Gillard Out Of Touch and Hurting Country Students
02-June-2009
“Ms Gillard should admit she has made a serious error that is hurting country students” Sophie Mirabella MP, Federal Liberal Member for Indi said in Parliament last night. She was speaking on the impact that the Government’s Youth Allowance changes will have on local students and families.
“I am seriously concerned by the Government’s changes to the Youth Allowance, which will make it harder for young people in our local area to qualify for the financial assistance.”
“Many young people from north-east Victoria have to move away in order to attend university. The Youth Allowance provides them with extra income as they face increased living expenses.”
“The Government has not only made it more difficult for students to qualify for the Youth Allowance, they have removed merit-based scholarships. Under the proposed changes students will have to be receiving the Youth Allowance to receive scholarships,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“The proposed changes are further proof that Labor is seriously out of touch with the issues facing rural Australia, particularly rural youth.”
“We are told that one million people will be out of work next year, yet the Government expects our kids, straight out of high school to find a 30 hour per week full-time job,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“I sent a clear message to Julia Gillard and the Government that this is unfair to make our young students pay for your $315 billion debt and budget deficit.”
“Of particular concern is the fact that there are students who have deferred their University place this year to take up work in order to qualify for the Youth Allowance. These students may now miss out because of the Government’s January 2010 start date for the rules. I fully support the Albury Wodonga Careers Advisers Association’s calls for a grandfathering clause that will protect these young people who are currently deferring their studies,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“Labor’s Budget is the first in a decade to increase the burden on Australian families. This is all because the Labor Government has lost control of the nation’s finances.”
“I would like to thank all the parents and students who have written to me on this issue. I would also like to thank local organisations such as the Albury Wodonga Careers Advisers Association who are providing support and advice to local students. I am here to provide whatever support is required to help local families and local schools,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“I urge Ms Gillard to listen to rural and regional Australia and take a second look at the Government’s proposed changes.”
“Ms Gillard is wrong to say that the current system is about supporting high income earners – all she has to do is to speak to local families. To engage in the politics of envy on this issue is very hurtful, inaccurate and a sadly desperate ploy by the Government to hide a bad policy,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“I have also written to the Deputy Prime Minister to urge her to reconsider introducing these changes,” Mrs Mirabella concluded.