to reform the higher education system he still holds concerns about the prospect of soaring fees should they remain uncapped.
Senator Muir told Fairfax Media on Wednesday reports he was open to potentially backing deregulation had led to "confusion" about his position on the issue.
"I am of the view that if deregulation is the only option the government has for university reform then it should be taken to the election," he said.
"The people of Victoria and Australia have spoken and it is my job to listen to them."
Last week Mr Pyne said he would continue negotiations with the crossbench, despite fresh indications any significant changes to the reforms may not win necessary support in the Senate.
"We believe that they [the reform proposals] are better for the university sector than what's currently there and we will negotiate with the crossbenchers and do whatever needs to be done to ensure that our universities are the best they can be and our students have the best opportunities that they could have to go to university," Mr Pyne said.
