ACT education minister Yvette Berry visited Majura Primary School today to formally launch the Future of Education Equity Fund, which she said would assist students from vulnerable Canberra families to fully engage in their education.
The fund provides one-off payments to help low-income families and independent students cover the costs of education expenses such as school uniforms and excursions, sport equipment and activities, tuition, and music lessons.
The fund – which replaces the Secondary Bursary Scheme for years 7 to 10 – is now open to all Canberra students in years P-12 from financially disadvantaged ACT families.
Pre-schoolers receive $400, primary school students receive $500, and high school and college students receive $750.
The fund will provide more than $2 million per year for the next four years, to ensure increased equity across our school system.
“This announcement delivers on a key election commitment and is a clear indication of our dedication to ensuring every child in Canberra, regardless of their background, can get a high-quality education at their school,” Ms Berry said.
Applications for the 2022 school year close on 30 September.
Schools across Canberra will provide information about the fund. Eligibility criteria and a link to an application form are on the ACT Education Directorate website.
“Some families are really struggling,” said Veronica Elliott, ACT Council of Parents and Citizens Associations‘s executive officer. “The last few years have been tough, and this scheme provides assistance where it is most needed.
“For those families who need it, it will be a welcome relief. It will help with uniforms, technology, and all the things children need to learn and participate in school life.”
The ACT Council of Social Service (ACTCOSS) welcomed the ACT Government’s announcement of the expansion of the Future of Education Equity Fund to replace the Secondary Bursary Scheme.
“Rising cost of living in the ACT has resulted in an increasing number of Canberrans living in financial disadvantage,” CEO Dr Emma Campbell said. “With more than 38,000 Canberrans living below the poverty, including 9,000 children, there is an urgent need for investments to ensure equitable outcomes for our community.
“Given that the cost of education has increased by 17 per cent in the ACT over the last five years, ACTCOSS supports any targeted investment that can assist Canberra families facing disadvantage.
“Whilst we welcome the Equity Fund as a starting point, ACTCOSS has consistently called on the ACT Government to conduct a full review of all targeted concessions. The ACT Government must ensure that concessions are adequate and specifically targeted to need.
“We also call on the Australian Government to raise the rate of JobSeeker Payments to at least $70 a day and increase other key income support payments to ensure that everyone can cover the cost of essentials during difficult times.
“We look forward to seeing further work to address increasing inequality and disadvantage in the ACT and across the country.”
