C'wlth's moves to delay new Youth Allowance requirements welcomed

28/1/98

Education Minister Colin Barnett today welcomed moves by the Federal Government to delay the introduction of requirements under the new Youth Allowance scheme by six months, giving schools extra time to prepare for the new initiative.

Mr Barnett said he and other State Education Ministers put forward a proposal to Federal Schools Minister Senator Chris Ellison late last year to move the starting date of the new Youth Allowance requirements from July 1 this year to the beginning of 1999.

"I am very pleased that Senator Ellison listened to the State Ministers and responded constructively and positively," Mr Barnett said.

"This announcement today by Senator Ellison will give Western Australian schools more time and resources to adjust to the new Commonwealth program. I fully support moves to encourage students under the age of 18 to stay at school or move into further training or education."

Mr Barnett said it was estimated that changes to the Youth Allowance scheme could see an extra 1,500 to 3,000 students around the State return to some form of education or training.

He said the Education Department was working on a strategy to address the increase in student numbers and provide support to school communities to cater for the special educational needs of this group.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699