In the lead up to the 2022 Federal election ICPA (Aust) is calling on all sides of Government to commit to increasing the Commonwealth Living Away from Home Allowance (LAFHA) to better support geographically isolated apprentices and trainees who must move away from home to larger centres to access their chosen pathway.
Federal President Alana Moller said “Many apprentices and trainees from rural and remote areas either do not embark on or fail to complete their trade or VET qualification as the cost of relocating and living away from home is too burdensome. An increase to the LAFHA and indexation to the CPI would ensure the allowance provides meaningful assistance and improved outcomes for these young people.”
ICPA families are aware of the significant measures the Federal Government has put in place to support employers to offer increased numbers of Apprenticeship and Traineeship positions to address the national skills shortage. However, this support has not extended to individual apprentice and trainee employees who face the costs of relocating and living away from their home and family on an apprenticeship wage.
This measure is one of six key issues which are crucial to achieving equitable and affordable education for geographically isolated students all over Australia.
Read the ICPA (Aust) Pre-Election Media Releases here Media Releases | ICPA
Further information and comments please contact:
Alana Moller, Federal President
Suzanne Wilson, Federal Publicity Officer
