Supporting Regional Students

31 May 2018

Supporting Regional Students

Federal Member for Wide Bay, Llew O’Brien has welcomed the Coalition Government’s $53.9 million commitment to increase the number of regional students who are eligible for Youth Allowance.

 

It is estimated an extra 2,300 students from regional Australia will be eligible for Youth Allowance as a result of these changes.

Mr O’Brien said regional students will benefit from measures announced in this year’s Budget.

“A further $38.1 million will be provided to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who need to travel away from home for education. From 1 January, it will also be easier for institutions to offer scholarships approved under ABSTUDY,” Mr O’Brien said.

“The changes ensure students are well supported to travel between home and boarding school and are encouraged to finish their schooling.

“The Government has also accepted all 11 recommendations of the Independent Review into Regional, Rural and Remote Education to support more regional and remote students.

“The Coalition Government is committed to ensuring that regional and remote students have the same access to education and the same opportunities as those who live in big cities,” Mr O’Brien said.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the cost of student accommodation was a significant issue for rural and remote families.

“The measures announced in this year’s Budget will help ease the pressure on regional families who are working hard to make sure their children get the best education possible,” Mr Tehan said.

ENDS