The Malinauskas Labor Government is taking significant steps to ease the financial burden on South Australian families as public schools welcome over 193,000 children back to classrooms. As the 2025 school year kicks off, the government has announced an array of supports designed to help families manage the cost of living.
Premier Peter Malinauskas has revealed that all children at public schools facing the requisite materials and services charge will benefit from a $200 discount per child. This discount, initially launched in 2022, represents a doubling of the previous support offered and will be automatically deducted from school invoices.
The required fee for materials and services, which encompasses essential school items and services for the year, is currently set at $300 for primary students and $396 for secondary students.
Adding to the financial relief, the state government is also extending its Sports Voucher program. Reception to Year 9 students can now have access to two $100 sports vouchers each calendar year, a notable increase aimed at covering costs associated with sports, music lessons, and active recreation. Already this initiative has provided over $1 million through more than 10,000 vouchers since its introduction earlier in the month.
For families facing particular hardship, the opportunity to apply for a School Card is extended. This benefit, now available to families with a gross income under $74,189, has had its threshold raised by 4.5% from the previous year. Recipients of the School Card are exempt from the materials and services charge and can receive financial assistance for other school-related expenses such as uniforms and excursions.
As for further aid, the government is piloting several programs and providing financial rebates to ensure targeted support during the school year. Among these initiatives is the School Device program, which now includes more than 340 registered schools. Eligible students in years 7 and 10, from families holding a School Card, will be provided with free devices to support their educational needs. Additionally, the program offers bulk purchasing discounts and a 15% discount on digital devices bought through the School’s purchasing portal.
In cases of families without reliable internet access, the department offers free internet services, having provided 205 students with such access last year at no cost.
“Families are doing it tough now which is why we are focused on supporting them with a range of cost-of-living initiatives,” shared Education Minister Blair Boyer.
Additionally, a large investment from both the State and Federal Governments will see more than $1 billion in Commonwealth funding directed towards South Australian public schools over the next decade, enhancing suicide prevention initiatives, and paving the way for the adoption of evidence-based teaching practices.
“We know that some of our families are having a tough time financially, and it’s important that they know support is available in a range of areas,” shared Tina Treffers, Principal of Brompton Primary School.
With these supportive measures and additional funding, the Malinauskas Government continues its commitment to providing a conducive learning environment and essential financial support for families navigating the educational landscape in South Australia.
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