Families across Ballarat and region will next week begin receiving the second instalment of the Gillard Government’s Schoolkids Bonus, Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, said today.
They will be among 1.3 million families around the country, including 309,000 in Victoria, which are set to receive the payment. In Victoria, 544,000 school-aged children will be the beneficiaries.
However, Ms King warned that if Tony Abbott becomes Prime Minister, this would be their last Schoolkids Bonus, because he is committed to scrapping it.
“From July 4, eligible families will start receiving $205 for each child in primary school and $410 for each child in secondary school – just in time to help parents to get all the things their kids need for Term 3,” Ms King said.
“The Schoolkids Bonus helps lighten the load for families facing back-to-school costs.
“The payment helps parents buy uniforms, shoes, school books and stationery, as well as other costs like school excursions, music lessons and sports registration fees.”
This is the second instalment this year for families, with the first instalment arriving before school started in January.
In total, Australian families will receive about $1.3 billion in Schoolkids Bonus payments this year.
“I know families across this region really appreciate the Schoolkids Bonus. It means that as parents get their kids ready for school over the next few weeks, this money is in their pocket at the time they need it the most,” Ms King said.
“Those families Australian families should know that if Tony Abbott is elected Prime Minister at the election, this Schoolkids Bonus payment will be their last.
“An Abbott Government will axe the Schoolkids Bonus and hurt the 1.3 million families who rely on this money to help them buy the things their kids need for school.
“Axing the Schoolkids Bonus will mean a typical family with two kids will be $15,000 worse off over the course of their children’s schooling.”
Families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A, as well as young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, and others receiving certain income support or veterans’ payments are eligible for the Schoolkids Bonus.
For the latest information about the Schoolkids Bonus and other family assistance measures, visit www.australia.gov.au/schoolkidsbonus or ‘like’ our Australian Families Facebook page.