Hastings electorate
Paul MERCURIO (Hastings) (14:41): (941) My question is for the Minister for Education. How many families in the electorate of Hastings will benefit from the $400 school savings bonus? One of the most often asked questions I get from local parents is if there is any additional support for them to buy school uniforms, pay for camps or pay for extracurricular activities like sport. With the commencement of this bonus, I am sure there will be many families that will benefit from the bonus, and it is coming at a time when it is so needed as we deal with cost-of-living pressures. This is just one way of alleviating some of those pressures. As we are on the topic of schools, I do just want to highlight the incredible work that all our teachers, principals and school support staff do each and every day. It is certainly not an easy job to do, but they work extremely hard to make sure that the next generation of kids are smart and resilient and have all the tools they need to have a bright future. I hope you all have a great holiday.