[Greens-Media] Hanson-Young: Greens welcome focus on student income support

Clark, Gemma (Sen S. Hanson-Young) Gemma.Clark at aph.gov.au
Wed Dec 17 12:47:10 EST 2008


Wednesday 17 December 2008

Greens welcome focus on student income support

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the Bradley Review's call
for greater income support for struggling tertiary students.

Among its 46 proposed changes, the Bradley Review of Higher Education
recommends lowering the age of independence to 22 and allowing students
to earn $400 a fortnight before payments are affected (up from $236 per
fortnight at present).

"At a time when students are having to pay more than ever for their
qualifications, they need to be better supported," said Senator
Hanson-Young.

"It's not fair for a student to have to burn the candle at both ends to
simply survive their higher education - working 20 to 40 hours a week
just to pay the bills is bound to impact negatively on what often proves
to be a very expensive academic opportunity.

"Students deserve assistance to be able to participate fully in
university life, to the best of their ability."

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens were encouraged by some of the
Bradley Review's recommendations.

"Lowering the age of independence to a more realistic age is long
overdue.

"Increasing a student's fortnightly income threshold before support
payments are affected would be much fairer, given how much the cost of
living has risen since the $236 per fortnight figure was devised."

Senator Hanson-Young called on Education Minister Julia Gillard to
seriously consider the evidence and recommendations of the Bradley
Review on student income support.

"Better support for students must be provided for in next year's federal
Budget," she said.

"Student income support should be realistic, adequate and reaching those
who need it most - so students can start on, and stay on, their higher
education path."

Media contact: Gemma Clark on 0427 604 760


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