Published Wednesday, 15 October, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Allowance scheme increases to help isolated families
Families in remote areas will benefit from a 5.1 per cent funding increase in a range of education allowance schemes from early next year.
Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said the Living Away from Home Allowance Scheme, the Student Hostel Support Scheme and the Textbook and Resource Allowance would all be increased from January 2009.
“Our Government wants all students, wherever they live, to have the best possible opportunities for a quality education,” Mr Welford said.
“There are a number of special allowances that help families in rural and remote areas to access educational services.
“The Living Away from Home Allowance Scheme and the Student Hostel Support Scheme help geographically-isolated families whose children have to live away from home to attend school.
“The Textbook and Resource Allowance helps all senior students in Queensland as our Government continues its efforts to offer educational opportunities to help students reach their potential.”
Mr Welford said the increases were in addition to last year’s announcement of a special one-off increase to the Remote Area Travel Allowance, effective for the 2008 and 2009 school years.
“This has seen the kilometre base rate for 50-500km travel increase from 40 cents to 65 cents per kilometre and the allowances will be reviewed in 2009,” Mr Welford said.
“These additional funds are helping geographically“It’s important that all Queenslanders, no matter where they live, have access to our world-class education and training system.
“Our Government has a target of having three out of four Queenslanders holding trade, training or tertiary qualifications by 2020.
“If we are to reach our goal, then we need to ensure people have access to educational services so they can go on to further education and training.”
The Living Away from Home Allowances Scheme includes the Remote Area Tuition Allowance, the Remote Area Travel Allowance, the Remote Area Allowance and the Remote Area Disability Supplement.
The new allowances will be effective from 1 January 2009.
Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000