Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, today announced that more than 9,000 local families with kids in school will benefit from a new cash bonus delivered by the Federal Labor Government.
Mark Dreyfus QC MP, Federal Member for Isaacs, today announced that more than 9,000 local families with kids in school will benefit from a new cash bonus delivered by the Federal Labor Government.
To help with the transition to the Schoolkids Bonus next year, the Federal Government will next month pay all eligible families in Isaacs the full amount of the Education Tax Refund.
"I know that with kids in school, it can be tough for parents inIsaacs to make ends meet. The Federal Labor Government understands this and is why we are delivering a new Schoolkids Bonus to help local families," Mr Dreyfus said.
"Eligible local families will receive a total of $410 a year for each child in primary school, and $820 a year for each child in high school. The Schoolkids Bonus will be paid in two instalments - before the start of Term 1 and Term 3 - to help pay for school costs such as uniforms, text books, stationery and school excursions."
It will replace the Education Tax Refund from 1 January 2013, and will be paid to the families of about 16,000 local kids in school.
Mr Dreyfus said many local families couldn't afford to wait until tax time to claim the Education Tax Refund.
"Some local families simply couldn't wait months to get money back, and were missing out on the full amount they were entitled to. This new payment means about 7,000 local Isaacs families will get more cash."
"About 1,450 families in Isaacs didn't claim the ETR at all last year - so they'll get an extra $410 a year for each child in primary school and $820 for each high school student."
"Local kids have just gone back to school for Term Two, and the costs for parents have already started piling up again."
The Schoolkids Bonus will be available to local families receiving Family Tax Benefit Part A plus young people in school receiving Youth Allowance, as well as some income support and veterans' payments recipients.
