Estimates Replies

Cost of Living Concession

In reply to Mr COWDREY (Colton) (17 June 2022). (Estimates Committee B)

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Treasurer): I have been advised:

Materials charge remission

As at 30 June 2022, the Department for Education has funded 126,000 $100 material and service charges.

The department anticipates the number of School Card approvals will increase by the end of the school year. As School Card holders are not required to pay the material and services charge, the department anticipates that final remission numbers will change during the year. School budgets will be adjusted accordingly.

The actual number of students who have access to the $100 materials and services charges rebate in 2022 will therefore be finalised at the end of the calendar (school) year.

Cost of Living Concession

The Department of Human Services is continuing to validate customer eligibility for the Cost of Living Concession payments which commenced in August 2022. It is expected that 190,000 existing customers will be paid by the end of August.

The application period for 2022-23 is open until December 2022, therefore new customers who apply from August to December will be paid on a monthly basis with the final payments paid in January 2023. The final total figures can be provided in early 2023.