University of Wollongong student Julia Najjar: “It’s struggle town.”
Rents outstrip assistance
March 19, 2010
Section: News
EMILY DUNCAN
The archetype of the poor student surviving on baked beans is not new but the president of the Wollongong Undergraduate Student’s Association, Chris Monnox, said students were struggling more than ever.
A recent survey conducted by the association, in conjunction with the National Union of students, found that more than 75 per cent of students living out of home struggle to balance their personal budgets.
Ninety per cent of students surveyed believed an increase in rent assistance and youth allowance were important and more than half rated it as extremely important.
According to Mr Monnox, the federal government’s rent assistance had not kept pace with rising rental prices around the Illawarra.
“People too often think of the housing crisis as a Sydney problem,” he said.
“These results show that regional students are also under serious financial pressure and in need of extra support.”
UOW student Julia Najjar is familiar with the budget crunch. She said her $445 fortnightly Centrelink payments didn’t go far.
“After you get paid, minus rent, expenses like phone, food, electricity, you’re left with a really small amount to live off,” she said. “And when you have uni expenses on top of that, it’s struggle town,” she said.
Since starting to receive youth allowance three years ago, Ms Najjar’s rent assistance has been unchanged and last week her weekly rent increased by $30.
Meanwhile federal government changes will make it harder for students living out of home to prove independence.
In the past, students could earn about $19,000 in 18 months to qualify for youth allowance. This is being phased out and the age of independence is being lowered from 25 to 22 to compensate.
“It’s still going to make it really hard,” Ms Najjar said.
“Young people out of high school want to extend their education and it’s disappointing that Centrelink makes it difficult.”
