The Nationals Duty Senator for New England John Williams and Coalition Regional Education spokesperson, Nationals Senator Fiona Nash, say Mr Windsor can no longer deny the students of Armidale and Tamworth and those in inner regional areas across the nation the same opportunity to qualify for independent youth allowance as those in outer regional, remote and very remote areas.

Senator Williams said Mr Windsor’s own survey result is a rebuff for his stand on this issue.

“On four occasions Mr Windsor has voted against the Coalition’s attempts to bring fairness to students in Armidale and Tamworth so they can access the easier workforce participation criteria,” he said.

“The latest was just last month when the Coalition attempted to force the government to make changes to the criteria so that it’s fair immediately after the review that’s just finished, not wait until next year.

“To the bewilderment of students and parents in New England, their Member stayed on side with the Labor government and voted it down.

“However, his survey whereby 75 percent of respondents want the independent youth allowance extended to inner regional areas, should now force him to act.

“Mr Windsor should tell the government to extend the workplace participation criteria and it should be made retrospective for the 2010 gap year students.”

Senator Nash said so many inner regional students are struggling to qualify for independent youth allowance because of changes the Labor government made last year. They have to work 30 hours a week for up to two years.

“As a rural MP, Mr Windsor would know finding full time work is difficult in country towns, let alone trying to juggle these hours with study commitments,” Senator Nash said.

“I have had many students and families from his electorate contact me in desperation because their own Member won’t listen to them. They want this mess fixed now, not months later.

“Mr Windsor is in the position to force the government to act now if he really wanted to, to give regional students and their families the certainty they deserve.”

Senator Nash said Mr Windsor must also insist the government releases the complete report from the youth allowance review that finished on the 1^st of July.

“He must ensure there is no delay in the report’s release and that there are no changes or omissions made to the findings,” she said.