Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has welcomed the Bradley Review’s call for greater income support for struggling tertiary students.

Among its 46 proposed changes, the Bradley Review of Higher Education recommends lowering the age of independence to 22 and allowing students to earn $400 a fortnight before payments are affected (up from $236 per fortnight at present).

“At a time when students are having to pay more than ever for their qualifications, they need to be better supported,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to ensure funding for student services – including independent and democratic advocacy organisations – is included under the initiative announced by Federal Youth Minister Kate Ellis to restore a university levy of up to $250.

“The impact of voluntary student unionism has been devastating for universities across the country, and has undermined the quality of student support services on campuses,” said Greens Senator Hanson-Young.

“While the Greens welcome moves to charge a levy to breathe life back into campus culture, we are concerned that the fees will be administered by universities instead of student organisations, who are better positioned to provide quality advocacy and the student voice."

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to explain its “contingency plans” for a possible collapse of ABC Learning Centres, which would leave 100,000 children and their families in the lurch.

In answering a question from Senator Hanson-Young during a Senate Estimates hearing last night, the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations said that there was “some thought being given” to issues that would arise if financially ailing ABC Learning folded, and that “some scenarios” have been looked at.

“Just like Australians needed to know what the Government’s plan was for the global economic crisis, parents need to know what the Government’s plans are for their childcare needs,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to ensure that quality, affordable childcare will still be possible for thousands of Australian children and their families in the event of a significant corporate collapse.

The Australian reported today that ABC Learning has unsuccessfully approached the Government for funding as it struggles under debt.

“A staggering 20 per cent of this country’s childcare places are at ABC Learning centres,” said Senator Hanson-Young.

“What will happen to the 100,000 children currently in long daycare at ABC centres if the company folds?

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on the Federal Government to amend voluntary student unionism legislation promptly in order to fast-track the restoration of student services for those enrolled at university in 2009.

A motion moved today by Senator Hanson-Young to scrap the current VSU system was supported only by the five Greens Senators.

"While the Greens welcome confirmation that the Federal Government will be changing the current voluntary student unionism legislation at some point, we are concerned that, as university enrolment commences across the country next week, no changes will take effect before the 2010 academic year at the earliest," said Senator Hanson-Young.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has called on Minister for Youth Kate Ellis to speak to the results of a report into voluntary student unionism that Minister Ellis’ office sponsored.