The Nationals have launched a campaign to highlight regional Victorians being left out of Labor’s School Saving Bonus scheme.
The $400 bonus, introduced in the State Budget, is automatically granted to all Victorian government school students, but is rigorously restricted for students in low-fee Catholic and independent schools.
“Regional families should not miss out based solely on their choice of school, yet many will be ignored amid the cost-of-living crisis,” The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron said.
“Labor’s $400 School Saving Bonus is blatantly inequitable, and its unfairness really hits home for regional Victorians.
“To put it bluntly, high-income families with children in government schools are set to receive this bonus with no questions asked, while those in regional areas who choose to send their children to non-government, low-fee schools are being cut out.
“Visiting Lumen Christi Primary School in Churchill this week, I heard from Principal Sally Darby that families in the school community are doing it tough and are certainly not immune from the cost of living pressures facing Victorians.
“There’s a clear divide. Why should hard-working families be penalised for the choice of their school?
“At some low-fee Catholic schools, more than 50 per cent of students come from disadvantaged families, yet under current arrangements, only a small percentage of students will be eligible for the School Saving Bonus.
“The Allan Labor Government must rethink this decision if they genuinely care and intend to support regional Victorians.”
To support the Fair School Bonus campaign, visit vicn.at/schoolsavingbonus
