The Nationals Federal Member for Mallee John Forrest has cautiously welcomed a negotiated Youth Allowance outcome but says there’s more to be done for regional students.
“I thank the Minister for her eventual consideration of some of the difficult circumstances facing many regional Australian students,” Mr Forrest said.
“There’s more to do on this, but we need some immediate certainty for young people wondering if they can afford to go away for tertiary education. The students have been held to ransom on this.
“The Minister has finally agreed not to punish students in their gap year when the changes were announced. The new legislation won’t come into effect until July this year, which means these students will not be adversely affected by the changes.”
The government also agreed to retain the original pathway to achieving Independent Youth Allowance for students living within defined boundaries. Under that scheme, students can qualify for independence by working 15 hours a week over two years, or earning $19,532 over an 18 month period.
The Liberal and National Parties agreed to the bill after the Government made changes that will mean students who live away from major cities and regional centres and who have to move, will be eligible under the existing independence test if their parents earn less than $150,000 a year.
The test will be restricted to those who leave home to study, whose parents earn less than $150,000 a year and who live in “Very Remote”, “Remote” or “Outer Regional” areas as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
“My whole electorate of Mallee has been classified as Outer Regional Australia,” Mr Forrest said.
“Young people whose parents earn under $150,000 a year will be able to qualify for youth allowance under the existing workforce participation rules.
“The Government refused to go any further, despite the Coalition’s best efforts, so some students may miss out if they live in an area classified as inner regional.
“Rather than stop youth allowance scholarships including vital relocation scholarships for students by voting down the entire package, the Coalition has committed to reviewing this legislation if elected to Government this year,” Mr Forrest said.
Media contact: John Forrest (03) 5032 4510
