Miles Doing What Matters: Free laptops for disadvantaged Queensland students

• Miles Government to provide an extra 140,000 free laptops for disadvantaged students
• The laptops are specifically for use by state school students in financially disadvantaged situations
• These add to the 42,300 devices already supplied to schools since 2020

The Miles Government will provide up to 140,000 free laptops over the next three years for Queensland’s most disadvantaged students opening the world to so many new possibilities.

Many students through Queensland simply don’t have access to a modern or any digital device and this can have a long-term negative effect on their learning journey.

Having access to a laptop or other digital device is vital in today’s technologically driven world.

This program will be specifically targeted at schools with students in financially disadvantaged situations will be eligible to participate in the program.

The program will provide students with access to a digital device for learning and internet access at home, if required.

Families who meet the eligibility criteria also have the opportunity to apply for free home internet access, via their state school, as part of the Australian Government's School Student Broadband Initiative, until December 2025.

Participating Queensland State Schools will co-contribute 50% of the value of the device, up to the maximum of $500.

This $152 million program over the next three years adds to the 42,000 digital devices the Government has supplied to disadvantaged students in state schools since 2020.

This is on top of families already saving thousands per year, through programs including:

• Free Kindy – a saving of up to $4,800 for every four year old, for 15 hours per week during school terms. The 2024–25 Budget includes $12.6 million (over two years) to extend Free Kindy to up to 30 hours per week for four-year-olds in discrete communities.
• Textbook and Resource Allowance – saving of $155 (years 7-10) and $337 (years 11-12) per student off the cost of textbooks and learning resources. This is paid directly to the school and passed on to every parent of secondary school age students attending state and approved non-state schools.
• School Transport Assistance Scheme – assisting with the cost of transport for eligible students.
• Share the Dignity – access to free period products at every school that wants it.
• Fairplay vouchers –$200 vouchers for sporting registration and fees for children aged from 5 to 17 years.
• Mental Health Support - Providing state school students with access to mental health support from psychologists, social workers, guidance officers and/or youth works for free. 
• After School Homework Centre – Free access to supervised, after school homework support at 120 state schools across the state. Students also receive a free healthy snack.
• School and Community Food Program- $15 million to support schools across Queensland deliver school breakfast and lunch programs.
• GPs in schools – Expanding the hugely successful GPs in schools program from the existing 50 High Schools to a further 20 high priority primary schools in Queensland.

Quotes attributable to Premier Steven Miles:

“My kids have grown up with devices in the classroom, so I know how important they are to a modern education.

“And no child should miss out on having the same experience as their peers.

“That’s why my government will provide up to 140,000 free laptops over the next three years to Queensland families in need.

“It builds on our massive package of support available, including free breakfast and lunch programs, Fairplay vouchers and in school GPs.

“We will continue to do what matters for Queensland to create opportunities for the next generation, and that begins with giving our kids the best start in life.”

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Di Farmer:

“I want to make sure every Queensland student receives the best education and having access to a laptop or tablet can make a huge difference.

“To narrow the digital divide, it is essential that students across Queensland state schools receive equitable access to digital devices like laptops and tablets.

“So much student learning is done online which sets them up for the world beyond the school gate–so having access to the latest technology evens the playing field for disadvantaged students.

“This $152.8 million investment adds to the $28 million we are already investing in our schools annually for information and communication technology (ICT), professional learning and supplementation of ICT support costs.”

Quotes attributable to Ross Bailey, Principal, Bremer State High School

“The equity device program has opened up new opportunities by creating a more equitable learning environment for all students. 

“It gives students world class access to digital technologies that take advantage of the improved infrastructure and bandwidth across our and Queensland state schools.”

“It is also having a positive impact on teachers to as they are able to provide personalised learning that encourages our young people to become creators of digital content that will serve the well into the future.

“With families feeling cost of living pressures, the equity program has allowed all students to come prepared with this essential learning tool.”

 Quotes attributable to Marcus Donaldson – Principal – Redcliffe Special School 

“We’ve participated in the Financially Disadvantaged Student (FDS) device scheme for a number of years, starting with the learning from home era back in 2020.

“We were able to buy a number of laptops and have them available for students to take home during learning from home and from that time it has grown, with our latest initiative using iPads at school related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication.

“The FDS devices have enabled us to be able to ensure that all of our students are able to access technology, especially with Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices, some students who may not have had access to communication devices at home have been able to get that access.”

ENDS