The families of 457 visa holders in Western Australia will have to pay fees to send their children to a Government school from 2015.
Premier Colin Barnett today confirmed that the measures requiring 457 visa holders, to contribute to the cost of the children's education at a State school - as outlined in the 2013-14 State Budget - would be applied from 2015 rather than 2014.
"This means that anyone who is already living here on a 457 visa or who has already lodged a visa application to come here soon will not have to pay unexpected fees for schooling next year," Mr Barnett said.
"But we are giving plenty of notice that the fees will apply from the year after next, giving people time to make the necessary arrangements to pay the fees."
The Premier said for 2015 a tuition fee of $4,000 per annum ($1,000 per term) would apply to a family's first child enrolled in the State education system and $2,000 each for second and subsequent children from the same family.
Mr Barnett said there would also be provisions for hardship to take into account exceptional circumstances and to pay by instalments.
Department of Education figures show that there were 973 new enrolments of students on 457 visas last year and 521 new enrolments to date this year.
"On average it costs more than $15,000 to educate a child in a Western Australian State Government school and following discussions with Education Minister Peter Collier and Treasurer Troy Buswell, we have concluded the Government has to introduce this measure to try to recoup some of the cost of educating these children from overseas," the Premier said.
"This decision reflects the pressure on the State's budget and the reality that WA taxpayers contribute to the cost of services such as education over a lifetime of paying taxes, rather than a period of just four years, as with 457 visa holders."
Mr Barnett said it was estimated that there were up to 4,000 457 students but from next year schools would be required to verify data on the visa status of students as part of the normal enrolment process to assess exactly how many children of 457 visa holders were in the system.
This would give a more precise picture of the likely income from this measure. It is estimated that the changed arrangements mean that less than half the projected income outlined in the Budget over the next four years would be gained.
The Premier said 457 visa holders in NSW and ACT paid higher fees than those proposed in WA but had access to some exemptions.
Temporary residents already have to pay for disability services and public hospital treatment because they do not qualify for Medicare benefits under Federal legislation.
"I am aware of the concerns expressed in some parts of the community on the impact that this measure may have on some families who are here on temporary work visas, particularly those on low incomes and in regional areas who have become a valued part of the community," Mr Barnett said.
"We hope that by giving people notice of the measures and adopting a 'family discount', current 457 visa holders will have time to assess their options and future visa applicants will know what to expect when they come to WA."
If 457 visa holders obtain permanent residency they will no longer be subject to the fees and become entitled to free public education.
Legislation will be drafted to change the School Education Act and Regulations to allow schools to charge fees.
Administration of the fee will be handled by Education and Training International, the State agency already responsible for international fee paying students attending WA Government schools and training colleges.
Fact File
WA currently has more than 30,000 workers on 457 visas
The 2013-14 State Budget handed down in August assumed a $4,000 fee would apply to all students with a 457 visa attending State schools from 2014, raising an estimated $120million over four years
Premier's office - 6552 5000
