Jo Hersey announces Back to School scheme open for Territory families

Families can now claim up to $200 to cover the costs of school uniforms, textbooks and stationery. Find out how to claim.

Principal of Darwin Middle School Ben McCasker (left), Chief Executive of Department of Education and Training Susan Bowden, Jo Hersey, Sandy Evans and Member for Fannie Bay Laurie Zio. Picture: Supplied

Families can now claim up to $200 to cover the costs of school uniforms, textbooks and stationery, with Education Minister Jo Hersey encouraging Territorians to cash-in on the scheme.

On Thursday, Ms Hersey announced the Back to School payment scheme was in effect, allowing parents and guardians to spend $200 of educational goods and services - per child - covered entirely by the government.

The benefit comes as new data released by Futurity Investment Group revealed Territorian families spent $75,798 for the entire 13 years of government schooling and about $155,594 for 13 years of Catholic education.

The Back to School payment scheme is aimed at providing an entitlement for each student to receive educational items in term one of each school year.

Examples of items include hats, book bags, textbooks, school excursions, school camps and elective activities.

Principal of Darwin Middle School, Ben McCasker (left), Minister for Education and Training Jo Hersey (middle) and Department of Education and training rep Sandy Evans for the Back To School vouchers.

Darwin Middle School principal Ben McCasker welcomed the initiative.

“It’s really important for our students and families to have a good start to the academic year and a big part of that is being organised,” he said.

“The Back to School voucher allows our families to come in and purchase the essential items such as uniforms, book packs, just to ensure our students on day one when they come to learn, that they’re prepared, organised and have all the right equipment.”

Ms Hersey also reminded families to consider other available entitlements.

“Families also have the benefit of the $100 sports voucher that helps cover the cost of registration to play all our major sports, and free swimming lessons for all primary school students,” she said.

“We are putting real money into the pockets of parents at a time when they need it most.”

For more information, visit nt.gov.au/student-financial-help-and-shcolarships/back-to-school-payment-scheme

Originally published as Jo Hersey announces Back to School scheme open for Territory families