The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory Branch (IEU-QNT) supports the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association (ICPA) as it calls on government for an urgent increase to the Basic Boarding Allowance to cover 55% of boarding costs, as originally intended.
IEU-QNT Branch Secretary Terry Burke said the increase was essential to ensuring equitable access to education for all children in rural and remote Australia.
“It is an undeniable fact that no state, territory, or federal government will fund the provision of local secondary schools in these areas,” Mr Burke said.
“As a result, boarding schools remain the only feasible option for secondary education.
“However, the current level of government support leaves parents of limited means unable to afford even this option.
“The significant costs associated with boarding schools far exceed the existing allowances, effectively denying many children the education they deserve.
“The IEU-QNT supports the ICPA in its call on the government to urgently address this disparity by increasing the Basic Boarding Allowance and reforming the Fringe Benefits Tax and GST on education-related expenses.
“These changes are essential to ensure that all children, regardless of their geographic location or financial situation, have access to quality education,” Mr Burke said.
