Arabic version: تخفيضات المساعدة في النقل تهدد مستقبل المدارس الإقليمية في غرب أستراليا

Recent changes to student transport assistance in Western Australia have left several regional schools facing potential closures. The Public Transport Authority (PTA) has determined that some students at six schools are ineligible for transport support, a decision that has raised concerns among school administrators and families.

According to ABC News, students at these schools previously benefitted from an assistance policy that provided access to school buses or transport allowances. However, following a review, the PTA announced that new students residing within designated Public Transport Areas would no longer qualify for this support, although existing students will continue to receive it until they finish their schooling.

Woodbury Boston Primary School, located between Albany and Denmark, is among the affected institutions. Principal Nick Lynch expressed concern that the changes could lead to the school’s closure, as nearly 90% of its students rely on public transport, with two-thirds likely to lose eligibility under the new criteria.

In Bunbury, SEDA College is facing similar challenges, with approximately 40% of its anticipated 2027 student cohort impacted by the transport cuts. Principal Rocky Collins highlighted the uncertainty families are experiencing regarding transport access, which is crucial for their senior secondary education decisions.

Greens MP Jess Beckerling has called for the reinstatement of transport assistance, emphasizing the reliance of families in regional areas on school bus services. The Association of Independent Schools of WA is also in discussions with the state government to address these concerns, as many families are now caught between choosing the best educational options for their children and ensuring they can reach those schools.