The Australian Democrats welcome the recommendations from the Australian Vice Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) on student income support. The AVCC report, University Student Finances 2006, shows that the costs of living and studying are increasing yet fewer students receive Government support.
"That adds up to students spending more time trying to earn an income rather than attending to their studies," Democrats' Spokesperson for Higher Education, Senator Natasha Stott Despoja said.
"We are glad that the AVCC is focusing on this area but they should not hold their breath waiting for Government action," Senator Stott Despoja said.
Senator Stott Despoja initiated the first Senate inquiry into student income support and the final report was tabled in the Senate on 23 June 2005.
"The Government still has not responded to that report almost two years after it was tabled making a mockery of the claim from Minister Bishop's office that student support is 'under constant review'," Senator Stott Despoja said.
"One of the Senate Committee's recommendations was a straightforward suggestion that rent assistance be made available to students receiving Austudy. This is even more important with rental markets tightening all around Australia," said Senator Stott Despoja. The Democrats are running a petition calling for the extension of rent assistance to Austudy recipients this can be found online at http://www.democrats.org.au/campaigns/rent_assistance_petition/ or at any Democrats office.
"If the Government is serious about student income support they should start by responding urgently to the recommendations put forward by both the Senate report and the AVCC.
"If the Labor Party is serious about being in Government they should outline their policy to alleviate the growing financial pressure faced by thousands of students," said Senator Stott Despoja.
