Queensland Education Director General Michael De’Ath received a standing ovation from regional and remote parents at the ICPA Queensland State Conference when he announced an increase to a portion of the Living Away From Home Allowance Scheme (LAFHAS) for boarding families.
The announcement, on behalf of Education Minister Grace Grace on June 6, 2023, follows a significant campaign by ICPA Qld, their members and stakeholders during 2023.
It means families of students from some of Queensland’s most isolated regions will receive an extra $4000 per school year from 2024 to assist with the cost of their education.
The increase relates to the additional allowance component of the Remote Area Tuition Allowance (RATuA).
Each year approximately 1,400 students access financial support under the RATuA program.
Funding breakdown
For primary school students, the base allowance will continue to be $2,182, but the additional allowance of 50 cents for each $1 tuition fee charged in excess of the base will be boosted up to a maximum total allowance of $8,360, instead of the current $4,360.
For secondary school students, the base allowance will continue to be $3,144, but the additional allowance of 50 cents for each $1 tuition fee charged in excess of the base will be boosted up to a maximum total allowance of $10,276, instead of the current $6,276.
More information
Read Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace’s announcement.
Read the background to the LAFHAS campaign.
