The Senate today have voted against the vicious attacks on young people and changes to Newstart.
The National Union of Students have been campaigning against these measures which would have seen young people under 25 without any income support for a month.
This government have demonstrated a complete lack of understanding that students are doing it tough – with two thirds of students already living below the poverty line.
NUS President Rose Steele today said ”This is just another example of botched policy making out of step with our community.”
The measures, introduced in the 2014 budget would have seen young people wait 6 months for any income support but were defeated and re-introduced with a one month wait.
However a wait of even one month would see thousands of young people in poverty.
In the recent senate inquiry where NUS attended into the bill, the government were forced to admit they had no evidence to support their claims that these measures would encourage young people into work
“This is just another example of cruel and mean spirited policy by this government” said Ms Steele
“This policy would have penalised the people who will work and build Australia’s economy.”
Unemployed graduates account for more than over 15% of unemployed Australians.
The government should be supporting unemployed graduates as they try to build a
career in their chosen field.
NUS will continue to work and fight against cuts to support and poverty.
Rose Steele
