ABC Central West
A Senate inquiry into proposed Youth Allowance changes has been told parents' assets and their income threshold are the main barriers for students seeking financial help.
Four pupils from Orange, Trangie and Cowra gave evidence at a public hearing in Canberra yesterday.
The Federal Government's plans to alter support arrangements have raised concerns that the new employment test will make it harder for regional students to go to university.
The Rural and Regional Affairs and References Committee is holding the inquiry, and its chairwoman, Senator Fiona Nash, told the students they provided valuable information.
"I commend you enormously for the way you've conducted yourselves, the fact that you're here," she said.
"The level of information you've brought with you has been extremely useful for this committee.
"Your families must be very, very proud of you and I think it gives us great faith in the store for the future of this country."
The committee is due to hand down its report on October 26.
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