Senate Inquiry into Independent Youth Allowance

Sign Up for free e-mail updates!

A Senate Inquiry examining the Federal Government’s changes to eligibility for Youth Allowance has begun receiving submissions.

Opposition Spokesman for Northern Australia, Senator Ian Macdonald, is encouraging students and parents from regional and rural areas to make a submission to the Inquiry.

“The Inquiry into Rural and Regional Access to Secondary and Tertiary Education Opportunities  will be investigating the effect of the changes on students from non-metropolitan areas, so I encourage people from these areas to get their submissions into the Inquiry before 7 August, outlining how it will affect them.”

“Up to 30,000 young people are likely to lose eligibility under the new rules. Currently, students can receive Independent Youth Allowance if they work at least 15 hours per week for two years or they earn at least $19,532 in an 18 month period.” 

“The changes will force students to work for 30 hours per week for 18 months, meaning they will have to defer their studies for two full years or work full time whilst studying.”

“This is not a fair and equitable outcome for regional and rural students. In addition to making a submission, I would also encourage students to print, sign and return the petition on my website against these changes,” Senator Macdonald said.

Information on making a submission to the inquiry can be found here:
www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/rrat_ctte/rural_and_regional_education/index.htm

or by contacting:
The Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

(02) 6277 3511
Email: rrat.sen@aph.gov.au

Submissions close on 7 August 2009 and the Committee will report on 29 October 2009.

More Media Releases