Arabic version: خطط العمال لإلغاء رسوم المدارس العامة بحلول عام 2027
Labor has committed to abolishing school fees for public primary and high school students from 2027 if it wins the State Election. According to ABC News, Labor leader Peter Malinauskas announced that this policy aims to provide cost-of-living relief to 90,000 families.
The current annual materials and services charge is $382 for primary students and $723 for secondary students. Malinauskas stated that the initiative would save families an average of more than $8,000 per child across their schooling. He emphasized the importance of ensuring high-quality education is accessible to all South Australians, regardless of their economic situation.
This proposal builds on an existing rebate of $200 per child, with a total estimated cost of $300 million to taxpayers over the next four years. Malinauskas noted that the state has the fiscal capacity to support this investment due to a growing economy and highlighted a $4.5 billion commitment to private schools over the next decade.
In response to concerns about a potential influx of students into the public system, Education Minister Blair Boyer mentioned that a Better and Fairer Schools Agreement with the Federal Government signed in 2025 would provide additional financial support.
On the other hand, Liberal leader Ashton Hurn has pledged $4.3 million to eliminate litter in South Australia’s oceans by 2035. While she did not explicitly endorse Labor’s school fee policy, she acknowledged that reducing public school fees is a welcome idea. Hurn’s campaign includes a commitment to work with local councils to improve stormwater management and reduce litter on the coast.
