In response to the growing number of students studying in Canberra, the local government is providing a $250 cash boost to help them finish their studies. The one-off payment is part of the ACT government’s efforts to help low-income families.
According to Andrew Barr, although many trainees and apprentices are able to earn more than the federal financial assistance standard, they are still below the average income of people in the region.
About 5700 apprentices and trainees in the region will receive an increase in their payments.
To be eligible, they must be currently residing in the ACT and enrolled.
In addition, the budget included targeted relief measures that will help ease the pressure on low-income families through the territory government’s utilities concession.
For instance, the yearly payment for this program will be increased from around $750 to around $800.
The federal government’s $300 energy assistance vouchers will be given to more families in the region.
This means that about one in five households in the region will be able to benefit from this program.
The local government’s rent relief fund also received an increase.
An additional $1 million was also allocated to help families with education-related costs.
According to Barr, the budget was made to provide financial support to those in need and reduce costs where possible.
He noted that despite the region’s economy being on track to achieve a 34th year of continuous growth, the rate of growth is expected to slow down.
Recognizing the challenges faced by Canberrans, the local government is working to increase the targeted amount of assistance that it provides.