24 October 1997
Minister's Intention to Re-Assess Abstudy Cutbacks Welcome
The Australian Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (AVCC) has welcomed the preparedness by
the new Minister for Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs, Dr. David Kemp to
re-examine aspects of changes made in the Federal Budget to the Aboriginal Study
Assistance Scheme (ABSTUDY) which are due to come into effect in 1998. The AVCC’s
welcome follows discussions yesterday with Dr. Kemp, and repeated calls by the
Vice-Chancellors’ peak body for the Government to reconsider the changes to the
Scheme.
In the 1997 Federal Budget, the Government announced a number of changes to ABSTUDY,
including changes to Block Release (Away from Base) Assistance, a $2000 per annum limit on
Incidentals Allowance, Means Testing, and a limit to the number of courses for which
ABSTUDY may be received by any individual. A review was also announced into other aspects
of the scheme.
The AVCC wrote to the former Minister, Senator Vanstone, on two occasions concerning
the changes detailing input received from universities on the negative implications for
participation of indigenous Australians in university courses as a result of these
changes.
While making it clear the changes would not be put on hold pending the separate review,
as the AVCC had originally proposed, Dr. Kemp has indicated that he is considering
adjustments to some aspects of the changes to lessen their impact.
Acting President of the AVCC, Professor Geoff Wilson, welcomed the Minister’s
preparedness to consider the issues further, but emphasised the need for quick action for
the sake of indigenous students and to enable universities to make adequate preparations
for 1998.
"Academic programs involving ABSTUDY recipients need to be structured around the
number of eligible visits payable under the scheme and the total number of enrolments
which can be expected. It is pleasing that the Minister is receptive to concerns raised
about aspects of the changes. A timely response will complement the Minister’s
encouraging approach so far on this issue."
Media Inquiries: Greg Ellis
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