Student Entering His Third Hour On Hold With Centrelink Wonders If $788 A Fortnight Is Even Worth This

PETE CLARK | Melbourne | CONTACT

As the academic break wraps up and orientation day draws closer, prospective students are preparing to get their financial ducks in a row. 

A recent VCE graduate, Zak Sparkes, is learning the financial reality of entering studenthood. 

Sparkes, who naively believed he could live out of home to be closer to the university and cover his rent, bills, groceries, petrol and other living expenses from Aus Study payments is facing a bit of a reality check.

After entering his third hour hold on hold with Centrelink and teetering on insanity from the hold music a thought crossed his mind, is this even worth it?

It began to weigh on Mr Sparkes that $788 a fortnight (including rental assistance) mightn’t be a ‘fair go’ wage to support his academic undertakings. 

Even though the Aus Study payment recently increased by approximately $14, shockingly it might still not  be enough to entice potential students. 

“I might become a chippy instead,” mused Sparkes. 

“Even though apprentice wages are shit at least I won’t have a 40K HECS debt for a media studies degree that will probably be irrelevant in four years.”

Mr Sparkes hung up the phone on Centrelink and instead called his uncle Darren, a chippy who could organise an apprenticeship for him.

Big Daz informed his nephew that going to university is a waste of time and has been that way since university fees were reintroduced. 

It  can be reported that Mr Sparkes will officially be on the tools next week.

More to come.