The National Union of Students (NUS) was founded in 1987 to represent all post school students in Australia. We are a peak representative and advocacy body for almost 1 million students across the country.
The NUS is established on the principles of student unionism and our primary objectives include working for the interest of students in improving quality of education, academic freedom, access to education, social security, health and welfare.
The NUS has lead the campaign to lower the age of independence since it was set at 25, successfully decreasing it to 22 under the Gillard Government in 2013.
However, 18 to 22 year old students at TAFE or university are expected to bearing the brunt of the current cost of living crises without a welfare safety net and while youth wages exist. The government needs to lower the age of independence to help these students get an education and set themselves up for life.
