Student accomodation a priority, Rose

Author: Michael Rose
Published on: 08-July-2010

Western Australian Young Nationals called on the Federal Government to support the development of additional residential hall style student accommodation in Perth.

The WA Young Nationals said it was important that regional students had the same level of access to higher education as those living in the city.

Michael Rose, Young Nationals State President and Federal Senate Candidate, said regional students from WA wishing to relocate to Perth were seriously disadvantaged due to the lack of appropriate accommodation.

“Many country students have either lived with their parents or in a boarding house for most of their education. Moving to the city is already a massive cultural change, and the stress and financial difficulties involved with finding accommodation is high.”

Mr Rose said issues with Youth Allowance also made finding accommodation difficult, as current legislation states students are required to spend 18 months in full time work in order to receive the allowance.

Many country students are only 17 years of age during their first year of university and are not eligible for Youth Allowance.

“There is a serious issue of equity for regional students wishing to attend university,” he said.

Mr Rose said increased residential hall style accommodation would be the ideal solution, as residential halls also provide students with meals – removing another financial burden and giving students time to enjoy their higher education.

“The Young Nationals are serious about supporting access to higher education. Regional students who have gone and gained a higher education are far more likely to return to their region and bring their new skills with them.

“Ideally, our preference would be for tertiary students to have access to higher education in the regions. In some locations this is unable to happen, which is why it is important to provide an affordable alternative to allow students to study in Perth.”