On budget night Treasurer, Joe Hockey announced harsh budget measures for students which would force already struggling young adults to pay more for higher education and added interest on the HELP loans which is the only way many Australians can afford a tertiary education.
But this week a debate has ensued after it was revealed that Frances Abbott, 22, was awarded a $60,000 scholarship to the pricey design college in 2011 “based on her application and art portfolio”, according to a statement released by the PM’s office.
The PM’s detractors have whipped up a media furore upon hearing the news and are chastising Mr Abbott for not declaring the scholarship in his pecuniary interest register when he has declared other matters relating to his children such as trips, accommodation and tickets to sporting events.
But Mr Abbott’s office asserted that in accordance with MP guidelines there is no rule about declaring scholarships for MP’s children.
“There are no obvious provisions in the Members’ interests that would require the declaration of such a scholarship nor is there any reference in the more detailed notes provided to members for their guidance in making declarations that such scholarships need to be declared,” Mr Abbott’s office wrote in a statement to news.com.au.
The fact that the institute’s chairman, Les Taylor is a donor to the Liberal party (he has pledged $20,000 dollars in the past six years) and gifted Mr Abbott with clothing in February 2012 and April 2013 – all of which were recorded in his pecuniary interest register – futher adds to speculation of nepotism.
The Whitehouse Institute’s website says the school “does not currently offer scholarships to gain a place into the Bachelor of Design.”
However, it does add that “at the discretion of Whitehouse, a scholarship for further study may be offered during the academic year to students who have formally commenced their studies and show exceptional ability and dedication”.
According to the Guardian Australia, the director of the institute did confirm that Frances has been a student of the college on the chairman’s scholarship but declined to comment on how many time the “chairman’s scholarship” had been awarded previously.
Frances Abbott has been accused of being spoilt, but it should be mentioned that the PM’s daughter has a studious distinction average – a point the PM was quick to counter with when asked about the scholarship on Fairfax radio yesterday.
“She kept it on her academic merit – she is a distinction student,” said Mr Abbott.
The Liberal Party leader also declared that the issue should not be up for public discussion adding: “Family should be left out of this. That’s the way I’ve always tried to run my political operation – that we play hard but fair. Families should be [left] out of it.”
However, some are commenting that if Tony Abbott wanted his daughters “left out of this” he should have perhaps left them at home while he hit the campaign trail to be elected as PM.
Frances seems steadfast in her lack of political aspiration. Since graduating and receiving a Bachelor of Design in Creative Direction and Styling in 2013 she has taken on a job at her former college working as a teacher’s aide and plans to continue further study for her masters later this year.
In an open letter to Frances Abbott, published on the Australian Independent Media Network Victoria Rollison suggested Frances is in fact a victim in the whole situation.
“I’m sure you and the rest of your family think it’s terribly unfair that you’ve had your own personal story dragged through this mud in the media over the last few days… this is really your father’s fault and he’s the one we should all, including you, be upset with.”
Regarding the matter the Guardian reports the Institutes chairman, Les Taylor had “no comment at this point.”
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