Three-year spike sees Department of Education now owed more than $17 million in state school fees

Cost of living pressures have seen the amount of debt owed by Queensland state school parents spike.

Queensland families have racked up more than $17m in unpaid state school fees for excursions, camps and text books, with student debt spiralling to record levels as parents feel the cost of living pinch.

The state’s outstanding student debt rocketed to the record amount from $6.7m the previous year ­- and just $1.1m in 2019 ­– as families struggled with payments for extra resources not included within the public education system.

With 571,000 students enrolled in Queensland state schools, the debt is equivalent to an average of about $30 per student ­– up from just $2 per student three years prior.

The Department of Education said the increase in debt could partly be attributed to “relaxed parent payment follow-up”, as a result of the Covid pandemic.

“The education of children in Queensland state schools is a partnership between the parents/guardians, and the government,” a spokesman said.

“For activities, goods, and services that do not constitute instruction, facilities or administration, schools can locally administer fees and charges to recover the cost from student’s parents.”

These fees can include extra-curricular activities such as sports excellence programs, excursions, camps, performance, graduations, and textbooks.

P&C’s Queensland chief executive Scott Wiseman said the current cost-of-living pressures on families was “intense”.

“As parents, we all want to give the best and the full range of experiences to our students,” he said.

“And that is partly why that debt is there – schools have the same motivation, they want to make sure that kids aren’t missing out on those experiences.

“But it is becoming more of an issue, and with interest rates rising again, that is going to put more and more pressure on parents as well.”

Mr Wiseman said P&Cs Queensland had raised about $83m last year, with funds going towards subsiding excursions, buses and sports to help relieve the financial burden on families.

“There’s not one magic bullet which will solve the problem,” he said.

“But everyone needs to be aware and support each other. That’s what P&Cs are all about – how do we make sure that every child has a chance with their education, and that it shouldn’t rely on the income of your parents.”

Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association president Mark Breckenridge advised any family who was struggling to make payments for extra activities to discuss it with their school.

Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association president Mark Breckenridge. Picture: Josh Woning.

“Talk to the school early, and often. The sooner the school knows about any issues, the sooner the school and families can work together,” Mr Breckenridge said.

“Schools work extensively with parents and families to manage any financial difficulties that may be happening, and to put in place strategies to support the students at school.”

Education Minister Grace Grace said “it is my expectation that principals work with families to ensure children are not disadvantaged by financial hardship”.

“If parents are concerned about any outstanding fees, I encourage them to get in touch with their school to discuss how this can best be managed,” she said.

The Department of Education spokesman said fees and charges could differ between schools, and schools were responsible for monitoring their own debts and recouping missed payments.

“Principals will always work with families to ensure their children are not disadvantaged by financial hardship,” he said.

He went on to say where a debt was overdue, schools may follow a number of debt management processes including contacting the debtor, issuing overdue notices or negotiating payment plans.

This included being able to chase payments after the students left school ­ - even if they exited the state school system.

FAMILIES NEED HELP WHEN IT ALL ADDS UP

WITH four kids at Brighton State School, Aimee Phomsouvanh says back-to-school costs can be “overwhelming”.

While Ms Phomsouvanh does not owe money to her school, she said she felt sorry for other families.

Aimee Phomsouvanh with (L-R) Isaac, Elsie, Ivy and Asher, who go to Brighton State School. Picture: Richard Walker

“It’s scary,” she said.

“You definitely sympathise with some parents. Particularly the single-parent households, it’s really tough.

“It’s not just interest rates, it’s food for lunch boxes, petrol, it can be quite overwhelming.

“Hopefully there are places that can help them, I know our school does.”

Ms Phomsouvanh said the first quarter of the year was particularly difficult following Christmas holiday expenses.

From stationery to uniforms, school camps and sport, she said the costs increased each year.

“Soccer registration is about $400 a season, gymnastics about $200 a month and dancing $300 a term,” she said.

“Curriculum fees ... then my daughter has her first school camp. It all adds up.

“We are lucky that they don’t need their own iPads or laptops.”

Ms Phomsouvanh said she was fortunately able to rely on friends for hand-me-down uniforms.