Premier's back to school budget boost

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Parents will receive help to pay for school supplies thanks to a new $193 million program in the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

The Premier’s Back to School program will provide families with a $150 subsidy for each child who attends a primary or secondary school in NSW in 2023.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the program would help boost the family budget while ensuring kids have what they need when they head back into the classroom.

“We want to give our children the best start to the school year while also taking the pressure off the family budget, leaving more money in your pocket at the end of the week,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are investing in our students so they can achieve the best possible results in the classroom to help secure a brighter future for NSW families.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the program would run from 1 January 2023 to 30 June 2023.

"The Premier’s Back to School program will help take the pressure off families amid rising cost of living pressures," Mr Kean said.

"The $150 can go towards the cost of school uniforms, shoes, bags or textbooks, as well as other stationery."

Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said helping parents pay for Back to School supplies was one of the many ways the NSW Government is securing a brighter future for NSW families.

“The Premier’s Back to School program is all about supporting parents to provide the learning essentials for their children and helping them succeed at school,” Ms Mitchell said.

To be eligible for the program, a child must be a NSW resident, enrolled in a primary or secondary school in NSW in 2023 and listed on a valid Medicare card. The government will release more details about the program in the coming months.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the $150 payment would be made available to parents via the Service NSW app from early 2023.

“Parents will be able to access the Premier’s Back to School program via their MyServiceNSW account, in the Service NSW app, over the phone or by visiting a Service Centre,” Mr Dominello said.

“We are delivering cost of living support through seamless digital services and securing a brighter future for NSW families.”