This week extra Federal Government payments for students and young people in training will be hitting the bank accounts of more than 2,000 people in the Maribyrnong electorate.

Minister for Families, Jenny Macklin, said people on Youth Allowance, ABSTUDY or Austudy would receive a lump sum payment in their bank accounts from the 11^th of June, ahead of the introduction of the carbon price on 1 July.

“Local students and young people in training will get up to $190 to help them keep up with living costs now and over the coming months,” Ms Macklin said.

“If you’re studying at university, TAFE, or if you’re out learning a trade, it can be tough to keep on top of things.

“This extra support should give our young people a bit of extra breathing space.”

Member for Maribyrnong, Bill Shorten, said those studying or training will also get another cash payment next year, along with tax cuts next month.

Mr Shorten said that around Victoria, over 86,000 students will be receiving more than $14 million in lump sum payments.

“We know that money can be really tight when people are studying or training, and it’s important to support them while they gain skills.

“The upcoming tax cuts are particularly relevant for students, many of whom are working part time to help support themselves through study,” Mr Shorten said.

From 1 July, the tax-free threshold will be tripled to $18,200, giving 46,000 Maribyrnong residents a tax cut, and releasing 3,000 Maribyrnong taxpayers from having to pay any tax at all.

“Students and other part-time workers will particularly benefit from the tax cuts, as they are often working a couple of shifts a week around their other commitments.

“It means they will be able to keep more of the precious dollars that they earn.”

Mr Shorten said it was unfortunate to see that while the Labor Government was determined to support people undertaking study and training, the Liberals at both Federal and State level have shown a disturbing lack of understanding or concern.

“While Tony Abbott talks tough about winding back the extra benefits from the carbon reduction package, here in Victoria we’re seeing the true extent of damage wreaked by Liberals in power,” Mr Shorten said.

“Their destruction of the TAFE sector through massive budget cuts shows a pitiful lack of understanding of the importance of education and training to the wider economy, and a lack of support for students.”

 

Students can find out more by visiting australia.gov.au/householdassistance or calling 132 468.

 

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Suburbs in the Maribyrnong electorate include: Aberfeldie, Airport West, Albion, Avondale Heights, Brooklyn (part), Essendon, Essendon North, Essendon West, Kealba, Keilor East, Keilor Park, Maribyrnong (part), Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, St Albans (part), Sunshine, Sunshine North and Tullamarine (part).

 

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