Boost to Living Away from Home Allowance for rural families

Families living in rural and remote Queensland will receive additional support for students living and studying away from home at non-state boarding schools.

Education Minister Kate Jones announced a one-off five per cent increase to the Remote Area Tuition Allowance at the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association conference in Cloncurry today.

Ms Jones said the increase would help support eligible isolated families – who do not have access to a Queensland Government school – with the cost of living away from home to attend school.

“I am pleased to announce today a five per cent increase to the Remote Area Tuition Allowance, Remote Area Allowance and Remote Area Disability Supplement in addition to the annual CPI increase for 2016,” she said.

“This increase will help families with tuition fees for students living and studying at non-state boarding schools.”

Ms Jones said in 2016, the maximum yearly allowance would increase to more than $3,600 per primary student, $5,200 per secondary student and up to $7,400 for students with disability.

“This increase will help take the pressure of families, many of whom are suffering from our State’s extended drought,” she said.

“With more than 80 percent of Queensland drought declared, now more than ever, our rural families need greater support.”

Ms Jones said from this year eligible Year 7 students receive the same secondary rates as Year 8 to 12 students under the Living Away from Home Allowance Scheme, in recognition of the Year 7 move to secondary school.

Media contact: Minister Jones’ Office 3719 7530