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| Mike Elliott Leader Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
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Legislative
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| Mike Elliott Leader Australian Democrats Member of the Legislative Council |
Parliament Index |
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In reply to Hon. M.J. ELLIOTT (28 June) and answered by letter 13 August.
The Hon. R.I. LUCAS: The Minister for Education and Children's Services has provided the following information:
Why has the state government not set the maximum regulated and enforceable materials and services charge at the same level as the school card subsidy?
The level of the maximum materials and services charge was derived from a survey held in 1996. The survey showed that the average charge was $150 for primary schools and $200 for secondary schools. In the Regulation passed for 1997, the maximum materials and services charge was set at this limit. In 1998, the maximum charge was adjusted to $154 (primary) and $205 (secondary), and in 1999 to $ 161 (primary) and $215 (secondary) in accordance with CPI increases.
While the Regulation sets a maximum amount, the materials and services charge is set at each individual site through a consultative process involving the principal and school council. The charge is set at each school, at a level deemed necessary to achieve specific outcomes and priorities of the site.
The purpose of the school card is to provide assistance towards the cost of the materials and services charge.
Will the Minister confirm that the payment of the gap between the $170 school card subsidy and the $215 maximum regulated charge is voluntary, as has been claimed to me?
Payment of the difference between the school card grant and the materials and services charge for school card holders is voluntary. In addition, the Regulation allows school principals to waive all or part of the charge and to negotiate payment by instalments.
Will the minister explain why the government does not insist that parents are made aware of those components of the charges that are voluntary and those parts that are compulsory?
Information in relation to the Regulation and the materials and services charge is circulated each year to schools by the Department of Education, Training and Employment. The schools then have a responsibility to inform the parent community via letter, of arrangements in respect of the charges. The information distributed clearly identifies the legally enforceable limit for the charge, hence identifying the difference as not legally enforceable
