Gap year students hit hard as Federal Labor refuses to back down on Youth Allowance changes

November 18, 2009

Thousands of regional students have been denied access to Independent Youth Allowance, after the Rudd Government rejected Coalition amendments on the issue, Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker said today.

Last night (Tuesday) the Senate passed Coalition amendments which exempted students, who are currently completing their gap year, from the Rudd Government changes.  The Senate also approved the Coalition amendment which ensured eligibility for students who had to live away from home in order to access their course of choice. However, in the House of Representatives today (Wednesday) Labor used its numbers to reject the Coalition amendments.

Mr Hartsuyker said under Labor’s plan, Independent Youth Allowance applicants would have to work at least 30 hours per week for a period of 18 months to qualify for the Independent rate.

“This retrospectively impacts on students who are currently working in their gap year in order to qualify for the single rate next year. The Government’s pig headed attitude to these changes shows how out of touch they are with regional students and their families,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“This year’s gap year students have acted in good faith in deciding to defer their studies and work for a year. They have consulted teachers, career advisers and Centrelink and made their decision based on the eligibility as it exists. For the Government to change the rules as the students conclude their year of work is unjust and grossly unfair.

“The Coalition remains committed to standing up for the rights of regional students. Most regional students who pursue further education after high school have to leave home. The cost of living away from home can be prohibitive. Federal Labor just does not seem to understand how disadvantaged regional students are when it comes to tertiary study. They are completely detached from the impact their changes will have on working families.

“This is what happens when you have a part time Education Minister. Julia Gillard has so many ministries she should consider joining the clergy. Her Education Revolution has been nothing more than symbolic spin and, as is the case with Labor, it is regional families who are paying the price.”