That ICPA (Aust) requests that the Federal Government through Services Australia recognises the adversity geographically isolated students face when living away from the family home to access a tertiary education, by reviewing and simplifying criteria for assistance.
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.
