Attention on student poverty welcomed
8 August 2001
Student poverty is back on the political map thanks to Senator Stott Despoja\'s speech to the National Press Club this afternoon.
Senator Stott Despoja has committed the Australian Democrats to supporting a phased increase in all student income support to the level of the aged pension. This policy would put students at the poverty line rather than below it.
\"NTEU welcomes Senator Stott Despoja\'s commitment to improving student income support and raising awareness of the problems faced by students\", Dr Carolyn Allport, NTEU President said. \"Student support is vital to the ability of poorer students to continue studying and has not received the attention it deserves.
\"Staff are reporting an increased reliance on part time, and even full time work, by students in order to survive. There is no doubt that increased work commitments are reducing the ability of students to devote the required time to their studies.
\"Inadequate student support is another example of how a lack of government investment is threatening the quality of our university system and placing strain on those working and studying within it.
\"Raising student income support is an important plank in a comprehensive policy to improve the quality and access of higher education.\"