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Regional students missing out on the Independent Youth Allowance should have their say, in the lead up to the first parliament sitting for 2011.
Senators Fiona Nash and John Williams are part of the Coalition team that’s determined to make the system fair. Thousands of students living in `inner regional’ areas are struggling to qualify for the assistance under changes the federal Labor government made. “The first sitting of parliament is a critical time of the parliamentary year. It’s the start of the year and people want to know what the political agenda will be. Part of the Coalition’s agenda is to make the Independent Youth Allowance fair to all students,” the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education, Senator Fiona Nash, said. “We’ll persist in having my bill debated, that if passed by parliament, would reinstate the original and fairer eligibility criteria. In the meantime, regional students and their families must also keep the pressure on the government. “There are many ways to do this. They can visit my online petition, sign other Coalition MP and senator petitions, and contact Labor and Greens politicians who oppose my bill, especially the Prime Minister and Tertiary Education Minister, Senator Chris Evans. I’d also encourage them to write to the Independents to ensure their support for the Coalition on this issue.” Senator Williams added: “It’s unacceptable that students living in `inner regional’ areas are being disadvantaged, for budget reasons. The Labor government’s decided these students must work longer for up to two years to qualify. The damaging effect of this ludicrous policy is well documented and was evident at last month’s senate inquiry hearing. “Students and their families should not be penalised for where they live. It is wrong and it is stupid. I urge them to make their voices heard in Canberra. The Coalition is right behind them. Make 2011 the year where common sense prevails.” NOTE – Senator Nash’s online petition closes on the 28th of January and will be tabled during the parliament sitting. |
News Room Media Releases 2011 – the year to fix Independent Youth Allowance
Comments
Consider the impact on the net import of "qualified " workforce , as we effectively reduce the availabilty of degree qualifications for our children (our future) necessitating the inflow from off shore. The lack of desire to move to regional Australia will continue to create a void .
There are examples of students applying to Centrelink claiming thier parents have seperated just to qualify under the income test. Parents and families relocating to cities from regional Australia to enable their children to undertake study.
I would be intersted to see the outcome of the current debacle and the impact on HECS . Parents of Students in receipt of Youth allowance would be more likely to contibute to tuition fees as the accommodation cost would be covered by youth alowance.
I have one daughter who has taken a gap year in 2010 who will be attending Uni of Newcastle . During this time Kate has worked on a traineeship earning the minimum to meet the "old " youth allowance criteria and is now facing uncertainty as to the capacity to undertake a double degree and balance this with having to work to support her cost of living , accommodation etc.
The criteria under the current scheme will not work for students if they are required to defer for up to two years.
If university is only for the City kids ,, how will we sustain vibrant , healthy and well skilled communities in regional Australia. Our kids will return to regional areas , its in their DNA .
Push Hard.
Hank MacInnes ,