The state’s Education Minister has ordered an urgent investigation into claims that some government schools have banned students school activities, or sent families to collection agencies, from unpaid school fees.
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In Parliament on Thursday, Labor education spokeswoman Michelle O’Byrne revealed that parents were being forced to sign payment plan contracts which threatened debt collection or exclusion for activities unless levies were paid in full.
She said any outstanding levy payments would be referred to collection agencies from June 1.
“No child should miss out on opportunities at school because their parent can’t afford it – that’s why we have a public education system,” she said.
“I don’t think any child should be embarrassed by their family’s financial circumstances,”
Ms O’Byrne said Labor, if elected, would do a full review of school fees after observing rising costs.
Tasmanian Association of State School Organisations vice president Lisa Gillard said many parents used Schoolkids Bonus payments to pay levies and fees before the scheme ended last year.
She said parents could be faced with school fee payments for public education of between $350 and $950 per child each year.
Ms Gillard said threatening exclusion for late payment or non-payment of fees discriminated against low-income families.
“It’s not that families don’t want to pay their fees; it’s just that they struggle to pay their fees,” she said.
Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said he was concerned by the suggestions that students were being excluded or threatened with exclusion for unpaid school fees.
“I want to be very clear: this is not acceptable, and is contrary to government policy,” he said.
The government’s Student Assistance Scheme is available to parents and guardians to help with the cost of school levies should they meet income test requirements.