It’s so far been 243 days since the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, started treating regional students unfairly, the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education, Senator Fiona Nash, said.
Today marks the 243rd day since Labor changed the eligibility criteria for the Independent Youth Allowance to the detriment of regional students.
Thousands of students living in inner regional areas are missing out because the criteria’s been limited. To qualify, they must now work 30 hours a week for 18 months, over a two year period.
“Finding work in a regional town can be difficult and students are being forced to defer tertiary study for up to two years,” Senator Nash.
“The cost of relocating is a significant factor in stopping regional students going onto tertiary education. Studies also show rural and regional students are under-represented in tertiary education and the longer they defer, they’re less likely to pursue it. So much for Labor’s education revolution.
“I have introduced a Private Senator’s Bill to fix Labor’s mess. It aims to reinstate the original, and fairer, criteria. The House of Representatives supports the move, by passing a Notice of Motion with a similar purpose.
“I urge Labor, Greens and Independent senators to do the same.
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