Without an increase to the AUSTUDY partner income threshold, the thousands of full time tertiary students who have lost or been suspended from their jobs will continue to be left stranded financially.

With such a low partner income threshold of $994 per fortnight, many will not be able to receive the original AUSTUDY payments or the COVID19 AUSTUDY stimulus during this crisis. 

Example:

Full time Student (applicant) current Income = $0

Partner's current income = more than $994 threshold per fortnight

Payment calculated for applicant = $0 due to partner earning above threshold. 

This is creating a financial stress for people on AUSTUDY who are in relationships, as they now have to rely on the one income and being denied the assistance of the AUSTUDY payment and COVID19 AUSTUDY stimulus. 

If Jobseeker partner threshold can be increased from $48,000 to $79,000 for the duration of this crisis, why can't it be the same for AUSTUDY partner income threshold?

PLEASE INCREASE THE AUSTUDY PARTNER INCOME THRESHOLD! We too have bills, food and mortgages/rent to pay for!

Note: "Full time" students are not eligible for Jobseeker payments (information provided by Centrelink).