Postgrads Secure Win in Stimulus Package

“It appears The Greens have secured welcome amendments which mean that all students should have access to bonus payments as part of the Household Stimulus Package passed in Federal Parliament today” CAPA President, Nigel Palmer said.

“The Treasurer has indicated that the package now includes a 'mechanism to ensure all unemployed and students have access to the bonus payment'. We are aware that eligibility requirements for the Training and Learning Bonus have been amended to at least include all research students currently in receipt of an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), and we are confident that administrative measures included in the package will mean that no other students are left out.

“If the details bear this out this will be a win for postgraduates previously excluded from the Stimulus Package. It will be a win for The Greens in securing a range of very positive amendments, and a win for the Government in successfully negotiating with cross-bench Senators to secure the package, and in listening to the chorus of concerns regarding those excluded from the package as originally proposed” CAPA President, Nigel Palmer, concluded.

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* Please note: due to the large number of enquiries received the second paragraph of this media statement has been updated for clarity (15/2/09 3:55pm EDST). Further updates will be posted via Related Links below.