General News
10 August, 2024
Matter of principal
A Horsham school principal wants to know why parents of his pupils are missing out on a state government handout.
Hundreds of local families don't qualify for the state government's $400 School Saving Bonus simply because they chose to enrol their children at the "wrong" school.
The bonus will be applied to every student at a government school during Term 4.
But no such opportunity has been offered to students of low-cost, non-government schools, such as St Brigid’s College.
The families of these children must meet eligibility criteria similar to the means-tested Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.
Principal Gerard Raven said he believed families should receive equal treatment regardless of which school they attend.
“The majority of our families are in the low and middle-income brackets, and are feeling cost of living pressures too,” Mr Raven said.
“This payment should apply to all students and families, or it should be means-tested.
“We have contacted our state government representatives to better understand why our families have been excluded, and ask that they consider a fairer policy.”
Member for Lowan Emma Kealy echoed his concern: “It is terrible to exclude these hardworking families based on their choice of school for their children,” she said.