Independent Youth Allowance bill passed in Senate, onus now on Government: Coulton
10-February-2011
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton believes the Government must amend its Independent Youth Allowance legislation after the Coalition’s bill introduced by Senator Fiona Nash passed through the Senate by a majority of 35 to 33.
The Coalition is seeking to change the current Independent Youth Allowance legislation so that the same eligibility criteria applies to all regional students.
At present those classified as living in ‘inner regional’ areas are forced to work for 30 hours a week for 18 months over a 24 month period before they are considered independent.
Mr Coulton believes this is grossly unfair.
"The current legislation discriminates against students in country areas and makes it considerably harder for them to pursue a tertiary education," Mr Coulton said.
"When the Government changed the legislation at the start of 2010, they didn’t take into account how difficult it is for people in regional areas to gain full-time employment.
"Much of the work is seasonal or based around tourism which creates another barrier for regional students."
The Coalition’s bill was passed in the Senate with the support of Independent Senator, Nick Xenophon, and Family First Senator, Steve Fielding, while the Greens sided with the Government in opposing it.
"This bill is solely about putting fairness back into the criteria for Independent Youth Allowance and it was a great result it was passed," Mr Coulton said.
The Coalition’s bill will now go to the House of Representatives where it is hoped Independent MPs Tony Windsor, Rob Oakshott and Bob Katter support the bill.