Tuesday, 26 November 2024

 John MULLAHY (Glen Waverley) (14:45): (927) My constituency question is directed to the Minister for Education. How many families in the Glen Waverley district will benefit from the school saving bonus? The Allan Labor government understands that cost-of-living pressures are impacting Victorians across the state. We also know that this is especially the case for many families who have additional expenses that arise from their children’s schooling. That is why we are stepping in to provide the support that Victorians need to ensure that children are given the best possible opportunities to participate and learn at school. The school saving bonus will provide a one-off $400 payment to help cover the costs of necessary purchases such as uniforms and textbooks. We also know, however, that it is things like excursions and incursions, sporting events and camps which cause the most financial distress for everyone. Whilst non-compulsory, for a student to miss out is ostracising, lonely and sometimes humiliating. Every Victorian family with their kids in a public school will receive this bonus, giving families meaningful support as they plan their budgets after Christmas and new year for the 2025 school year.