Sharman Stone MP

 

Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, said the Coalition will invest an additional $760 million in forward estimates to increase the costs of the rebate for students and expand the types of expenses eligible for rebate.

 

These rebates will be particularly valuable for local families who have been struggling due to drought, low dairy prices, increasing household costs, and increasing financial hardship.

 

“ It can cause great family stress when parents struggle to ensure their children do not miss out.”

 

 “The Coalition will increase the rebates from $390 up to $500 per primary student, per year. For secondary school students, the Coalition will increase the rebate from $779 to $1000 per year per child.

 

“This means parents will receive a 50 percent rebate per item until they reach the maximum amount allocated per child. For example if you purchase a uniform to the value of $300, you would receive $150 rebate and so on, until you reach the maximum amount of rebate.

 

Sharman Stone said under the Rudd Gillard Labor Government only lap tops, home computers and associated costs, home internet connection, printers, education software, school text books, school stationary and uniforms were eligible for rebates.

 

“The Coalition will expand this list to include Government and Non-government school fees, special education costs for children with learning disabilities like dyslexia, school camps and excursions, extra curricular activities such as music, sports, dance and drama lessons, tutoring costs, musical instruments, sporting fees and equipment and school photos.

 

“The Coalition sees the importance of easing the pressure on family budgets to make sure that students get the best quality education,” Sharman Stone said.