10 August 2010
Greens candidate for Bradfield, Susie Gemmell, will today pledge her support for greater equity in student income support, at a meeting with students at the UTS Lindfield campus.
“Australia's tertiary students are feeling let down by the federal Labor government, which has failed to fully recognise the value of tertiary education,” said Ms Gemmell.
“As a Greens representative I am proud to pledge my support for greater equity in student education, rights and support.
“I call on the other candidates in Bradfield to take the pledge.
"Students are our future, the people who go on to provide key services to our community, from nurses and teachers to researchers and engineers working to find renewable energy solutions to tackle climate change.
"The Greens are the only party who takes equity in student income support seriously.
"We plan to raise Youth allowance payments to equal the new rate of Newstart. That's an extra $115 in the pocket of every student.
"The pledge also asks for better housing affordability. Around 66 percent of students experience extreme housing stress with the cost of rent being about 35 percent of a student's average living costs.
“Many students in Bradfield have to live at home in order to afford to study.
"The Greens will support university housing for students. We will allocate $50 million for a student specific National Rental Affordability scheme where universities will receive financial assistance to build student accommodation.
"A combined boost for student income and housing affordability means students are better placed to focus their attention on learning and excelling in their chosen fields instead of working unreasonable hours just to cover their expenses.
"Students represent our future so it’s only right that we help them on their way."
"Politicians who received a free university education themselves should not deny the same to the next generation of students," said Ms Gemmell.