That ICPA (Aust) request the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations to amend guidelines, so that the Apprentice Connect Australia Providers (ACAP) ensure rural and remote Australian Apprentices are fully supported by each provider and are recognised as a Service Specialisation within the 2024-2026 AASN contract guidelines.
Geographically isolated students have already typically endured 6 years boarding away from home. They are expected to live independently to attend higher educational institutions – and this should be recognised.
We suggest the following changes to criteria.
• Allowing geographically isolated students to automatically access Youth Allowance & Rent Assistance as independents so that students can focus on the task at hand and complete their studies without having to work several part-time jobs to earn enough to establish themselves as Independent.
• Increase the amount that they can save for going to University. - The current limits are discouraging students from saving.
• Eligibility for Assistance for Isolated Children and BAHA to carry over into Tertiary Studies if commenced immediately following School - or eligibility for these payments automatically qualifies students for Youth Allowance and Rent Assistance.
