The Minister for Tertiary Education must explain how he plans to examine the map used for the eligibility criteria for the Independent Youth Allowance, the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education, Senator Nash, said.
“The Minister Chris Evans gave the undertaking to Independent senator, Nick Xenophon, who supported Labor’s move last week to block debate on my Private Senator’s Bill,” she said.
Senator Xenophon revealed the minister agreed to examine the Australian Standard Geographical Classification – Remoteness Areas Map. It’s a map that details which areas are in inner regional, outer regional, remote, very remote and metropolitan zones that the criteria for Independent Youth Allowance is partly assessed on. Students have been unfairly treated because of lines on the map.
Senator Nash urged the minister to explain how he’ll examine whether the maps are appropriate for this assessment process, when, and will he properly consult affected students, parents and other stakeholders.
“It’s been five days since Senator Xenophon revealed the minister’s undertaking yet nothing more has been said,” Senator Nash said.
“This is just one part of the nightmare the Labor government’s created with its Independent Youth Allowance legislation. “The government must reinstate the original, and fairer, criteria for students living in `inner regional’ areas. My bill aims to do that but it never got past first base thanks to Labor, the Greens and Senator Xenophon.
“The Liberal-National Coalition won’t give up. In the meantime, I urge all those affected to make a submission to the inquiry that’s being held.
”Submissions can be sent to eewr.sen@aph.gov.au or to the Committee Secretary of the Senate Standing Committee on Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, PO Box 6100, Parliament House, ACT 2600.
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