Gallop Government assistance for back to school costs

29/1/04
Parents struggling to pay for their children's school uniforms and fees could be eligible for hundreds of dollars in financial assistance from the State Government.
Education and Training Minister Alan Carpenter said he would continue his 'A Hundred Good Reasons' initiative, which sees the State Government paying the first $100 of annual school fees for every student at a Government high school.
"The Gallop Government was the first Government in Western Australia to reduce the cost of school fees," Mr Carpenter said.
"We pay $100 towards annual school fees for every student attending a Government high school, saving parents $500 for each child across the five years of high school."
The Minister said additional financial support was available for eligible parents through the State Government's Secondary Assistance Scheme and the Boarding Away from Home Allowance.
"Eligible parents can access State Government funds to help them pay for school clothing, boarding costs and school fees," he said.
"The Secondary Assistance scheme is available to families with children attending both Government and non-Government high schools.
"The scheme applies up to and including the year the students turn 16 years of age, at which time most students become eligible for Centrelink's Youth Allowance.
"To be eligible, parents need to hold either a Family Health Care Card or a relevant Pensioner Concession Card.
"The State's Boarding Away from Home Allowance for 2004 is $730 for students who board away for the full year.
"It is available each year to eligible families with children attending primary or secondary schools, respite care centres or agricultural colleges in WA."
Mr Carpenter said the Boarding Away from Home Allowance was only available to resident Western Australians who had qualified for the Commonwealth Government Assistance for Isolated Children (AIC) Boarding Allowance or Second Home Allowance, which was available from Centrelink.
He said the Clothing Allowance gave eligible parents $115 per student towards school clothing. The Educational Program Allowance, which ranged from $135 to $235 per student, was paid directly to schools to offset school fees.
Parents could obtain further information about and apply for the assistance programs at their children's schools.
Minister's office: 9213 6800