Miles Acts: Families to Save Big This Back-to-School Season

• School has returned for Term 3, 2024, with bigger, better programs to support Queensland kids.
• Expanded food security programs set to roll out at schools across the state, backed by a record uplift in funding.
• Greater GP access in even more Queensland schools, as part of the Miles Government's $500 million Putting Queensland Kids First plan.

Premier Steven Miles has today joined local MP Bart Mellish and Education Minister Di Farmer to welcome Queensland school students back to the classroom for Term 3.

It comes as new and expanded programs launch in schools around the state, supported by a record $20.9 billion education budget.

As part of the 2024 State Budget, the Premier delivered a record $15 million investment in the School and Community Food Relief program that helps provide kids with access to free, healthy meals.

An initial 99 schools will receive between $5,000 and $36,000 in order to facilitate their breakfast, snack or lunch program.

This is to ensure Queensland kids get the best start, can concentrate during the school day and are engaged in the classroom.

Here at Craigslea State High School, the school partners with Nexus Care to provide free breakfasts to students one day per week.

Under the expanded program, the school will look to increase its current breakfast program to four days per week. In addition, the school will be supported to onboard a Food Coordinator to manage and improve delivery of the program.

The Miles Labor Government is also expanding the number of general-practitioners available in Queensland schools, through the $500 million Putting Queensland Kids First plan.

Currently, 50 priority state high schools have access to a GP or nurse practitioner on campus at least once per week. This is backed by $21 million in funding over the next four years.

Now, the government will expand this success to a further 20 priority primary schools, giving them access to an onsite health practitioner for the first time.

The first five locations – primary schools in Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, Townsville and Bundaberg – will begin delivering healthcare services over the next six months. The remaining 15 locations will begin in 2025.

Appointments are available completely free of charge – easing the financial and time pressures on both parents and students.

Deloitte Access Economics was engaged to consult with school staff, GPs and student about the impact of the program.

Deloitte's report found the program supported students' continued engagement with their education.

Integrating a primary healthcare service into the school site was found to be effective, contributing to positive health outcomes for students and supporting their engagement at school.

The GPs in Schools program is one of many targeted cost of living relief measures being delivered for families by the Miles Labor Government.

Families are set to save thousands per year, through programs including:

• Free Kindy – a saving of up to $4,800 for every four year old, for 15 hours per week. The 2024–25 Budget includes $12.6 million (over two years) to extend Free Kindy to up to 30 hours per week for four-year-olds in discrete communities.
• Textbook and Resource Allowance – saving of $155 (years 7-10) and $337 (years 11-12) per student off the cost of textbooks and learning resources. This is paid directly to the school and passed on to every parent of secondary school age students attending state and approved non-state schools.
• School Transport Assistance Scheme – assisting with the cost of transport for eligible students.
• Share the Dignity – access to free period products at every school that wants it.
• Fairplay vouchers – 200.000 $200 vouchers for sporting registration and fees for children aged from 5 to 17 years.
• Mental Health Support - Providing state school students with access to mental health support from psychologists, social workers, guidance officers and/or youth works for free.
• After School Homework Centre – Free access to supervised, after school homework support at 120 state schools across the state. Students also receive a free healthy snack.

As stated by Premier Steven Miles:

"I know how expensive getting back to school can be.

"That's why I am determined to ease the pressure on busy parents and families.

"In my first budget as Queensland's Premier I have expanded access to free breakfasts and lunches for students in need.

"An initial 99 schools are set to benefit from our $15 million investment – meaning thousands of extra kids can benefit from getting the fuel they need to concentrate and learn.

"We're also putting more GPs in more schools, so our young people can access free healthcare when and where they need it.

"This reduces the time and distance burden on busy, working parents and means kids can get the care they need quickly and easily.

"My government is doing what matters for Queensland families, and that's what the 2024 budget is all about.

"I encourage all parents to visit the Queensland Savers website to find out what they can save and how, so your children can learn, grow and reach their full potential.

