Explanatory note

The Bill lacks provision for financial support to assist young parents on a youth benefit or individuals on a domestic purposes benefit to cover course and related costs towards qualifications at level 4 Qualifications Framework courses or above.

This Supplementary Order Paper will extend the current availability of the Training Incentive Allowance to include level 4 and above for this group. This will allow for the support required to complete tertiary study, hence improving employment prospects and income potential for these families. This reflects our commitment to support solo parents and young mothers and recognise the positive impacts of this on their children's futures.

In the case of young mothers this Supplementary Order Paper aligns with the purpose of the principal Act expressed in section 1A: to encourage and help young persons to move to education training and employment rather than to receiving financial support.

In the case of individuals on the domestic purposes benefit this Supplementary Order Paper aligns with the purpose of new section 60Q: to facilitate the movement into ongoing employment (as their parenting and individual circumstances allow), to provide opportunities for them to better improve their capabilities and preparation for employment, and to improve social and economic outcomes for them and their dependent children.