Greens Flag Major Amendments

On the eve of the debate of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Youth Allowance) Bill 1997, Australian Greens Senator Bob Brown has warned that this vital youth reform measure is being driven off the rails by a Government handing out money to some rural students at the expense of the unemployed.

"While the Government has sold the measure as a welcome one for students, the reality is that only 17% of students will benefit from changes to Rent Assistance At the same time, the Greens estimate that 24,000 unemployed people are likely to be cut off from accessing Rent Assistance and 346,000 students will get nothing at all", Senator Brown said.

"The concept of a simplified youth payment system has been turned into a cynical exercise of grabbing money from one group of young people and handing it over to another. With youth unemployment at 29%, the real losers are the young unemployed.

The Australian Greens will be seeking to amend the Bill based on three major issues, as identified by a Coalition of welfare groups, including Australian Council of Social Service, Australian Youth Policy and Action Coalition and National Union of Students:

Rent Assistance

Under the Government's proposal, only a minority of students (mainly those from rural families) will actually benefit from Rent Assistance (up to the maximum rate of $98.80 a fortnight). Some unemployed people will lose their current Rent Assistance entitlement as assistance will only be paid to young people who must live away from the parental home for work or study related reasons. The Greens amendment will ensure that housing assistance is based on actual housing costs and needs, rather than an expectancy that young adults will continue to live with their parents.

Parental means testing for 18 to 20 year olds

The Government intends to require that parents fully support their 18 to 20 year old unemployed sons and daughters. The Greens amendment will ensure that the age of independence for unemployed people remain 18 yrs and be returned from 25 to 21 yrs for students.

The activity test requirements for 16 and 17 year olds

The Government will require that all 16 and 17 year olds are in education or have finished year 12 in order to qualify for Youth Allowance. The Greens amendment will ensure that all 16 and 17 year olds are able to access income support.

"The inconsistencies of this Government's policies towards young people fly in the face of rational social policy. John Howard has deemed it okay for 18 year olds to go to the Gulf and possibly fight a war but refuses to grant them the other rights they should be entitled to as members of a fair and equal society", Senator Brown concluded.

The Greens will also support amendments to be moved by other parties on issues which include ensuring that young migrants are not subject to a 2 year waiting period before they can access the allowance.

More information Ben Oquist 02 62773170 or 0419704095