Local Member for Burnett, Stephen Bennett has welcomed the news that rural and remote families will benefit from changes to the Distance Education Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Subsidies.
Mr Bennett said the Newman Government had increased the annual computer hardware subsidy from $250 per family to $250 per student, and the annual broadband internet subsidy from $500 or $600 per family to $500 per student.
“Technology has revolutionised the way that education can be delivered to children living on rural and remote properties,” Mr Bennett said.
“Many families are turning to distance education to provide a quality education for their children.
“These days, it involves state-of-the-art computer equipment and access to a fast and reliable internet service so that children can interact with their teachers and peers in real time.
“Setting up a ‘home classroom’ can be an expensive exercise for families, especially those with more than one child studying through distance education.
“We hope these changes to the ICT subsidies will relieve some of that burden from isolated families, and provide distance education students with the technology they need to learn.”
Mr Bennett said the changes would come into effect from next year and families would apply through the usual process.
“As long as your children have been enrolled in a Queensland School of Distance Education for six months or more, you will be eligible to receive the extra ‘per student’ funding,” he said.
There are seven Queensland Schools of Distance Education, which are based in Brisbane, Cairns, Emerald, Charleville, Charters Towers, Longreach and Mount Isa.
Education, Training and Employment Minister John-Paul Langbroek announced the subsidy increase on a recent visit to Charleville School of Distance Education.
More information about the Distance Education Information and Communication Technology Subsidies is available online at www.education.qld.gov.au/curriculum/distance.