Member for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr MLA has backed the call from the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association to boost the Boarding Away from Home Allowance (BAHA), saying the funding has failed to keep up with the needs of regional communities including Geraldton.
Ms Warr said those in Geraldton, along with the rest of regional WA, were frustrated at the lack of action from the State Government.
“For years, the Cook Labor Government has failed to address the financial stresses of families who rely on boarding schools for their children’s education as they have no other choice,” she said.
“Increasing the BAHA would provide much-needed relief for families suffering cost-of-living pressures.
“The Nationals WA will continue to advocate on behalf of regional Western Australia to ensure our children have access quality education no matter where they live.”
Ms Warr said the allowance failed to keep up with rising costs associated with boarding fees and other associated costs.
“The ICPA has highlighted the sacrifices regional families make in order to ensure their children receive a quality education, and the lack of funding compared to other states,” she said.
“Despite repeated calls for action, Labor has failed to address the increasing financial burden placed on families who rely on boarding schools for their children’s education.
“If Labor is serious about easing financial strain, it must prioritise meaningful support for all families, not just those in metropolitan areas.”
Ms Warr spoke previously on the floor of Parliament, speaking to her own experience and those across the region.
“These families are having to make a choice of whether to send their children to the Schools of the Air, the School of Isolated and Distance Education or send them to boarding school,” she said.
“This government does not even recognise that. It does not even consider boarding an essential need for regional students.”