The Hon Julie Bishop MP - Minister for Education, Science and Training, and Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women's Issues

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Media Release

Rent assistance for mature-age students

8 May 2007

BUDB 07/07

From 1 January 2008, students aged 25 years and over who receive Austudy may be eligible for assistance with the living costs associated with full-time study and training. This will be of particular support to those who need to relocate to pursue their studies.

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, announced the changes today and said the Australian Government will invest $87 million in the scheme over four years.

Up to 11,000 mature-age students could benefit from this 2007-08 Budget initiative to extend eligibility for rent assistance to include recipients of Austudy.

The measure will bring Austudy recipients into line with other income support recipients, such as those receiving Youth Allowance and Newstart.

"Our economy needs more mature-age people to undertake or return to tertiary education and training, to attain the high-level skills required for rapidly-changing workplaces," Minister Bishop said.

"In a tightening rental market, accommodation costs can discourage people from moving to centres where there are greater education and training opportunities. This measure will assist students from low income backgrounds, and those from rural and regional areas, to overcome that barrier to acquiring much needed skills."

Minister Bishop said the extension of rent assistance to Austudy recipients demonstrates the importance the Government places on ensuring all Australians, regardless of age or background, have the opportunity to participate in education and contribute to the nation’s continued prosperity.

Media Contacts

Minister Bishop’s Office: Tory Vidler 0414 228 727

Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323

Non-media queries:
1300 363 079

Supporting Information

Why is this important?

This measure introduces rent assistance for Austudy recipients, in line with other income support payments such as Youth Allowance and Newstart.

It will provide assistance with the costs of accommodation in the private rental market for mature-age students (25 years and over) receiving Austudy while undertaking study as full-time students.

The measure will support mature-age participation in higher education and other tertiary study, targeting students from low income backgrounds and those from rural and regional areas.

It will also contribute to increasing the skills base at a time of skills shortages.

Who will benefit?

From 1 January 2008, around 11,000 students could be eligible for Rent Assistance.

What funding is the Government committing to the initiative?

$87 million over a four year period.

What have we done in the past?

Austudy recipients have never had access to rent assistance. Austudy was the only income support payment which did not provide access to rent assistance.

Mature-age Indigenous students receiving ABSTUDY are already able to receive rent assistance.

When will the initiative conclude?

The initiative is ongoing.