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  • Inquiry told cost is no excuse for denying regional students youth allowance

    18/12/10

    Witnesses have overwhelmingly told a senate inquiry that cost is no excuse to deny thousands of regional students financial assistance.

    Students living in “inner regional” areas have to work 30 hours a week for 18 months, over a two year period, to qualify for Independent Youth Allowance under changes the Labor government made.

    “A university student told the inquiry she worked in a factory chopping mouldy potatoes so she could qualify for the assistance. Many other students are working several jobs to meet the criteria. Then there are those under enormous pressure working and studying at the same time,” Senator Nash said.

    “Several witnesses commented on the federal government’s refusal to make the eligibility criteria fair, and find the $90 million to do it. I introduced a bill to do this, but the Tertiary Education Minister, Senator Chris Evans, has tried to stop it from seeing the light of day.”

    The Executive Director of the Australian Parents’ Council, Ian Dalton, called for an audit to be done on education funding.

    “We believe there may be money that’s being spent on education that could be diverted and spent more effectively. The BER is an example of how education money is being wasted.”

    The Injury Control Council of Western Australia told the inquiry financial pressure on students and their families can lead to family disharmony, mental health issues, and a feeling of shame and isolation, especially among those living in small rural communities.

    Maureen Campbell from the NSW Country Women’s Association said there are country students hiding their education dreams because they don’t want to burden their parents with the cost.

    “There was also much discussion about the map that is used to determine what regions students live in, and therefore their eligibility for the Independent Youth Allowance. Even officials from the Australian Bureau of Statistics today acknowledged the map doesn’t factor in the distance to universities which should be the case,” Senator Nash said.

    She added she was astounded the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations failed to make a submission to the inquiry.
    Not only that, department officials did not have vital information on hand, such as a breakdown of students receiving Independent Youth Allowance, knowing full well they were attending this inquiry.

    “I also question the timing of the government’s release of the selection criteria for the Rural Tertiary Hardship Fund – two weeks after its deadline and on the day of this senate inquiry,” Senator Nash said.

    “I just hope the evidence today is enough to make the government realise the harmful impact its legislation is having on thousand of rural and regional families and that commonsense will prevail.”

    The senate inquiry report will be released on the 9th of February next year. Details on the inquiry can be found at: http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/eet_ctte/socialsecurity/index.htm 
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