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Canberra Today 27°/29° | Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Calls to secure student accommodation

THE Young Workers Centre is calling on ANU and the University of Canberra to guarantee that no student will be evicted during the coronavirus crisis.

The centre, which is a UnionsACT initiative, is also calling for rent to be suspended for students who have lost their jobs or income.

According to the centre, a significant number of student workers who live on campus have already contacted them saying they’ve lost their jobs and are now struggling to pay rent and buy food.

UnionsACT secretary Alex White says ANU and the University of Canberra need to immediately guarantee that no one will be evicted from their college while the coronavirus crisis is continuing.

Alex White
UnionsACT secretary Alex White.

“Furthermore, the Young Workers Centre is demanding that the universities suspend rental payments for tenants who have lost their jobs,” he says.

“Young workers are disproportionately impacted by stand-downs and closures in hospitality and retail. No one should have to make a choice between paying rent and buying food.”

The centre says student residents are being encouraged to leave campus accommodation if they can but there are some who have no where to go, and government support either won’t be enough or is too far away.

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Ian Meikle, editor

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