Tes but as an apprentice your also working whilst learning so you get paid as a uni student (unless you look at some scenario's shounak proposed) your arent actually working so you dont get paid.
But isnt there centerlink for full time students? surely that is a form of paying for just studying it might not be much but its better than nothing.
Some students, especially postgraduates do useful work (as in it has real-world value, it's not just textbook work), but I take your point and agree with it. Like I said, I'm not suggesting students should be getting paid to study (beyond the support already available), I'm just pointing out that at least apprentices are getting something. Think of it as "the glass is half full" rather than half empty.
There is Austudy, Abostudy, and other support available to students. It's means tested, or only available to particular demographics, so your milage may vary.
One thing that gripes me about apprenticeships is that i could a heap of babies and receive more for just having kids and doing nothing than what i get working full time trying to improve my future. It's no wonder why there are soo many people taking that route
Without getting too sidetracked, I agree with you that there are too many incentives to get knocked up and sit on your arse. Of course there are good reasons to encourage a high birth rate, but personally I think we've gone too far and there are far to many kids around as it is. "One for Mum, one for Dad, and the country is doing alright thanks so leave it at two"
