A Private Senators Bill which would make it easier for gap year students in Inner regional areas to access independent youth allowance has passed through the Senate.

The legislation was introduced by the Nationals Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education Senator Fiona Nash.

It sought to address an anomaly whereby students in Inner Regional areas faced a tougher work test criteria to access independent youth allowance than those in what are known as Outer Regional, Remote and Very Remote areas.

In New England, Armidale and Tamworth are Inner Regional, meaning students wishing to undertake a tertiary education had virtually no chance of qualifying, and their parents would have to fund their university education and associated costs or they didn’t undertake the course.

Senator Williams said this legislation is a great win for students in Armidale and Tamworth.

“The Independents supported the Coalition in the Senate to get it through.

I call on the Independents Tony Windsor and Rob Oakeshott in the House of Representatives to support it and show the students in their electorates that they have the students interests at heart”, Senator Williams said.