In an astounding display of hypocrisy, the Independent Member for Lyne, Rob Oakeshott, is claiming credit for the Gillard government’s announcement that it will FINALLY fix independent youth allowance.
“This is the MP, along with fellow regional Independent Tony Windsor, who months ago voted against the Coalition’s bill, amendments to legislation and notices of motion to immediately make independent youth allowance criteria fairer for thousands of students living in inner regional areas such as Taree and Port Macquarie,” the Coalition’s Regional Education spokesperson, Senator Fiona Nash, said.
“Mr Oakeshott thought it was best to delay action and instead support the government in having a review, with any changes to be made next year. Ironically the review told the government and Mr Oakeshott what the Coalition has been saying since March last year – fix the problem!”
The Nationals Duty Senator for Lyne, Senator John Williams, added: “Mr Oakeshott had every opportunity to make independent youth allowance fair for regional students months ago by supporting the Coalition. If he was truly genuine in his concern about independent youth allowance, he could have insisted the Prime Minister act earlier or withdraw his support for a Gillard government.
“It seems he was more interested in protecting his `kingmaker’ status than helping regional students.”
The government is expected to introduce legislation to parliament next week detailing the changes to independent youth allowance. The government says inner regional students will be able to access the allowance under the exact same rules as those in outer, remote and very remote areas.
“It is essentially a back flip on what eligibility criteria was previously in place and should have stayed in place. In other words, the government stuffed up,” Senator Nash said.
“But we will wait and see the fine detail of the legislation because we know that this government cannot be trusted.”
Senator Williams added: “Mr Oakeshott should insist the government act immediately should the legislation address the matter and be passed, rather than making students wait until January next year.
“The government’s and Independents’ inaction on this matter has already meant 2009 and 2010 school leavers from inner regional areas have struggled to qualify, or missed out on independent youth allowance because of the unfair 30 hour a week work rule.
“Mr Oakeshott could have fixed this for inner regional students months ago. For him to claim credit now is gobsmacking.”
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