$73.8 MILLION BOOST FOR RURAL AND ISOLATED
FAMILIES’ EDUCATION ASSISTANCE
10 May 2005 MINBUD 25/05
Rural and isolated families are to benefit from
$73.8 million in additional funding over the next four years to
assist with their children’s education.
The additional funding will mean a direct increase
in the Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme’s Boarding and
Distance Education allowances and the ABSTUDY School Fees Allowance
for Indigenous students.
The Assistance for Isolated Children Scheme assists
geographically isolated families with the additional costs of
educating primary and secondary students and 16-year-old tertiary
students.
The Basic Boarding Allowance increased from $4,446
to $6,000 per student per year from 1 January 2005, providing an
estimated $39.6 million over four years to 2008-09. This will help
around 7,500 students each year who, by necessity, have to board
either at a school, hostel or in a private home.
The new funding also increases the basic ABSTUDY
School Fees Allowance for Indigenous students to $6,000 per annum
from 1 January 2005. This provides an estimated $13 million and
aligns the rates of the basic ABSTUDY School Fees Allowance for
boarders (non-means tested) with the Assistance for Isolated
Children Basic Boarding Allowance.
There has also been a significant increase in
support for geographically isolated families whose children are
studying by distance education.
The Distance Education Allowance has been increased
to $3,000 per year for students who study at home through distance
education. The increase –– some $1,759 for a primary school student
and $1,140 for a secondary school student in 2005 –– reflects the
increased costs of new computer technology and communications
infrastructure required by students. The total funding for this
measure is expected to be $21.3 million over four years.
The Assistance for Isolated Children scheme also
provides assistance for eligible families who are required to
maintain a second home for children to attend school, as well as an
additional boarding allowance or education supplement to assist
students in receipt of certain pensions.
This funding fulfils a key election commitment and
underlines the Howard Government’s strong commitment to rural and
regional families by providing more choice and opportunity in
education.
Media Contacts:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Yaron Finkelstein 0414 927 663
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Virginia Cook 0412 971 323
|
