Greens announce policy to abolish public school levies, cash splash for students returning to school

The Greens pledge to ease the burden on parents with school-aged children with two policy announcements. Their plans >>

Greens MP Vica Bayley, candidate Tabatha Badger and mother of three Siobhan Marriot outside Campbell St Primary in Hobart on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.

The Greens say they want to abolish public school levies and give needy families money to help with school supplies.

Greens Education spokesman Vica Bayley said public school education should be genuinely free.

“Everybody knows we are in a cost of living crisis, whether it be the cost of groceries, whether it be rent, whether it be power prices or whether it be education, families are doing it tough,” he said.

“We’re going to abolish the levies that billed to families for each of their children in public education schools and for concession card holders, we’re going to offer $110 for every child to assist with the costs of sending their child back to school.”

Greens Member for Clark Vica Bayley with Tabatha Badger and Chris discussing housing at Hobart Cenotaph. Picture: Linda Higginson

He said the levies policy would cost around $69m over four years and the subsidies $10.8m.

Mr Bayley said ensuring every Tasmanian child had access to a quality education would pay dividends for years to come.

“Education is critical, not only for our families, but for the future of this state,” he said.

“The education system is where the leaders, the innovators and the creators of future Tasmania are being born right now.

“It’s critical that we get public education, right. It’s critical that we increased funding into public education.”

Mother-of-three Siobhan Marriot has three children in primary school. She said the costs added up quickly.

“I think there’s a misconception that public school parents don’t pay for public school,” she said.

“Public school parents we’re paying our taxes, we’re paying our levies, we’re buying uniforms and shoes and then through the school associations, we’re fundraising for basic school infrastructure.

“The ballpark for our levies is about $300 a students. So that’s nearly $1,000 at the beginning of the year for us to pay.”