AHA open letter calling for the repeal of Job-Ready Graduates scheme

On 28 July 2025, the Australian Historical Association (AHA) sent to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Minister for Education Jason Clare, Minister for Business and Innovation Tim Ayres, and Minister for Youth Jess Walsh an Open Letter calling for the repeal of Job-Ready Graduates (JRG) scheme - a scheme that the Labor caucus at criticised at the time.

 This letter (found here) was co-ordinated by the AHA and signed by more than 100 distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to Australian cultural, social and political life. All completed a Bachelor of Arts degree.

PHA has long been advocating against the JRG scheme - expressing our concern in a national statement when it was first introduced in 2020.

Subsequent research has shown that the JRG scheme has failed and students - especially those in the humanities and social sciences - have been unfairly burdened with increasing debt. More can be found in this Guardian newspaper article.

As well as this letter, the AHA have also started on online petition which our members may also wish to sign.

We strongly encourage our members to read this letter.