295 days of bad treatment by Labor, and still counting

295 days ago the Labor government changed the eligibility criteria for the Independent Youth Allowance.

Many regional students have spent those 295 days worrying how they’ll now afford tertiary study.

“There’s been overwhelming anecdotal and factual evidence on how the government’s tightening of the criteria is affecting thousands of students, their families and communities living in `inner regional’ areas,” the Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Education, Senator Fiona Nash, said.

 “Yet Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Tertiary Education Minister, Senator Chris Evans, stubbornly refuse to admit they’ve got it wrong.”

In the last 295 days:

• Students, parents, schools, communities and others have urged the government to reverse its changes affecting those living in `inner regional’ areas. They’ve been ignored.
• The Coalition introduced a bill to reinstate the original and fairer criteria for these students. The Minister has tried to bury it.
• A senate inquiry began, with just one day for a public hearing in Canberra not a regional centre.
• The government was told maps used to determine zones and eligibility are inappropriate. Minister Evans said he’d do a review. We’ve heard nothing since.
• The government belatedly announced criteria for the Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund. It offers less support than the Independent Youth Allowance does for students having to relocate for further study.

“As with a string of other policies, this Labor government has got it dreadfully wrong. Had the Prime Minister and Minister Evans attended the senate hearing they would have heard first hand the financial and emotional toll their ridiculous Youth Allowance policy is having on regional students and their families,” Senator Nash said.

“The government must address its addiction to excessive spending and put the money where it’s needed. It’s under enormous pressure to do so with the Independent Youth Allowance. Don’t put if off for another day.”

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