The Coalition’s Regional Education spokesperson, Senator Fiona Nash, urges Riverina students who are struggling to access independent youth allowance to have their say at a roundtable meeting in Wagga next month.
The roundtable has been confirmed for Thursday, 12th of May, at the Country Comfort Inn from 1030am to 1230pm. Roundtables are being held nationally as part of a review into student income support reforms although, up until recently, none were planned for southern NSW.
“With the help of the Nationals Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, and local media, we were able to convince the government that a roundtable must be held in the region where so many students affected by Labor’s changes to independent youth allowance live,” Senator Nash said.
“It is a chance for students, their families and concerned others to have their say, and be heard, about the difficulty in accessing the allowance.
“The Review Secretariat has assured these roundtables are interactive and all of those attending will have an opportunity to speak.
“The chair of the Review, Professor Kwong Lee Dow, wants to hear from everyone so that it gives him a clear picture on the issues that need to be addressed in his report.
“I was impressed with Professor Dow’s understanding of the independent youth allowance issue and its effect on students living in `inner regional’ areas when I met with him last week.”
Those wanting to attend the roundtable must RSVP by emailing the Review Secretariat at rsisr@deewr.gov.au. Submissions to the review are due by COB next Thursday, April 28.
Professor Dow’s report will be handed to the government by July 1. Senator Nash said the government must act immediately when receiving the report.
More details on the review can be found at: http://www.deewr.gov.au/HigherEducation/Programs/YouthAllowance/Pages/RSISROverview.aspx
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