FAIRER YOUTH ALLOWANCE – THE WILL OF THE HOUSE
28-October-2010
FAIRER YOUTH ALLOWANCE – THE WILL OF THE HOUSE
Thursday October 28th
The Member for Indi, Sophie Mirabella, was delighted to see a Coalition Private Members Motion to restore fairness to country students passed by the House of Representatives.
The motion, if implemented, would allow all of our local students to qualify for the independent rate of Youth Allowance. Currently there is a geographic line dividing our country students in Indi where half are disadvantaged.
“This is a promise we took to the election, and unlike Labor, we stick to our promises.
“It would remove the discriminatory barriers that are placed on students in the North East, it would erase the disastrous arbitrary line that cuts Indi in two and it would give local students a better opportunity to receive a university education.
The Private Members motion was passed 74-70 with the support of all Coalition members and independent members Tony Windsor, Rob Oakeshott, Bob Katter, Andrew Wilkie & Tony Crook. The motion was opposed by Labor and Greens member for Melbourne, Adam Bandt.
“The Government now has a responsibility to make these changes and implement legislation. The passing of this motion proves it is the will of the House and if Labor really does care about regional Australia they will join with the Coalition and support country students.
*ENDS*