20 per cent increase in the State Boarding Away from Home Allowance

30/4/98

In an effort to recognise the cost of educating students from geographically isolated families, the State Government has today announced a 20 per cent increase in the State Boarding Away from Home Allowance.

Education Minister Colin Barnett said today that the Government's 1998-99 education budget included an additional $240,000 to increase the allowance by $100, bringing it to $600 per eligible student.

"The increase to the allowance will benefit eligible isolated students enrolled at both Government and non-Government boarding facilities around the State," Mr Barnett said.

"The $100 increase recognises the extra costs involved for isolated families who have no other option than to send their children away from home in order to attend school.

"The Government is committed to maintaining a reasonable cost of access to education for isolated students relative to non-isolated students."

Around 2,400 students are eligible for the allowance which was last increased in 1991. For eligible students boarding at one of the Country High School Hostels Authority residential colleges this year, the maximum cost after allowances will be $62.50 per week over the 40 week school year.

Mr Barnett also announced significant upgrades for residential colleges around the State to improve existing facilities for students and staff.

These include:

·         $578,000 for dormitory extensions, improvements and fire safety upgrades at Geraldton Residential College;

·         $160,000 for the construction of staff accommodation at the Great Southern Residential College in Katanning;

·         $121,000 for fire safety upgrades at Narrogin Residential College; and -

·         $262,000 for the ongoing replacement of buses at Albany, Geraldton, Katanning, Narrogin and Northam residential colleges.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699