All Students should have Access to Rent Assistance
The Australian Democrats will today launch a petition urging the Government to stop discriminating against Austudy recipients, by making them eligible for Rent Assistance.
Democrats' Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Natasha Stott Despoja, who initiated the recent Senate inquiry into student income support, said it was unfair that thousands of students around Australia were missing out on up to $98 each fortnight, simply because of their age.
Eligible full-time students under 25 are entitled to Youth Allowance, while full-time students aged 25 and over can only apply for Austudy. The basic payment rate is the same for both groups, but only Youth Allowance recipients are entitled to apply for additional Rent Assistance.
"The costs faced by students aged 25 and over are usually equal to if not greater than those faced by younger students," Senator Stott Despoja said.
"There is no rational basis for excluding older students from the extra assistance that Rent Assistance can provide.
"I urge all current and prospective students, parents and others in the community who are concerned about this anomaly to let the Senate know your views by signing this petition.
"Every signature represents another voice that deserves to be heard and may help end the discriminatory treatment of Austudy recipients," Senator Stott Despoja said.
Last week, Senator Stott Despoja launched a postcard drawing attention to the anomaly.
Copies of the postcard and petition are available from Senator Stott Despojas office.
