It's back to school day….
An exciting time for more than a million kids, but a tough month for many struggling parents.
That's why the Allan Labor Government is easing the cost of living with the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund.
And we're giving families more choices in growing areas, with 19 new schools opening today.
Real cost of living help for families
Today, the Premier joined Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll to announce that the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund is available from this term - and payments are increasing.
The fund supports more than 190,000 eligible students a year to attend camps and sporting programs, go on excursions, attend graduations, and more.
These are core school experiences that no student should ever miss out on.
This year, eligible students will receive $400 per year - up from $154 for eligible primary students and $256 for eligible secondary students.
The fund is targeted at families who need support the most, from both government and non-government schools.
Visit www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund to see more about the fund.
Helping families save at school is what our Labor Government is all about.
We banned school logos on shorts, pants, skirts and socks in Government schools to make uniforms cheaper.
We also deliver school breakfast clubs, glasses for kids, free dental checkups with Smile Squad, free swimming lessons, free public transport for kids, free pads and tampons in government schools - and more.
Labor helps families save. Liberals just cut.
When they were last in government, the Liberals cut more than $1 billion from education.
They cut funding for speech pathologists, psychologists and social workers in schools.
They even cut free fruit Fridays.
A record number of new schools opening
Every family deserves a great, local Government school in their area. That's why we're building more of them.
The Premier and Deputy Premier today welcomed students to Charlemont's brand-new Yirrama Primary School.
It is one of 19 new schools welcoming their first students this week.
This is the most schools to ever open in one year, with enrolment places increasing by more than 11,000.
Labor promised 100 new government schools. Today, that promise is delivered.
- 50 percent of new schools built across Australia are built in Victoria.
- Our 100 new schools since 2019 - and more than 2,300 school upgrades - have supported more than 92,000 additional school places.
- Construction has started on a further 2 new schools to open in 2027.
Visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/new-schools for a full list of new schools opening in 2026.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"What's the number one way to help families fight the cost of living? Investing in great, affordable, public services."
"Labor promised 100 new government schools. Today, that promise is delivered."
"Labor invests, Liberals cut. In office, they cut $1 billion from education. They even cut free fruit Fridays."
As stated by Minister for Education Ben Carroll
"We're funding practical cost-of-living help while making sure no child misses out on things that make school fun."
"By opening 19 new schools this week, we've delivered on our commitment to build 100 new schools by 2026."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
"What an exciting day for families in Charlemont, with a brand-new government school officially opening its doors today."
"It feels especially special to be welcoming local students into two new schools across our growing communities - Yirrama Primary School here in Charlemont and Biyala Primary School in Armstrong Creek, delivered by the Labor Government."
