That ICPA (Aust) advocates to the Minister for Social Services to allow the same provisions given to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students under the ABSTUDY Fares Allowance be given to all geographically isolated students needing to live away from home to study.
Students from rural, regional and remote areas have long been underrepresented in higher education for a variety of reasons; one of which is the financial, emotional, and social challenges associated with relocating to study. Whilst we welcome the Tertiary Access Payment as a once-off payment to assist school leavers relocating for higher-level tertiary education, to better support these students, they should also receive the many allowances granted through the ABSTUDY Fares Allowance throughout their educational journey. This would go a long way in supporting these students to remain connected to their families and communities whilst pursuing their education. Equitable fare allowances will combat the additional costs associated with distance and ensures no student is disadvantaged simply because of where they live.
