Question Time

Public School Fees

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER (Morialta) (14:15): My question is to the Premier. Who wrote the text of the letter signed by the Premier and the Minister for Education that was received last week by families of public school students across South Australia? With leave, I will explain.

Leave granted.

The Hon. J.A.W. GARDNER: Last week, public school families across South Australia received a letter signed by the Premier and the Minister for Education, Training and Skills on the Premier's letterhead in relation to school fees.

The Hon. B.I. BOYER (Wright—Minister for Education, Training and Skills) (14:15): I thank the member for Morialta for the question. I believe, if I'm correct, the letter to which the shadow minister would be referring is a letter which was talking about the Malinauskas Labor government's commitment to reduce the amount that families in public schools pay for the materials and services charge by about $100 this coming financial year and next financial year.

Obviously, this is a very important announcement at any time, but particularly now with the cost-of-living concerns that South Australians are facing at the moment. I think it is appropriate that this government has done everything in its power to bring this commitment forward so that it comes into effect in this coming financial year so those parents get $100 off the materials and services charge for every child that they have, and then the same again for next year.

In terms of who actually drafted the letter, I would have to go back and check that. I'm happy to take it on advice and come back to the house with an answer.