The Greens have been inundated with letters, emails, faxes and phone calls about the Government's proposed changes to the Youth Allowance independence test under the 2009/10 Federal Budget.
We understand your concerns - the removal of two of the work eligibility criteria, effective as of January 2010, is moving the goalposts for a lot of young people who have taken on a 'gap year' to work, in the good faith that they could qualify as independent and be supported by Youth Allowance while they study. The changes represent ill-thought out policy with unfair ramifications.
20th June 2009
Greens recognise World Refugee Day with hope of abolishing detention debts
Sarah Hanson-YoungSarah Hanson-Young, 2nd July 2009
Living with detention debt in Australia: video of refugee delegation in Parliament Thursday 25/06/09
Check out this video by GetUp about the delegation of refugees who visited Parliament House last Thursday, as the legislation to abolish detention debts passed through the House of Representatives. I look forward to voting to repeal this cruel policy when the legislation reaches the Senate in the next parliamentary sitting. Thanks to GetUp for providing the opportunity for federal parliamentarians to meet with Mr and Mrs Shams and Mr Isrith, hear their stories, and see the human faces of this disgraceful element of Australia's recent immigration policy.
Sarah
Scott Ludlam, 12th June 2009
Climate Change Rally
Sarah Hanson-Young, 22nd May 2009Sarah on ABC's Heywire about Youth Allowance
Sarah Hanson-Young, 19th May 2009Sarah on Insight's 'Seeking Asylum' program
Sarah Hanson-Young, 13th May 2009Sarah on 9am with David & Kim for the Federal Budget and Paid Parental Leave
Sarah Hanson-Young, 29th April 2009Paid Parental Bill announcement on 9am with David & Kim
Protecting the climate is a job for everyone
Australia can, must and will meet 40% cuts by 2020. The Greens are confident that once we set off on the path to 25% cuts, delivered mostly at home, we can easily accelerate our effort towards 40% and beyond to carbon neutrality. Putting 25% on the table will see Australia taken seriously at the Copenhagen negotiations.
