The Allan Labor Government’s one-off school saving bonus sweetener is turning sour, causing headaches for regional schools, businesses and families.
The claim comes after The Nationals’ Melina Bath was contacted by parents and a school principal speaking anonymously about the bungled state government scheme.
Ms Bath said despite Labor announcing the bonus in July, a lack of departmental support has left schools scrambling to manage the funds when transferred last week.
“Parents are aggrieved that the scheme is inflexible as their local newsagent or shoe shop is not on the government’s preferred supplier list and they cannot use the bonus to pay for textbooks and uniforms locally.
“There’s been little to no information given to regional businesses about registering for the scheme – Labor’s focus is again on the headline, not the outcome.
“Schools are triaging dozens of calls daily from frustrated parents who understandably just want cost of living relief.
“The lack of planning and understanding by Labor in facilitating local procurement in the regions has left our country schools, parents and suppliers bewildered.
“Labor’s made schools look unprofessional and unprepared, when it is not their fault.”
Ms Bath said one principal said, “schools in regional Victoria are again feeling like second hand citizens” and described the Allan Government’s scheme roll out as “‘demoralising as it’s put everyone on the back foot”.
“Regional businesses are required to jump through hoops to get on the supplier list, otherwise they’ll miss out, leaving them disadvantaged.
“Many families prefer to shop locally; they do not have the option to travel distances to purchase school supplies.
“The Allan Labor Government’s claim that families can choose how and where they spend the school saving bonus is fanciful propaganda.
“This bonus should be making life easier but it’s weighing down our regional schools with more red tape, upsetting families and causing economic disadvantage for local businesses.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage the school saving bonus and struggling families are again paying the price.”
