Victoria directs schools to tell parents all payments are voluntary
Victoria's Department of Education has told schools to tell parents something clear: all curriculum costs are free. No payment is needed.
Victoria's Department of Education has told all state schools to tell families one clear thing: education is free. All gifts of money are voluntary.
There is no pressure to pay. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said again that public schools have always been free under Labor.
This comes at a time when living costs are putting pressure on families. School leaders worry this new message will cut down voluntary gifts.
Many schools count on these gifts for extra programs. Schools can still ask for gifts for items children take home or for sports and clubs.
The government is also giving free dental and eye checks. It offers free breakfasts, uniforms and period products to help lower costs for families.
- Gabrielle Williams
- Education Minister
- Andrew Cock
- Principals Federation president
Why it mattersThis policy makes clear: no family should feel forced to pay for their child's basic school costs. But it may leave schools without enough money for programs beyond the main subjects.
AustraliaVictorian families will know school payments are optional, but public schools may have less money for extras, affecting the quality of programs available.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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