07/05/2026
Success at State Conference!
We’re delighted to share that the Lismore Evening Branch had a motion successfully passed at this year’s CWA of NSW State Conference, held in Forster and wrapping up today after four big days of debate and discussion.
More than 50 motions from branches across NSW were endorsed at the conference and will now become advocacy priorities for the next 12 months, and we’re proud to say one of them came from our branch.
What was the motion about?
Our motion calls for a review of the dependent classification for Youth Allowance for young people under 22, so that:
• parental income testing is removed, and
• young people can be recognised as independent based on their living situation and financial self-sufficiency.
At 18, young people are legally adults they can vote, sign contracts and are expected to make major life decisions. Yet many are still assessed as financially dependent on their parents for income support, even when they live away from home and receive little or no family support.
For many students, especially in regional and rural areas, studying means moving away from home and managing rent, bills, food and transport on their own. When Youth Allowance doesn’t reflect this reality, it can create significant financial hardship, forcing students to work excessive hours, defer study, or abandon their education altogether.
This motion recognises that reality and adds CWA’s voice to calls for a fairer system.
A big thank you to:
Our very own Cath Bell and Jean C Kutchen (CWA Kyogle Evening Branch for presenting the motion, and
Mandy Nolan and Zoe Gameau (Bangalow CWA) for speaking so strongly in support on the conference floor.
We’re proud of the work of our members and pleased to see this issue taken forward as part of CWA’s statewide advocacy.
📷Conference Photo CWA of NSW
