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.

“It’s not fair for a student to have to burn the candle at both ends to simply survive their higher education – working 20 to 40 hours a week just to pay the bills is bound to impact negatively on what often proves to be a very expensive academic opportunity.

“Students deserve assistance to be able to participate fully in university life, to the best of their ability.”

Senator Hanson-Young said the Greens were encouraged by some of the Bradley Review’s recommendations.

“Lowering the age of independence to a more realistic age is long overdue.

“Increasing a student’s fortnightly income threshold before support payments are affected would be much fairer, given how much the cost of living has risen since the $236 per fortnight figure was devised.”

Senator Hanson-Young called on Education Minister Julia Gillard to seriously consider the evidence and recommendations of the Bradley Review on student income support.

“Better support for students must be provided for in next year’s federal Budget,” she said.

“Student income support should be realistic, adequate and reaching those who need it most - so students can start on, and stay on, their higher education path.”