University students in Tamworth and Armidale can blame the Greens and Independent Nick Xenophon for being excluded from the old youth allowance workforce criteria, according to The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams.

During debate on amendments to the legislation, the Coalition attempted to get larger regional centres included in the 15 hours per week over two years or $19,532 over 18 months work rule, instead of the Government-favoured minimum of 30 hours per week over 18 months for two years.

Senator Williams said it was an attempt to get equity for students in larger centres such as Armidale and Tamworth, just as there is for those in Inverell, Glen Innes and Tenterfield.

“We had already won concessions for the outer regional, remote and very remote students, plus scholarships for all students, and we tried to make it even better.

But the Greens, after huffing and puffing for months about how bad the Government legislation was and how regional students needed supporting, joined Independent Senator Nick Xenophon in siding with the Government to vote down the amendment.

Therefore students in Tamworth and Armidale will still have to look for a job for 30 hours a week so they can qualify for independent youth allowance.

This is a disgrace and shows the Greens have no concern for regional Australia”, Senator Williams said.