Young LNP warned against bigotry
A BIGOTRY warning from one of their own members was not enough incentive to stop the Queensland LNP from supporting the abolishment of welfare payments for indigenous students.
ABSTUDY provides financial assistance to indigenous people studying full-time or undertaking an apprenticeship.
At the Queensland LNP convention in Brisbane on Sunday, the party carried a Young LNP motion to support the removal of ABSTUDY as a government payment.
The Young LNPs argued ridding of ABSTUDY would remove bureaucracy and positive discrimination within the welfare system.
But Hinkler MP Paul Neville was not sold.
He spoke against the motion pointing out it may brand the party as a "mob of bigots."
ABSTUDY helps indigenous students with education, accommodation, food, travel and medical costs and the level of payment ranges between $907.60 a fortnight for a masters or doctorate student down to $220.40 for a student under 16 years old in foster care.
Social media site Twitter erupted in fierce debate following the controversial party move on Sunday with Tweeters labelling the Queensland LNP "racist" and "extremist."
ABSTUDY is operated by Centrelink and falls within the Commonwealth jurisdiction.
