Mitch Fifield (Victoria, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

There are hundreds of thousands of young carers in Australia who have to juggle their caring responsibilities, study and, often, part-time work as well. Unfortunately, too often it is their study that gives way under the demands on their time. That is why the coalition has put in place, in honour of an election commitment, a Young Carer Bursary Program. It has an initial commitment of $3 million over three years to assist young carers aged 25 years and under to continue their studies. From February 2015, 150 annual bursaries valued up to $10,000 have been provided for carers. I am pleased to advise the chamber that such was the demand we were able to find additional funding to offer an additional 150 bursaries, valued at $3,000 each, to help these important Australians.