Youth Allowance submissions welcomed, Crook

Author: Tony Crook
Published on: 07-April-2011

Federal Member for O’Connor Tony Crook MP has urged residents of O’Connor to write to him with their concerns regarding Youth Allowance.

Mr Crook said the cut-off date for submissions into the Federal Government’s Youth Allowance Review is now looming.

“A Review into the Youth Allowance system with a mind to create a fairer system for regional students is something I have been pushing since the Federal Election,” Mr Crook said.

“Our regional students have been disadvantaged when it comes to accessing higher education. They have to travel long distances away from home and support themselves, while their metropolitan counterparts are able to remain at home with their families.”

Mr Crook said the lack of Federal Government support for regional students was creating a significant barrier to accessing higher education.

“According to the Australian Council for Educational Research, in the seven years after leaving school, close to half of metropolitan students gain a university or TAFE degree, while only a third of regional students gain a qualification in that time.”

Mr Crook said he has been contacted numerous times regarding issues with Youth Allowance.

“The current guidelines were not designed for regional students, and they don’t cater for any flexibility. It’s a case of trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.”

Mr Crook said the 18 month waiting period; forcing students into employment; and a compulsory gap year were issues he would be raising as part of his submission.

“This is another case of regional Australians not being treated as equals. It’s not a fair situation, and I hope that I can work to address this.”

Mr Crook and Crossbench MPs played a pivotal role in influencing the Government to implement reforms to the Youth Allowance; bring the Youth Allowance review forward to July 1, 2011, and guaranteeing a fairer deal for students living in inner-regional areas.

Mr Crook said he would be entering a submission to the Federal Government’s Youth Allowance Review on behalf of the electorate of O’Connor.

“I strongly encourage those people who have been adversely impacted by the current Youth Allowance system to contact my office and share your concerns so that I can raise this in Canberra.”

The deadline for submissions is April 28, with any findings of the Review expected to be implemented by January 1, 2012.

More information on the Youth Allowance Review process can be found online at www.deewr.gov.au/YouthAllowance

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