The Malinauskas Government will introduce laws to parliament on Thursday to remove materials and services charges at public schools, a move affecting about 90,000 families and more than 110,000 students across the state.
Families currently pay an average annual charge of about $382 for primary school students and $723 for secondary students. The government estimates abolishing the fees will save families a combined $64 million in 2027, with total savings expected to reach $300 million over four years when combined with existing support measures.
Adelaide father Steve Halls, a parent of four school-aged children and a member of the governing council, welcomed the change. "As a parent of four school-aged children and a member of the governing council, I know how much the cost of school can add up, particularly for families with more than one child, like ours," he said. "This change will make a huge difference to our family, but also to many other families across the high school community. It's one less cost for parents to worry about and will help ease pressure on household budgets."
While public schools are often described as free, most families are still required to pay these charges, which cover materials and services used in schools. The proposed legislation aims to make the 'free' label a reality for all families.