The Australian Democrats have won their fight to ensure the Pensioner Education Supplement (PES) continues to be paid throughout the study year. Minister Vanstone announced during question time today, that the PES was not going to be cut, as was the Government's original intention. Democrats' Disability spokesperson, Senator Brian Greig, says it would have been unfair and unworkable for the 12,500 students, who are dependent on the PES, to have their support cut during the holidays. The cuts would have left students out of pocket by $31 per fortnight for part-time students and $62 per fortnight for full time students. "Disabilities don't disappear during the holidays and in many instances higher education expenses for these students do not cease during non-teaching weeks," Senator Greig said. "Preparation for these students often means they start the semester earlier than others, to undertake orientation and special needs programs, and must remain longer after the semester is over to complete exams or other study requirements. "In addition, many pensioner students are unable to access holiday employment to supplement their incomes." The Government had been boasting that some $39 million would be saved over four years if the support was cut from pensioner students, but this flew in the face of the Government's expressed commitment to improving access and social participation for people with disabilities. "Fortunately, the Government has seen sense and responded to the Democrats' pressure to leave the Pensioner Education Supplement in place for pensioner students," Senator Greig said. Source Democrats Press Release - 16 September 2003 ###