Tuesday, 4 February 2025

 Eden FOSTER (Mulgrave) (14:55): (959) My question is for the Deputy Premier in his capacity as Minister for Education. My question is: how many students have benefited from the $400 school saving bonus in my electorate of Mulgrave, and how much have families in Mulgrave saved so far? The Allan Labor government understands that cost-of-living pressures are impacting Victorians across the state, and as the minister would be well aware, this payment will help ease the burden on families in paying for items like school uniforms, textbooks, excursions and activities. As someone who used to work in schools as a psychologist, I understand that costs can stack up going to school, the financial stress this may cause for the parents and the stigma which can be associated with financial hardship. My electorate has a high number of eligible families in non-government schools as well as government schools, where families will benefit greatly from this payment, and I am really glad that the $400 school saving bonus is now available to families.