The Commencement dates reflect the 1 January 2016 start date for the main changes, with differences for:

• change of title for University of Ballarat and increases to ARC funding, immediate on assent of the Bill;
• the NZ inclusions and the abolition of the HECS-HELP benefit from 1 January 2015; and
• the new lower first repayment threshold for HELP debts from 1 July 2016, to apply to 2016-17 income tax year.