To qualify for youth allowance the new laws now state students can work 15 hours a week over two years, or earn $19,532 over 18 months.

The government’s original changes meant young people in rural, remote and very remote areas needed to find 30 hours of work a week for 18 months over two years to qualify for the independent rate of youth allowance, which was seen as near impossible.

Local student Kellee Donnelly was pleased to hear about the changes.

“It is great news,” she said.

“It’s good for rural people to get extra help for travelling expenses and accommodation, especially when we live so far away from universities.

“People in the city don’t have to spend as much because they are closer than us.”

Areas added in the change include Ashley, Baradine, Bingara, Binnaway, Boggabillia, Boggabri, Collarenebri, Coolah, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Dunedoo, Geurie, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Gulgong, Gunnedah, Lightning Ridge, Mendooran, Moree, Mungindi, Narrabri, Pallamallawa, Walgett, Warialda and Wee Waa.

“I was very worried when they first announced the conditions to qualify last year,” Miss Donnelly said.

“I have had to save very tightly because anything can happen between now and when I go to uni.

“I needed the extra money I was saving for back-up because living out of home and studying at uni isn’t cheap, especially when money is already tight.”

More than 2000 people from the Parkes electorate signed a petition protesting the inequitable changes the Rudd Government was forcing on them with the legislation.

“It’s great for parents who can’t really afford to send their kids to uni,” she said.

“With my course, it is three years studying my bachelor of medical radiation science, then one year internship.

“There is also quite a few weeks of practical work, which you have to pay for yourself, so now I won’t need to worry so much about finding money to live.

“A lot more opportunities have opened up for uni students now they have changed it.”

The 18-year-old said she can now keep her mind at ease to focus more on her studies, rather than worrying about how she was going to get money to live.