Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, has written to Premier Chris Minns calling on him to restore the Back to School vouchers, a cost-of-living assistance package that gave all parents $150 per child in vouchers to help with the costs of school supplies, uniforms and technology.
“Premier Chris Minns and his Labor Government decided to axe the Liberals’ Back To School vouchers in their first Budget,” Mrs Davies stated.
“In light of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis, I am calling on the Labor Government to restore the Back to School vouchers to assist parents and students as they prepare for a new school year.
“In addition to the Labor Government cutting this vital cost of living support, they also slashed Active Kids, Creative Kids and First Lap vouchers, meaning hundreds of thousands of families are missing out. The Liberals understand the importance of helping families with the cost of school, sports and extracurricular activities – which is why they implemented these vouchers.
“This is a Labor Party, whose only vision is to cancel, whether it be to cancel vital infrastructure, cancel Australia Day or cancel assistance for families. Families shouldn’t have to pay the price for their mismanagement of the Budget.”
Nepean News approached Minister Prue Car for comment.
“The previous Government was very clear this was a one off spend, and only budgeted for one round of the voucher scheme,” Ms Car said.
“Our government acknowledges that people are doing it tough, and we are committed to helping families through this crisis, while making responsible financial choices that do not worsen inflation, which only hurts us all.
“One of the ways we’re doing that is by increasing wages for public sector, like teachers and nurses, ensuring that people have more money in their pockets.
“Public education is for everyone, it’s not about who can afford it. Public schools will always ensure that every child gets to school with what they need.
“Reach out to your school if you need any assistance – no child will be disadvantaged.”
