09-December-2009
Goldstein Media Releases, The Economy, Community, Funding, Education and Training
As Bayside and Glen Eira year 12 students celebrate the end of exams, finalise their university applications and plan summer holidays away, many face the prospect of no longer being eligible for Youth Allowance following the Rudd Labor Government’s decision to axe the current criteria.
Under the present regulations, students can earn $19,532 within an 18 months period to qualify for independent Youth Allowance. However, changes proposed by the Rudd Labor Government would see this criteria abolished. Instead, a young person would be required to work full time for a minimum of 30 hours a week for at least 18 months in a two year period to be considered financially independent.
“The Coalition is committed to supporting all students being able to access university education. The Rudd Labor Government however, is making it increasingly difficult for many, particularly for those who don’t have the option of living at home while pursuing their studies,” Andrew Robb, Federal Member for Goldstein, said.
In addition, the proposed changes have a start date of 1 January 2010 therefore students who are already currently taking a gap year are being left in limbo. Having made the decision to delay their university studies and work for financial independence, criteria changes will see their hard work go to waste.
“Many students, including the 25,000 students who at the end of 2008 took the advice of Centrelink to delay their studies in order to work, will fall victim to these changes,” Mr Robb said.
The Coalition proposed amendments which would allow students currently taking a gap year to remain eligible for Youth Allowance. In mid November, with the support of the Greens, the Senate passed these amendments, but they were then rejected by Labor a few days later in the House of Representatives.
“I am extremely disappointed that the Rudd Labor Government has not accepted our amendments and I urge the Government to reconsider their position so that Bayside and Glen Eira students have the chance to fulfil their dreams of going to university and succeeding in their chosen career,” Mr Robb said.
The Bill is due back in Parliament next year. The Coalition will again be looking to move these amendments.
Media contact: Skye Buttenshaw, 9557 4644