SAMANTHA’S THUMBS UP TO PROGRAM
YOUNG mum Samantha Layland would welcome the opportunity for more training and government assistance through the $ 263 million ParentsNext program ... if only her parenting payments would come through.
Ms Layland and her partner Alexander Ward, both 21, are parents to nineweek- old Bailey.
The couple’s application for parenting payments still hasn’t gone through and Ms Layland said it was hard being young parents.
“It’s starting to get to me because we have to go to organisations for help to get food because we’ve spent our money on nappies and clothes for him,” she said.
“He’s more important than either of us.”
Ms Layland said she thought the Federal Government’s plan to provide oneon- one training, education, parenting courses and guidance to those receiving parenting payments in Townsville was a good idea.
“There are a couple of support groups for young parents here but not a lot compared to what is available in Brisbane,” she said.
Ms Layland plans to go back to work when Bailey is six months old and has housekeeping and waitressing work lined up, while Mr Ward is looking for work after an accident ended his career as an apprentice jockey.
“I’ve got my RSA and I’m looking at doing my Diploma of Hospitality Management,” Ms Layland said.