“The Coalition Government has shattered any remaining specks of credibility they may have had with battlers as a result of their decision to cut support for 13,000 young Australians, and reducing it for 36,000 others.” Senator Lundy said in response to the announcement from Senator Newman that allowances payable to young people in need were being restructured.
“The consolidation of the range of allowances previously available into the Youth Allowance whilst providing increases to some young people, changes the principles upon which those allowances were based to the detriment of young people, their dignity and their independence.
“Support will be completely cut off from under 21 year olds who are looking for work if their parents earn more than $41,000 combined income per annum. Canberra’s median annual income is $45,000 compared to a national average of $27,500. This means this particular aspect will affect Canberra’s youth to a far greater degree.
“Already young people in the ACT and region have been suffering with record levels of unemployment, with official May figures citing 26.3% of 15-19 year olds looking for work and not finding it.
“These figures are ACT specific and do not include Queanbeyan or regional youth unemployment, or the fact that many young people migrate to areas where there is more work likely to be available.
“Unemployed 16-18 year olds will disappear statistically and from the minds of this brutal Liberal Government as a result of this decision”
“We have seen a graphic example this week as to the number of young people in our region desperate for a job through the Fire Brigades recruitment advertisement, which targeted this very age group. They had about 2,500 applicants. They will employ 24.
For more information, contact Kate Lundy 62773334
