The Regional Universities Network (RUN) welcomes the announcement by the Minister for Families and Social Services, Senator the Hon Anne Ruston, that about 230,000 students who receive student support payments are eligible for the new fortnightly $550 Coronavirus supplement.
The Chair of RUN, Professor Helen Bartlett, said that many students studying in regional Australia would benefit from the payment.
“The supplement will help students on Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY and ABSTUDY continue with their education,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Many may have lost, or will lose, part-time or casual work as a result of the measures imposed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. The supplement will help them stay studying at university in regional Australia.
“Now more than ever the regions need health and other professionals to help their communities,” Professor Bartlett said.
“Regional universities play a fundamental role in training and keeping professionals in regional Australia – seven out of ten of our graduates work in the regions, to serve the nation in both good and bad times.”
Contact: Dr Caroline Perkins, Executive Director, RUN, 0408 482 736
Issued by: Bernadette Smon, Media Adviser, 0478 495 457
RUN website: www.run.edu.au
Twitter: @RegUniNet; Facebook: @RegionalUniversitiesNetwork