Student Financial Crisis Continues

Today Universities Australia released its full report into Student Finances, a five year follow up
to its 2012 report. The report shows student finances have improved marginally since 2012
because students are spending less on essential goods and services. The report further
highlights the higher levels of poverty experienced by Australia’s rural and Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander students.
● One Third of student believe they have expenses exceeding their income
● One in seven students skip meals, this is worse for students with regional and low-SES
backgrounds.
● One in four ATSI students skip meals and other essential items.
● 42% of students receive income support, with that increasing to 49% of all ATSI students
“What incentive will Australians have to accumulate tens of thousands of dollars in debt, while
studying alone drags students below the poverty line” said Mark Pace, NUS President.
“Maximum income support is about half of the Henderson poverty line for students, forcing
students to choose between purchasing food and their studies”
“Students cannot afford to eat or fund essential items and this governments way to help
students, is by implementing a punitive tax cut of $3 to $10 dollars and cutting their penalty
rates.” Said Jordon O’Reilly, NUS Welfare. “If this government was serious about supporting
students while they study to do their best, then it would raise income support programs such as
Newstart and Youth allowance.
The National Union of Students is calling on the government to increase support to Newstart
and Youth Allowance. NUS has launched its #RAISETHERATE campaign to call on the
Government to increase Newstart and Youth Allowance.
Mark Pace NUS President NUS