Moncrieff Media
Have your say on the Youth Allowance Changes
02 September 2009
Local MP Steven Ciobo wants to hear from local students with concerns about the proposed Youth Allowance changes.
“Many students may not be aware of the changes being put forward by the Rudd Government, but many of them will be adversely affected,” Mr Ciobo said.
“We have two very large universities here on the Coast, and it’s important students are aware of the changes, and remain confident they will be eligible for Youth Allowance when they begin university next year.
“There are more than 25,000 students who will be left out in the cold if the Rudd Government’s changes go ahead.
“I’m asking local students, who would like to voice their concerns or to ask questions about the changes, to email me at: Steven.Ciobo.MP@aph.gov.au or post your letter to: PO Box 4922 GCMC 9726.”
Further changes by the Rudd Labor Government mean students, instead of simply having to earn enough to reach the threshold, now have to prove they’ve worked 30 hours per week for 18 months.
Other entitlements will also be cut back under the proposed changes.
The Rudd Labor Government had previously announced that from the start of 2011, students would be able to earn $400 a fortnight before their payments would be affected. The date has now been pushed back to 2012, leaving students still only able to earn $236 per fortnight.
“I’d be delighted to hear from the Gold Coast youth, especially after the half-hearted attempt from the Rudd Government at last week’s Youth Roundtable forum, which included youth only from Labor electorates,” Mr Ciobo said.
“The Coalition has been working very hard to pressure the Government to overturn these retrospective changes to Youth Allowance, which will withdraw eligibility from current students currently working during their gap year.
“Seeing as the Government snubbed the youth of the Gold Coast, I’d like to give you the opportunity to voice your opinion regarding the proposed changes to Youth Allowance.
“We will continue to campaign against these changes until the Government realises the foolishness of implementing these retrospective proposals.”