The Rudd Labor Government’s disregard for the way its proposed changes to eligibility for Youth Allowance will affect regional students has been spelled out in a letter to the Opposition Leader, Malcolm Turnbull, said Senator Fiona Nash, the Nationals’ Senator for NSW.
“Mr Turnbull wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Julia Gillard, to raise concerns about the gap year students who have until today, July 31, to contact their tertiary institution and confirm their attendance next year. Mr Turnbull wrote that the changes to Youth Allowance eligibility announced in the Federal budget in May mean that many students do not have the means to study next year.
“In a written response, the then Acting Minister for Education, Mark Arbib, dismissed the concerns out of hand. ‘The Government’s announced changes to the student income support system will ensure we expand access to support and better assist those students who need it most,’ Mr Arbib wrote.
“This statement will send a shudder down the spines of all students who will have to abandon their plans for study because their gap year income will not qualify them for independent Youth Allowance. It is estimated that as many as 30,000 students will be affected. For them, no Youth Allowance next year means no study. That means no degree and no chance of fulfilling their career dreams.
“This week the Victorian State Education and Training Committee released its report into the Inquiry into Geographical Differences in the Rate in which the Victorian Studies Participate in Their Education. Mr Rudd should not be surprised that this inquiry, chaired by a State Labor MP, Geoff Howard, recommended all students who relocate to attend university are paid the full independent rate of Youth Allowance.
“The Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee is inquiring into rural and regional access to secondary and tertiary education opportunities and as chair of the committee I want to remind people that submissions close on August 7.
“The Committee plans to hold public hearings in a number of centres and these will be determined when all submissions are received. It is vital that anyone who wants to be heard sends a submission.
“These changes will not only affect young people but their parents, future employers, schools and universities. The viability of regional towns is under threat from the diminution of services and this will be exacerbated if the next generation is not able to gain access to further studies.”
All details about the inquiry and how to lodge submissions is available at http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/rural_and_regional_education/tor.htm
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