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The Rudd Labor Government’s changes to Youth Allowance will make it even harder for regional students to afford a university education.
Labor has proposed rigid new rules which will force tertiary students to work at least 30 hours per week for 18 months before they are eligible for assistance if their parents earn a combined income of more than $43,000.
Under the previous criteria, students had the flexibility to earn $19,500 at their own rate over 18 months.
Labor’s new rules will prevent many students from qualifying for Youth Allowance and with the cost for students living away from home estimated at $20,000 a year, it will make university study impossible for many regional Victorians.
That’s why The Nationals are fighting to have these changes scrapped.
The Nationals believe all students should have the opportunity to further education – no matter where they live or their financial situation.
The Nationals have joined with regional communities to campaign against Labor’s changes. So far the pressure has made Labor delay the changes for a year. But the job won’t be done until they are scrapped completely.
Share your story. Join our facebook group and tell us how you will be affected or just register your opposition to the Youth Allowance changes.