The threshold at which Australians have to start paying off their university HECS debts has been reduced by $10,000. 

Dropping from the previous level of $55,000, the new measures passed through the Senate last week will see graduates earning $45,000 have a portion of their income diverted to their debts. Some have criticised the change, saying it is a burden for people earning well below the average income, while the government has justified it as a necessary move to maintain the HECS system. 

Reporter Sarah Booth takes a closer look at the issue.