Green Party advocates increased energy support for students

The Greens want to see more financial support for students by extending eligibility for the Winter Energy Payment.

The party has released an updated members bill that would also temporarily increase the payment for students by $50 a week to match the government's fuel crisis response payment.

From Friday, beneficiaries and pensioners receive the Winter Energy Payment until October.

Green Party tertiary education spokesperson Francisco Hernandez said currently students couldn't receive any extra support during this crisis, leaving them "out in the cold".

"Many are living week to week and may find themselves in a position, this winter, where they have to sacrifice having a warm home to stay afloat."

Hernandez said tertiary students were ineligible for both kinds of energy support, "despite lower incomes, and disproportionate experiences of cold and damp rental housing".

He said the bill would remedy that inequity.

"Everyone who needs support right now should be receiving it, including beneficiaries and pensioners," said Hernandez.

"We can reduce the burden of high fuel and winter energy costs for students, so they can focus on pursuing their studies and reaching their full potential."

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