"And to all Queensland students – have a great Term 3."

As stated by Education Minister Di Farmer:

"Kids do better at school with a full stomach and its initiatives like our School and Community Food Relief Program that help deliver healthy food options to students in communities doing it tough.

"Together with our Student Wellbeing package, with provides access to mental health professionals and GPs in schools, the Miles Government is helping families to support their children's health and wellbeing without increasing the pressure on family budgets."

As stated by Member for Aspley, Bart Mellish MP:

"Nothing is more important to our future than our kids, and a big part of that is a good education.

"That's why the Miles Government is investing in the assistance and initiatives that will make a difference.

"Whether that's free kindy, healthy nutritious meals at school or assistance with school transport costs, the Miles Government's $500 million Putting Queensland Kids First plan is giving all Queensland kids a brighter future."

FURTHER INFORMATION:

GP IN SCHOOLS LOCATIONS

CASE STUDIES

Paul is a single dad and sole provider for his four-year-old daughter, Emma. He is a Services Australia Health Care Card holder.

They live in Kedron, Brisbane and Paul works full-time, commuting to the city four days a week. Emma attends a childcare service that has a government-approved Kindy program four-days a week. In 2024-25, the household is eligible for several concessions.

As Emma is four, she started Kindy at the start of the year and in addition to the Australian Government Child Care Subsidy she is eligible for, Paul has been receiving free Kindy for Emma for up to 15 hours per week since January 2024 and ongoing for 40 weeks per year. This has been a significant saving for Paul – up to $4800 a year – and will ensure that Emma's early learning, wellbeing and development are supported as she prepares for school.

Emma is also learning to swim and Paul is looking forward to SwimStart Round 2 opening so that he can apply for a $150 voucher to go towards lesson fees this financial year.

Other concessions available to their household include the $1300 Cost of Living Rebate, as well as the existing $372 Queensland Electricity Rebate, putting $1672 back into his pocket in 2024-25.

From 5 August, Paul will save on public transport when fares drop to 50c. Paul spends over $28 a week on bus fares, meaning that over the six-month period, he will save over $585. Additionally, Paul will benefit from a $85 registration fee concession for his private use 4-cylinder car, bringing his registration fees down to $339.

In total, Paul could save over $7200 this financial year.

The Morgan Family – Mark and Christine and their three children Luke (15), Katie (11) and Caleb (7) – live in Mount Louisa in Townsville. They have a Services Australia Health Care Card, but the household may also be eligible for other various concessions.

Luke, who is in high school, is eligible for the Textbook and Resource Allowance which is paid directly to his state high school and when he goes for his Learner Licence next year he will only have to pay $75, down from $186.55. Additionally, each of the three children can benefit from a $200 FairPlay voucher to help pay for extra-curricular sport and active recreation.

All children are eligible for free public dental care, with Katie and Caleb able to access care on-site at their local state school. Luke, who has just turned 15, is eligible for the free MenB Vaccination Program through Queensland Health's School Immunisation Program. Katie recently had her eyes tested and given the family has a Services Australia Health Care Card, may also be eligible to apply for Spectacle Supply Scheme, where she can be prescribed a pair of glasses at no cost once every two years.

The state primary school Katie and Caleb attend actively work with their P&C to run targeted initiatives that directly support the school's children and families. These initiatives are further supported by a record education investment of $20.9 billion in 2024-25. The school is applying to receive a share of $10.66 million in funding to expand its free school breakfast program.

Other household concessions available include the $1300 Cost of Living Rebate, plus the existing $372 Queensland Electricity Rebate, bringing total electricity bill support to $1672 in 2024-25. Mark and Christine run a small business and have an office in town, so they may also be eligible for a $650 electricity rebate to lower energy costs. They are also eligible for a $85 registration fee concession for their private use 4-cylinder car, bringing their registration down to $339.

The Morgan household could save over $3100 in this financial year, plus additional savings.